Hyundai i30 Tourer estate (2012-2017) - Engines, drive & performance
Easy to drive and comfortable
The Hyundai i30 Tourer is not the most exciting car to drive, nor does it boast the performance of some estate cars’ ‘hot’ derivatives. Only the i30 Premium model will do 0-62mph in under 11 seconds – enough for dealing with a motorway slip road, but not exactly impressive. Buyers in search of both practicality and thrills should consider the estate version of the excellent Ford Focus ST, which is our ‘Hot Hatch Of The Year’ for 2015. The best engine in the i30 is the 1.6-litre diesel, which offers similar performance to the petrol but with reduced running costs.
Hyundai’s Flex Steer system is an attempt to make the i30 Tourer fun to drive, however even with ‘sport’ mode engaged (there are also ‘normal’ and ‘comfort’ settings), there’s barely any difference. Each mode is too much like the others and the car’s steering isn’t as rewarding as that of the Ford Focus.
Volkswagen has made the Golf to be comfortable, so it’s no surprise that the i30 loses out to the Volkswagen Golf estate when it comes to ride quality. Large imperfections in the road can have an impact on passengers, especially when potholes send a thud through the cabin. The suspension is also firm, meaning that the car grips the road in corners, but it somehow allows a fair amount of body lean, too.
Hyundai i30 petrol engine
The entry-level petrol engine is not much fun on the road, and lacks the power and efficiency of the diesel engine. However, for drivers who mainly travel short distances, the petrol choice could be better. It lacks power and entertainment value but is ultimately capable of keeping up with traffic, albeit noisy at motorway speeds.
Hyundai i30 diesel engine
The i30 premium is the sportiest derivative of this model, but it still isn't fast. None of the engines can match the power and fun of competitors like the Ford Focus ST. However, both the diesels - the premium and the regular 1.6 - allow overtaking and are capable on the motorway.
