Review of the new Hyundai i30 Estate Range

If you need a practical and well built car that's manageably sized and won't break the bank, Hyundai have something that is well worth a look. The i30 estate may not be the most charismatic choice in the sector but it might just be the most sensible. It scores strongly for solid build quality and no-nonsense utility.

Hyundai knew what sort of reception its i30 hatchback was going to get at its introduction in mid '07 because pretty much the same car had been launched a couple of months previously, badged as the cee'd by sister company Kia. By the time Hyundai came to announce the i30 Estate version in early '08 (with the cee'd SW launched in late '07), it was clear that history was going to repeat itself again.

That lack of any kind of element of surprise was about the only consolation the rest of the car industry could take from viewing the i30 in any of its forms. It was soon clear that the i30 was - and still is - a formidable product, sold at an aggressive price and offered with a wider engine range than its cee'd cousin. In short, the finest family hatch yet to come out of Korea. As for the Estate, well it's clear that there have been no half measures taken in its development.

The 1.6-litre 16v direct injection common-rail diesel engine is the flagship powerplant. Packing 113bhp, this 1.6 is a strong unit, getting to 62mph in 12.8 seconds and then on to a top speed of 114mph. Alternatively, there are 1.4 and 1.6-lite petrols.

The 124bhp 1.6 should prove popular but it requires a bit of right boot to access all of its available performance though, with peak power arriving at a rather raucous 6,300rpm and peak torque of 157Nm not making itself felt until the tacho needle hits 4,200rpm. This means that the engine doesn't feel notably punchy off the line in the same way as the excellent diesels do but if you're prepared to keep it on the boil, it can cross country at a respectable clip.

As well as ABS braking with brakeforce distribution, all i30 models feature ESP stability control which is a laudable inclusion and emblematic of Hyundai's intention for the car to compete in the upper reaches of its segment. Further safety provision comes in the form of twin front and side airbags plus full length curtain airbags.

"Hyundai's ambition with the i30 Estate is such that it requires a change in mindset to assess the vehicle.."

With most small estate cars, the designer has been given the unenviable brief of working with the existing 'hard points' of the hatchback model, merely grafting a conservatory onto the back and hoping that it looks halfway cohesive. That's not the case with the Hyundai i30 Estate. For a start, the platform the Estate sits on is different to that of the hatchback, with a massive 235mm worked into the wheelbase, giving greater legroom in the rear and freeing up plenty of luggage space, giving 534 litres with the rear seats in position. Fold down the 60:40-split rear seats and this expands to a hefty 1,664 litres.

The styling is neat, if a little inoffensive, the window line sweeping up to mirror that of the hatchback. There can't be too many cars that can disguise their load lugging abilities quite as well as the i30 Estate and there's a little subterfuge inside, should you need it. You'll be able to keep your valuables out of the way of prying eyes in an under floor compartment and there are other features such as roof rails, a cargo security screen and a rear power outlet.

Hyundai quickly realised that it couldn't achieve its global ambitions by maintaining a pile 'em high, sell 'em cheap philosophy and has instead adopted a strategy with rather more potential for building the brand. The aggressive pricing remains, but now quality has improved drastically and Hyundai is trying to differentiate itself in terms of equipment levels.

Both of the i30 Estate's trim levels - Comfort and Premium - are very well finished. It means that no i30 is going to leave the showroom looking like it's just been winched up from the bargain basement, a factor that can only enhance the car's public perception. Electric windows are fitted all round, there's air-conditioning and remote central locking is also standard, along with an MP3-compatible CD stereo. Hyundai adds around £700 over the price of an equivalent hatch for the privilege of estate ownership.

Road burning performance isn't the strong suit of the i30's engine range but these units are well capable of administering a mild kicking if challenged on grounds of economy. Official figures reveal a combined figure of around 45.6mpg for the 1.6-litre petrol unit. The 1.6-litre diesel returns around 60mpg on the same terms. On emissions, the 1.6 CRDi oil-burner is predictably the best of the bunch with as far as CO2 is concerned (125g/km as opposed to 152g/km) but if you're after a vehicle that dips under the crucial 120g/km figure, you'll need to fit the optional ISG stop/start technology that takes the diesel to 119g/km. Depreciation has been a dirty word at Hyundai in the past put the improvements in quality and desirability the i30 makes should make large steps towards addressing this.

Hyundai and Kia seem to be doing their best to initiate some kind of warranty war, with the UK car market as the main theatre of conflict. The major players have yet to take the bait but the i30's five-year unlimited mileage package with 10-year anti-perforation cover must be a source of some annoyance to the major brands when the best you'll get from them is three years protection. In fairness, a lengthy warranty is no good to anyone if you're constantly having to make claims on it but the peace of mind that accompanies the i30's extended deal is not to be underestimated. If the car proves to be reliable as well, the Koreans could really be onto a winner. Over to you JD Power.

Hyundai's ambition with the i30 Estate is such that it requires a change in mindset to assess the vehicle. In years gone by, we would have been dumbstruck by this car's styling, its engineering and its finish, largely because it was a cheapie and wasn't expected to be particularly special. In pitching the i30 against talented mainstream contenders like the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra, however, the marking scheme just got a whole lot tougher. By and large the i30 Estate succeeds. It's big enough and capable enough at the right price to win enough orders.

Where the car falls a little flat is in terms of personality, interior design and the sophistication and cleanliness of its powerplants. Remember that these judgements are against the very best in the class, and when price and equipment levels are taken into account, the i30 Estate states its case quite eloquently. Hyundai remains a work in progress but at this rate, the sky's the limit for the Korean giant.

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