Review of the new Hyundai i30 Classic

Before models like the i30 helped it migrate up market, Hyundai was best known for selling simple, well-equipped cars at low prices. It seems that old habits die hard because the i30 range is now propped up by tightly priced Classic derivatives with a definite sniff of Hyundai's old ways about them. At a time when the leading family hatchbacks are looking distinctly expensive, an entry-level i30 might be just the thing for cost-conscious buyers.

Hyundai's model range always used to be made up of models priced as though they were from the class below. A Hyundai supermini would be priced like a citycar, a family hatchback would cost what other marques might charge for a supermini and a medium range family saloon would compare with the family hatchabcks of others. The policy served the brand well enough but it always felt like the Hyundai models needed to be sold at a discount to stay relevant. They just lacked the sophistication of the mainstream players.

Today, the best Hyundai's are far closer to their rivals in terms of quality but the Classic versions of the i30 continue to retail at conspicuously affordable prices. Is this a deal buyers should approach with caution or grasp with both hands?

Unsurprisingly, it's the i30's entry-level petrol and diesel engines that find their way into the Classic models. Performance is modest both from the 108bhp 1.4-litre petrol and the 89bhp 1.6-litre CRDi diesel. The diesel is a more satisfying drive most of the time, thanks to its robust mid-range pulling power, but its refinement is substantially worse than that of the petrol.

"The Classic trim level is quite basic but it's got the features you really need"

What comes across in the Hyundai i30 is that this is a thoroughly competent car that just lacks the extra spark of personality to rank it alongside the best handling hatchbacks. It rides well, absorbing the worst of the bumps without getting too soft or floaty, and the controls are nicely weighted. A slick gearchange deserves special mention, as does the responsive steering with the i30 coming across as light and nimble compared to some family hatch rivals which tend to feel much bulkier out on the road.

If there's one area where the i30 comes up conspicuously short of the top family hatchbacks, it's styling. The car is neat and inoffensive on the eye but there's little to excite about its shape or detailing. Small changes to the grille, front bumper and side mouldings on the latest cars do little to address this but a certain measured blandness never hindered the MK2 Ford Focus or any Toyota Corolla you care to mention.

Inside, the i30 fares better. It's still hardly what you would call avant-garde in its design but the quality of the materials and the construction is convincing. The Classic models don't have the more upmarket trim materials to enhance the ambience and there's too much grey plastic on show but the instruments are clearly presented with smart white illumination and the minor controls are easy to work out. Space is plentiful for the rear seat occupants and the huge boot suggested by the car's bulging rear end is only a mild disappointment. It's a good size for the class rather than enormous, with 340 litres available. Fold the rear bench and this rises to 1,250 litres.

Much of the equipment that comes with modern cars isn't exactly essential and it's possible to pay significantly more for a car that only adds cosmetic improvements and convenience features you'll rarely use over a cheaper entry-level option. If you can live without some of the flimflam, the i30 Classic might suit. Its specification is far from opulent but you do get air-conditioning, electric front windows, remote central locking, a trip computer, ESP stability control and a full complement of airbags. The only real disappointments are the 15" steel wheels and plastic door handles which cheapen the look of the exterior a little.

The Classic is £700 cheaper than the Comfort model and priced at the sort of level at which you'd have no hope of acquiring other family hatchbacks like Ford's Focus, Honda's Civic or Volkswagen's Golf. There aren't even too many Ford Fiestas that can be had for less.

An Eco Drive indicator is now standard on the i30, revealing how economically you're driving and if you want even better economy, Hyundai's ISG stop/start technology can be added as an option. The engines in the i30 Classic are, at least, reasonably efficient, the 1.4-litre petrol returning 46mpg and the diesel managing an excellent 64mpg. Emissions of CO2 are measured at 145g/km and 115g/km for the two engines respectively. The running costs of the i30 are further reduced by Hyundai's standard five-year unlimited mileage warranty.

A multitude of sins can be forgiven if the price is right and the i30 Classic displays considerably less than a multitude. It's patently not the classiest or the most sophisticated car in the family hatch class but if you can forgive a lack of character in its design, middling performance and poor refinement from the diesel, it's a very competent car that looks temptingly affordable next to equivalently-sized rivals.

The Classic trim level is quite basic but it's got the features you really need and it's dramatically cheaper than entry-level versions of other mainstream hatchbacks. Hyundai used to specialise in the cheap and cheerful end of the market but there's more to the i30 than its low prices and the Classic versions are well worth a look if you're on a limited budget.

TOP 4 I30 DEALS

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