2017 Hyundai i30: Which spec is best?

Hyundai has transformed its popular i30 small hatch, with an all-new model that has won praise for its handling and comfort.

It’s well equipped with a choice of petrol and diesel engines, the latest smartphone integration and advanced driver assistance in high-spec models including autonomous emergency breaking.

i30 variants

There are six main Hyundai i30 model grades ranging from the entry-level Active to the sporty SR Premium.

The i30 Active includes a choice of four different powertrains, with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or 1.6-litre turbo diesel four-cylinder coupled to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

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Each comes with a host of standard features including cruise control, 8.0-inch touchscreen, digital radio, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, fog lights, auto headlights, LED daytime running lights, automatic folding mirrors and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The diesel-only i30 Elite raises equipment levels with leather/faux leather interior, smart-key entry, dual-zone climate control, auto windscreen wipers, wireless phone charging and larger 17-inch alloys.

It also adds Hyundai’s SmartSense active safety suite featuring active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking that works at city and highway speeds, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot detection, and a rear cross-traffic alert.

The i30 SRis similar in terms of equipment to the Elite and is powered by a 1.6-litre turbo petrol engine and other performance enhancements such as paddle shifters, multi-link rear suspension, 18-inch rims wrapped in low-profile tyres and sports front seats.

The i30 Premium builds on the spec of the diesel Elite by adding heated and ventilated front and rear seats, power adjustable driver’s seat, sunroof, brighter LED headlights and front parking sensors.

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For the same price, the i30 SR Premiumadds all of those same extras to the sporty, petrol SR model.

i30 prices

• i30 Active, manual, petrol - $20,950
• i30 Active, auto, petrol - $23,250
• i30 Active, manual, diesel - $23,450
• i30 Active, auto, diesel - $25,950
• i30 SR, manual, petrol - $25,950
• i30 SR, auto, petrol - $28,950
• i30 Elite, auto, diesel - $28,950
• i30 Premium, auto, diesel - $33,950
• i30 SR Premium, auto, petrol - $33,950

Our pick

The i30 SR with the auto transmission has the best mix of value, features and driver enjoyment. Its powerful 150kW turbocharged engine and SmartSense active safety suite are highlights. The i30 SR has warm-hatch dynamics, which means it’s fun to drive. Its grippy 18-inch tyres are good for cornering and a multi-link rear suspension setup reacts better over mid-corner bumps without compromising daily-drive comfort.

If you enjoy using a clutch pedal, the manual SR with all its extras comes in at the same price as a base model i30 Active with a diesel engine and an automatic gearbox.

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Available options

• Premium paint - $495
• Exterior accessory pack (headlight/bonnet protectors and tinted window visors) - $465
• Interior accessory pack (dash/floor mats and rear bumper protector) - $320
• Touring pack – (floor mats, rear bumper protector, seat covers and rear window shades) - $640