Item: Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 2007 - 2012
Author: Steve Huntingford

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Hatchback

Hyundai has transformed itself from a maker of oddball hatchbacks that sold in small numbers in the UK, to a major rival to the likes of Ford, Vauxhall and Volkswagen.

The Korean firm’s Ioniq Hybrid is particularly impressive, having beaten the trend-setting Toyota Prius when we tested the cars back to back.

Meanwhile, at the extremes of the Hyundai range you find the tiny i10 city car – a four-time What Car? award winner – and the stylish yet family-friendly Santa Fe SUV.

As a bonus, all of these cars come with the reassurance of a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty, whereas most of Hyundai’s rivals offer only three years and 60,000 miles of cover.

HYUNDAI

The Hyundai is a dependable hatchback, but it won't set pulses racing

Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 2007 - 2012

With CO2 emissions of 145g/km for the 1.4-litre petrol engine and 152g/km for the 1.6-litre, neither are expensive for road tax. The diesels do even better, with 125g/km for the 1.6 and 145g/km for the 2.0-litre. It's the same story when it comes to fuel economy, with the petrols doing an average of 46.3mpg and 45.5mpg respectively. The diesels can achieve 60.1mpg and 51.4mpg.

Servicing a Hyundai should prove slightly cheaper than rivals, and the five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty means you should pay out less for repairs.

Insurance costs are low with the range starting at group 4 and topping-out at group 8.

The Hyundai is a dependable hatchback, but it won't set pulses racing

Of the two petrol engines available, we would recommend the 108bhp 1.4-litre. There are more of them available on the used market, and the 120bhp 1.6-litre unit doesn't feel much faster.

Diesel i30s are rare on the used market, but the strong and efficient 113bhp 1.6-litre is the most popular. The 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel feels smooth and powerful, but isn't much faster.

The entry-level Comfort model has an impressive equipment list, with air-con, stability control, alloy wheels and electric windows all round - so there's no good reason to look elsewhere. The Style model adds auto lights, part-leather seat trim and upgraded alloys. The Premium trim isn't as well appointed as the name suggests, however it does have climate control, parking sensors and automatic wipers.

An automatic gearbox is available on 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines.

<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Plenty of practical space </li> <li>Low running costs </li> <li>A comfortable ride </li> <li>A healthy equipment list </li> <li>Quality materials and thoughtful touches inside </li> <li>Rock-solid reliability</li></ul>

Family cars arguably have the toughest brief of all: they have to be good at pretty much everything. They’re used as the daily drive, on the school run or work commute (often both), and have to be able to cope with a family’s clutter on weekends and holidays.

The Skoda Scala is a relative newcomer, but it's&nbsp;already carved out a name for itself in this segment.&nbsp;If you're looking for a moderately priced car that combines a supple ride, neat handling, a spacious interior and a capacious boot&nbsp;it's well worth a look.&nbsp;Alternatively, if you're looking for entertaining handling then the&nbsp;BMW 1 Series may well be for you. It's great to drive, rides well&nbsp;and also comes with a top-notch interior, featuring one of our very favourite infotainment systems.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Toyota Corolla&nbsp;is another great choice. This latest version of one of the world's best-selling cars of all time can be had with a choice of two different petrol-electric hybrid engines, both of which should mean&nbsp;potentially lower fuel bills. It's comfortable, well equipped and should be very reliable, too.&nbsp;

Family

Hyundai i30 owners don't appear to have much use for the car's five-year warranty, because there are few reported problems to date. However, a few petrol engines have failed, while others have developed misfires. The tyre pressure sensors can also malfunction, believing there to be too much air in the tyre and urging the owner to deflate it.

In order to ensure that the five-year warranty is valid on the car you buy, you'll need to make sure it has a full service history and that the work was carried out on schedule - using genuine parts. Inspections are also required at prescribed intervals, so ensure these have been carried out. If you have any questions contact a Hyundai dealer before buying.

While the Hyundai i30 is not class leading in any particular area, it still ranks as a highly capable small family car overall.

There's decent space for five, with a surprisingly large amount of rear legroom. The boot isn't as generous, but it's a good shape and easy to load. The seats are supportive and comfortable, but taller drivers might be frustrated by the limited seat adjustment.

The i30 has good grip through corners and provides a comfortable ride. The steering is a little numb, though. Wind noise isn't a problem, but road noise is noticeable and the car thuds over poor quality roads.

One of the Hyundai's limitations is its bland styling, both inside and out. However, the cabin does feel durable and solid, with a logical layout.

There's a good selection of safety kit as standard, including a minimum of six airbags and stability control.

Used Hyundai i30 Hatchback 2007 - 2012 review

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