In-depth reviews

Hyundai i30 hatchback (2011-2016): owner reviews

"The Hyundai i30 was the 2012 Carbuyer Car of the Year, and remains a fine family car choice, with lots of kit and a great warranty at a top-value price."

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz29n { display: none !important; }

by Richard Ingram

7 Dec 2016

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 7 Dec 2016

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating

3.9 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

5 out of 5
4 out of 5
3 out of 5
2 out of 5
1 out of 5

70%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Other (4 cases)
Engine, Gearbox / clutch (1 case)
Electrics, Engine, Gearbox / clutch, Other (1 case)
Gearbox / clutch (1 case)

Review 1 of 30

Tell us what you think about your car?

Bought this car at 13 months old from main dealer in Cambridge as a used approved car. Overall mechanically it's been fine but the bodywork is clearly the weak point on Hyundai cars. Mine has developed rust along the top edge of the rear near side door which can only have originated from inside out. Hyundai didn't want to know claiming it wasn't covered by the paintwork warranty anyway but they did offer to fit a new door which they would pay £500 and I would have to pay £940 for labour and paint! I don't think so.... Also the premium comes with low profile alloy wheels and tyres. Avoid as they are noisy and the alloys are very low quality and have corroded as well. Hyundai may promote their 5 year warranty as one of the best but I view it that their cars don't last much longer than that. I won't be buying another until they sort out the metal work problems.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Bought this car as recommend from a friend. Since buying the car we have had problem after problem with it! First was the Clutch! Went at 30,000 miles. Went again at 60,000 miles. Went again only 3 months later at 70,000. Realised it was around the crank seal was cracked. Hyundai would not deal with it! When we changed the clutch the 2nd time at 60,000 miles the oil came out of the timing chain tensioner a and the timing chain slipped causing damage to the engine. Cost £2,000 to repair. Hyundai have refused to deal with this car because when they sold it to me they said any vat reg garage could service and repair it. So we services ourselves (vat reg garage using Hyundai parts!). When we had the first problem they would not cover it! This car is the biggest heap of rubbish ever! And Hyundai have been completely unhelpful since day one! Even had problems the day I bought it. I drove four miles down the road and went to Tesco. When I returned to the car the battery was stone flat! Within a month the air bag cover screw covers were popping out! And the windscreen seal was also coming out! After the clutch failed the first time we requested a rejection of the car, but Hyundai refused to accept it back! After 6 months of fighting Hyundai we gave up! The car is now only 4 years old with 80,000 miles and we have to scrap it as the engine has had it. Cracked again!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I love my Hyundai i30, which I purchased in November after previously owning VW Passat estates which became increasingly unreliable and costly to run. Yes it may lack the power (2ltr+ 130bhp) I am used to when pulling out, but I find it great to drive, very comfortable and more economical( I recently achieved 69 mpg just after having filled up with diesel but this levelled out to around 55-59mpg on average 35-mile commute to and from work), with great boot space for a saloon car. I had a problem with the ISG but on talking to a colleague at work, discovered that it works perfectly when not using the air con (?), but as soon as the air con is switched on, the ISG de-activates! Sometimes the radio screen goes blue, but if I switch the engine off and switch on, this solves the problem, however I will mention it when it is next serviced. Love the car!!

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

problems with dashboard display panel had to be replaced, loss of power new software installed to rectify fault

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Hyundai never gives me any trouble

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Disappointed with fuel consumption. Were told that a 6 speed auto box be better. There is no difference to a Kia Ceed 4 speed box and both are diesel I don't know why up to date cars don't have digital speedometers, they are so much better to drive. We have them on HGVs.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Since we have had this car we have nothing but good things to say about it. To drive, it is easy to get a comfortable position, responds well to steering and throttle input, clutch and gearbox are faultless, dash is attractive and well laid out. In fact I have been looking for some thing that disappoints me and at this stage I have not found a single thing yet.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No issues to date - runs like a Swiss watch !

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Very good

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never had a fault

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Purchased the new Hyundai i30 SE Nav 1.6 diesel in October 2015. Impressed with the comfortable ride and driving position. All the toys and gadgets seem to work well, but, and it's a big but, the fuel consumption is atrocious! I can get nowhere near the published Hyundai specs. Driving like a vicar on a motorway, keeping the revs down to about 1,200rpm, 60mph in sixth gear, it might return at best 58 mpg. If against a headwind and if I'm doing 16 to 20 mph, I might get 45mpg, but the car notably slows and it seems to be seriously underpowered. I'm really disappointed because the cabin spec and comfort is great. I dread to think what the very poor economy is doing go the DPF. It must be slowly filling with ash and probably won't last more than 5k miles, and of course, it won't be covered by the warranty. Don't buy is my recommendation I'm afraid.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

I drove a 2011 plate 1.4 i30 Comfort previously and found it reliable but a bit hard on the roads where surface poor. I now have a 1.4SE which is superb, the ride is really good absorbing defects easily and the equipment is really comprehensive. I Went to petrol as at that time that was cheaper, now deisel cheaper than petrol I feel a bit awkward about that decision, however to make up the difference would take 2/3 years so am happy with petrol. This car is really quiet, Hyundai have worked hard to quieten it down. The seats are easily adjustable and very supportive. I really would say I have made a good choice and look forward to driving it for many years. Buy one but make sure it is latest spec and suspension, you will not be disappointed.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Excellent buy, value for money . Easy to swivel around and great car for short city trips. The maneuverability in city is just incredible. Engine is powerful and cant complain about interiors with blue specs. Couple of points I noticed after buy 1. The car stereo is very basic and you cant connect Bluetooth on run, may be security feature but to me is bit inconvenient 2. The car looks a bit lowered down from back. Should have been bit elevated but may be that is to give it a bit sporty look Rest its a great car, I drive a Mercedes as well and to be fair its great value for money and is very economical on run so overall will recommend this car

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never lets me down, Excellent MPG Very good responsive engine

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

very reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

lovely car I have owned many other top range cars in my life nothing comes close to the ride in this quite reliable car. Does not provoke other drivers I do however find they see the name hyandi on the back and seem to overtake... that's just the bad image of the name. But all that is changing Only problem is slow uptake in low gears and steering is very light. dont let that put you off this great car.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

The good points: acceleration OK, light brake pedal force to brake the car. Paintwork a little thin, but the paintwork on my my car is OK. The ride is acceptable, seating OK, with enough room for four adults. Seating & leg room OK. The car was purchased the from the main dealership, when it was 12 months old. The main problems have been: 1. The battery needed replacing just after 2 years when the warranty has expired 2. The drivers door would was locked & wouldn't open. 3.The dashboard had to be replaced. 4. The nearside headlamp loom had to be replaced. 5.There was hesitation in the auto gearbox when travelling at 30 mph - Fixed 6. Aircon not working-fixed 7. The glow plugs had to be replaced, twice. 8.The car's engine stopped whist moving in traffic- dangerous, dealer unable to find fault. 9. Car refused to start first time. Dealer unable to find at first, but after having it for 2 weeks found that a fuse had blown. (replaced) 10 Fuel cap did not open. Fixed 11. The car hesitates, when trying to move quickly away from a junction. 12. Depreciation is poor. I shall try and keep the car for another few years, at the moment as it is only worth peanuts. I shall NOT be buying a Hyundai again for obvious reasons

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Brilliant car , no problems

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

seems ok for the short time i have owned it

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

always starts first time

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Everything thing workslikw clockwork never fails this is my second I30 that I have owned both very reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

no problems very reliable

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Never misses a beat

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Piece of junk. Costs a fortune in diesel – doing 40 miles a day on the motorway 5 days a week costs about £100 a week, and that's taking it easy at about 60 mph. My last car, a 2.0 TDI, used £40 a week. It will not change gear if the engine is not up to temperature it is too slow when pulling out of junctions the centre armrest does not move forward so is useless unless you lean around the seat.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

Best hatchback

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No issues so far

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Had problems with performance, software was updated. New instrument panel when car had done 19000 miles.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

No problems to date

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

No Red thumbs down

Tell us what you think about your car?

VERY CLASSY CAR FOR THE MONEY,NICE DRIVE,NICE INTERIOR.EARLY DAYS YET BUT SO FAR IMPRESSED.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Continue reading

Recommended

Best used hatchbacks

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2en { display: none !important; }

Best cars

26 Jun 2024

Top 10 used hatchbacks – the best second-hand buys in 2024

2021 Hyundai i30 driving

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2eo { display: none !important; }

In-depth reviews

16 Feb 2024

Hyundai i30 review – A worthy family hatchback

Most Popular

Car tax

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2ep { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

4 Nov 2024

Car tax: VED rates and increases explained 2024/25

Carbuyer best new car deals hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2eq { display: none !important; }

Deals

22 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Ford Puma EcoBoost front

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2er { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

5 Nov 2024

Ford EcoBoost engines: reliability, problems and should you buy one?

Tips & advice

Car dashboard symbols and meanings

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2es { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

Charging station

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2et { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2eu { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2ev { display: none !important; }

Tips and advice

21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

Peugeot 208 hatchback

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2ew { display: none !important; }

Best cars

25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Best electric cars

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2ex { display: none !important; }

Best cars

16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

The best cheap-to-run cars 2023

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2ey { display: none !important; }

Best cars

2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

Fastest hot hatchbacks hero

.imgHideOnJavaScriptDisabled_40599z17m3uyz2ez { display: none !important; }

Best cars

2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024