After a quick hiatus, the Hyundai i30 Hatch has been again on sale in Australia for a number of months now, and it comes with some distinctive European aptitude.
South Korean manufacturing of this mannequin ceased again in 2023 and it’s now solely being produced in Czechia, just like the high-performance N hatch variants. This implies it attracts a 5 per cent import tariff, and due to this fact costs have elevated considerably.
Partially that’s as a result of, not like the pre-update mannequin, the i30 Hatch is now obtainable solely in up-spec N Line and N Line Premium variants. The latter is on take a look at right here.
With the change in manufacturing sourcing, we now get a European-based model of the i30 Hatch. A spotlight of this car is its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system.
WATCH: Paul’s video evaluate of the 2025 Hyundai i30 N Line
It replaces the zesty non-electrified 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine within the pre-update i30 N Line.
Whereas it nonetheless has sporty seems, does this up to date Euro-spec mannequin with its mild-hybrid powertrain reside as much as its heat hatch previous? Learn alongside to seek out out.
How does the Hyundai i30 evaluate?
View an in depth breakdown of the Hyundai i30 towards equally sized automobiles.
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i30
How a lot does the Hyundai i30 value?
On take a look at right here is the flagship i30 Hatch N Line Premium, which is the costliest hatch variant earlier than contemplating the full-fat N fashions. Costs for the brand new Euro-sourced i30 N Line variants is up by a minimum of $3000.
| Mannequin | Pricing |
|---|---|
| 2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line | $36,000 |
| 2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line Premium | $41,000 |
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
What’s the Hyundai i30 like on the within?
The up to date Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line seems fairly totally different to the mannequin it replaces, and now has extra similarities with the i30 N scorching hatch, which is made in the identical Czech manufacturing unit.
It’s surprisingly simple to get into the driving force’s seat, which isn’t at all times the case with low-slung hatchbacks. When you’re in, there are sporty-looking suede and leather-based trimmed seats, however regardless that our tester was brand-new, it was already beginning to get creases on the driving force’s seat trim the place you hop out and in. This doesn’t bode effectively for long-term sturdiness.
However the driver’s seat is snug and gives loads of facet bolstering for help. Not like the bottom N Line, the Premium good points a 12-way powered driver’s seat with two-position reminiscence. This quantity of electrical adjustment is superior, and I appreciated the extendable thigh help, particularly as an individual with lengthy legs.
The entrance seats are heated however they don’t get overly heat, which may very well be a bugbear in cooler months whenever you’re desirous to heat up as rapidly as attainable. The seats additionally don’t supply air flow, which might be helpful when it’s scorching.
Forward of the driving force is a sporty-looking steering wheel that feels good within the hand. It gives heating and, not like the entrance seats, will get toasty heat. All of the buttons and toggle switches are logically positioned
One of many principal adjustments with the up to date i30 Hatch is it now will get a correct 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster throughout the vary. This replaces the pre-update mannequin’s smaller 7.0-inch digital instrument show flanked by analogue dials.
Regardless of being new to the i30 Hatch, this bigger digital instrument cluster isn’t new to the broader Hyundai vary. It’s a standard unit seen in lots of fashions, together with the i30 Sedan.
There are a number of totally different themes obtainable for the digital instrument cluster, and they are often chosen or hooked as much as what drive mode you’re in. My favorite is the Sport look because it fits the nice and cozy hatch character of the automotive.
There are additionally a spread of informative pages that may be cycled by, although it could be good to have extra with a digital speedometer readout exhibiting.
Transferring throughout, the N Line Premium will get a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that after once more is a standard unit discovered in lots of Hyundai fashions.
Its show is brilliant and seems to supply sufficient processing energy, plus the person interface is simple to work together with. It’s onerous to get misplaced within the menus, and even in case you do there are a selection of touch-sensitive shortcut buttons below the steering wheel that may take you on to key capabilities.
A quirk of this bigger display is it nonetheless solely gives wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Surprisingly, the smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen within the base N Line gives solely wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
With my iPhone 15 Professional Max hooked as much as the USB-A port I didn’t expertise any dropouts in anyway. It’s unusual for automobiles with wired Apple CarPlay to have dropouts, and when it occurs it’s normally because of the cable you’re utilizing.
Given this automotive has satellite tv for pc navigation, it additionally picks up Hyundai’s Bluelink linked automotive providers. This brings options equivalent to linked routing, voice management, climate forecast info, calendar integration, Valet Mode, and SOS emergency calling. There are additionally a spread of distant capabilities obtainable by the telephone app.
Despite the fact that the automotive solely has wired smartphone mirroring, it’s good that it additionally has a wi-fi telephone charger. The one factor inconvenient about it’s its location, because it’s the place you wish to put your telephone when plugged in.
Though the i30 Hatch has been up to date quite a few occasions now, its general inside design dates again to 2016. A telltale of that’s the dual-zone local weather management setup, which now seems dated however fortunately has bodily buttons and dials.
Look across the cabin and there are lots of black finishes, making it really feel a bit of darkish and drab. Positive, there are some pink highlights scattered about, together with on the chunky leather-wrapped gear selector, nevertheless it’s not fairly sufficient to raise the atmosphere. Fortunately, there’s a panoramic glass sunroof which makes the cabin really feel airier.
When it comes to storage up entrance, it’s fairly ample, however not standout. The 2 cupholders on the centre console are decently sized, however they don’t have enamel, which means cups aren’t secured in properly. Past that, the centre console field and glovebox are of ample measurement, and there are door pockets giant sufficient for a water bottle. Fairly customary stuff.
Transferring to the second row, it’s apparent Hyundai prioritises the consolation of these within the entrance seats. At a leggy 182cm, I didn’t have a lot house in any respect, which isn’t unusual in small hatches like this. In truth, it’s fairly much like what’s on supply within the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla hatches.
I needed to splay my legs on both facet of the entrance seat to suit my legs in. Fortunately, toe room is ok and each head and shoulder room are additionally good.
Two folks can match within the second row with a good quantity of consolation, although pushing it to 3 will make it a bit of too tight. It’s a greater house for smaller adults or youngsters.
Talking of youngsters, the i30 Hatch vary comes with ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors for the 2 outboard seats, plus top-tether factors for all three rear seats.
Second-row facilities fortunately embody air vents which might be mounted on the again of the centre console, plus USB-C ports and an armrest with cupholders.
Across the again there’s a lightweight tailgate which is tremendous simple to open and shut. A hands-free energy tailgate could be useful in case you’ve bought stuff in your fingers, however no car on this phase at this worth level has this type of characteristic.
The boot house on supply is fairly good, however that is partially as a result of there’s no spare wheel below the boot flooring. The explanation for it’s because the 48V battery for the mild-hybrid system is the place the spare wheel would usually go.
Though for many individuals this received’t be a fear, having no spare wheel is a deal-breaker for a lot of, particularly those that journey on rural roads away from tyre restore outlets.
The one factor that may enable you whenever you’ve bought a puncture is a tyre restore equipment, which is nowhere close to as dependable as a correct spare wheel and doesn’t at all times repair a puncture.
| Dimensions | Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line Premium |
|---|---|
| Size | 4340mm |
| Width | 1795mm |
| Peak | 1453mm |
| Wheelbase | 2650mm |
| Cargo capability | 395L (5 seats) 1301L (2 seats) |
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
What’s below the bonnet?
The i30 Hatch N Line Premium is now powered by a smaller 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. Energy and torque outputs are each down in comparison with the pre-update mannequin.
| Powertrain | Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line Premium |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.5L 4cyl turbo-petrol MHEV |
| Electrical help | 48V mild-hybrid system |
| Complete system energy | 117kW @ 5500rpm |
| Complete system torque | 253Nm @ 1500-3500rpm |
| Transmission | 7-speed DCT |
| Pushed wheels | FWD |
| Kerb weight | 1439kg |
| 0-100km/h | 8.8 seconds (European declare) |
| Gasoline economic system (claimed) | 5.6L/100km |
| Gasoline economic system (as examined) | 7.2L/100km (200km) |
| Gasoline tank capability | 50L |
| Gasoline requirement | 91-octane common unleaded |
| CO₂ emissions | 126g/km |
| Emissions customary | Euro 6d |
| Braked tow capability | 1000kg |
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
How does the Hyundai i30 drive?
Beginning up the i30 Hatch N Line, there’s a beautiful engine rev flare for a quick second, earlier than the downsized turbo 4 settles right into a clean idle.
The automotive at all times defaults to the ‘Eco’ drive mode, which is a bit of irritating, as a result of until you want driving round on this mode or at all times want most effectivity, you might want to click on a button to alter it to both ‘Regular’ or ‘Sport’ each time you drive the automotive. Fortunately this button is situated proper subsequent to the gear selector.
Setting off in Regular, development is ample and much like the Mk7.5 Golf 110TSI with its dual-clutch transmission. It doesn’t really feel prefer it desires to speed up rapidly from a standstill and can at all times attempt to shift as much as the subsequent gear as quickly as attainable to scale back gasoline consumption.
If you happen to partake within the site visitors mild grand prix, different vehicles will sometimes get away from you, which isn’t nice given this automotive used to have heat hatch qualities. It doesn’t really feel prefer it desires to be pushed tougher relating to asking for sufficient acceleration to maintain up with different vehicles. It may possibly do it, nevertheless it feels such as you’re pulling enamel.
That’s until you’re within the Sport setting, which makes the i30 faster however nonetheless preserve the revs down low, the place it could possibly lean on the additional low-down torque and minimise gasoline consumption, even when my common economic system determine was larger than what Hyundai claims.
The seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission (DCT) responds naturally throughout takeoffs and in low-speed city site visitors, flaring the revs when wanted to make sure acceleration is clean. This isn’t at all times the case with DCT-equipped automobiles, particularly ones with dry clutches, which may generally really feel clunky.
This smoother takeoff feeling is helped additional by the 48V mild-hybrid system, which irons out inherent dual-clutch quibbles and hesitations much more.
One other operate the mild-hybrid system permits is smoother and extended engine idle cease/begin operation, because of the built-in belt-driven starter motor and 48V battery pack. Though these sorts of methods are controversial, as evidenced in our feedback part, after they work in addition to this one in observe they’re nowhere close to as intrusive as you’d suppose.
Within the Regular drive mode the engine turns off at round 25km/h when coasting to a cease, which is a weird sensation at first, however you slowly get used to it.
There have been events when I discovered it onerous to guage when the automotive would come to a cease, and I’d incrementally let off the brake pedal to gradual my fee of deceleration, which might then hearth the engine again up earlier than I got here to a whole cease.
Throughout these moments there would even be a faint clunk heard within the cabin, presumably when the automotive’s transmission slots again into first gear. You’ll be able to solely actually hear it as a result of there’s no engine noise to drown it out.
Within the Eco drive mode, the fuel-saving impact goes into overdrive. At larger speeds the automotive places itself right into a coasting mode the place it shifts into impartial and lets the engine idle to avoid wasting gasoline.
It is a widespread characteristic in European automobiles, however it could possibly take you without warning because of the lack of engine braking. The automotive’s pace can get away from you extra rapidly than you’d count on downhill, although fortunately you will get it to ditch the coasting mode by both touching the brake or accelerator.
Though the engine not has the outright punch to make it really feel like a heat hatch, the automotive remains to be lots of enjoyable to toss round within the metropolis. Positive there’s a little bit of highway noise and tyre roar at low speeds, however the steering is properly weighted.
Just like the pre-update model, the N Line’s suspension setup is on the firmer facet, nevertheless it’s by no means uncomfortable.
As customary, there are entrance and rear parking sensors, plus a reversing digital camera. For over $40,000, I’d additionally count on a surround-view digital camera as of late.
Increase pace, the automotive has ample energy and nonetheless has sufficient torque to forestall it from dropping a bunch of gears to speed up at a good tempo. Even at freeway speeds the revs are stored low, which helps minimise gasoline consumption.
It’s really a snug tourer, although the big 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres don’t fare effectively over harsh bumps, sending lots of drive into the cabin. There’s additionally a good bit of wind and highway noise, which is fairly widespread with European hatches and a additionally grievance of the pre-update mannequin.
On the security entrance, the adaptive cruise management is nice at maintaining a constant distance between you and the automotive forward. It does what it ought to and doesn’t slam on the brakes overzealously when a automotive cuts in entrance of you both.
Regardless of this, the lane-keep help system goes off fairly incessantly, which might be intrusive as a result of it vibrates and jerks on the steering wheel. Like various different Hyundai/Kia automobiles, it will get essentially the most confused with freeway off-ramps.
The lane-centring system can also be hands-on with the steering. It’s greatest left for clearly marked highways and freeways, as it could possibly get confused on poorly marked roads and at low speeds.
Lastly, essentially the most annoying security characteristic is the Clever Pace Restrict Help system. It sounds a single chime when a brand new posted pace restrict is detected, after which one other chime whenever you journey a minimum of 2km/h over the restrict.
The explanation it’s so irritating is as a result of the chime is annoyingly loud and the system is commonly incorrect, and defaults to on each time you activate the automotive.
Not like different Hyundai/Kia automobiles, the i30 Hatch nonetheless doesn’t have a straightforward option to flip the pace restrict help system off. As a substitute, you might want to both dive deep right into a menu in to touchscreen, or use a shortcut button on the steering wheel to take you on to the precise menu. Both approach, you continue to have to work together with the touchscreen.
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
What do you get?
On take a look at right here is the i30 Hatch N Line Premium, which is the top-spec variant of the core hatchback vary (excluding the high-performance N variants).
2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line tools highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Proximity entry with push-button begin
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Automated LED headlights
- Automated high-beam
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 3 x USB-C retailers
- Wi-fi telephone charger
- Leather-based and suede upholstery
- 4-way energy driver’s lumbar
- Driver seat cushion extension
- Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- Twin-zone local weather management
i30 Hatch N Line Premium provides:
- Panoramic sunroof
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Over-the-air software program replace functionality
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 12-way energy driver’s seat with two-person reminiscence
- Heated and ventilated entrance seats
- Heated steering wheel
- Bluelink linked automotive providers
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
Is the Hyundai i30 protected?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch did have a five-star ANCAP ranking, nevertheless it expired in December 2024, which means it’s now unrated.
Testing was carried out in 2017 below totally different evaluation parameters. It scored 14.01 out of 16 for entrance offset collision safety, 16 out of 16 for facet affect safety, two out of two for pole affect safety, and three out of three for seat belt reminders.
It scored ‘good’ for whiplash safety and ‘acceptable’ for pedestrian safety, contributing to an general rating of 35.01 out of 37.
Customary security tools contains:
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Junction help
- Pedestrian detection
- Bike owner detection
- Automobile detection
- Blind-spot help
- Driver consideration warning
- Clever pace restrict help
- Lane preserve help
- Lane Following Help (lane centring)
- Rear occupant alert
- Rear cross-traffic help
i30 N Line Premium provides:
- Bluelink linked providers
- Automated collision notification
- Emergency calling
- Related routing
- Valet mode
- Voice management
- Calendar integration
- Climate forecast info
- Alert providers
- Distant door, window, exterior mild, hazard lights and horn operation
- Distant engine begin
- Distant local weather management
- Distant surround-view digital camera
- Discover my automotive
- Automobile standing notifications
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
How a lot does the Hyundai i30 value to run?
Hyundai backs its automobiles with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
The i30 is roofed by Hyundai’s ‘lifetime service plan’, which outlines the prices of every service for the primary 21 years or 210,000km.
Hyundai additionally gives a free service at 1.8 months or 1500km of possession. Service intervals are the identical because the outgoing turbocharged i30 Hatch N Line, although they’re shorter than the Corolla’s 12-month/15,000km upkeep gaps.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Hyundai i30 Hatch |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | 12 months – then service-activated |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 10,000km |
| Capped-price servicing | Lifetime service plan |
| Common worth for first 10 providers | $435.20 |
To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai i30
I didn’t count on the third-generation i30 Hatch to stay round for so long as it has, however I’m glad Hyundai remains to be providing a rival for the likes of the Corolla, Mazda 3 and Golf.
This newest facelift for the i30 Hatch N Line is well-needed. It brings more energizing seems, and extra up-to-date expertise, whereas retaining the enjoyable driving dynamics of the mannequin it replaces.
The brand new 1.5-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine feels very European by way of its operation, nevertheless it prioritises effectivity an excessive amount of. And but my as-tested gasoline consumption determine was nonetheless a lot larger than the declare.
It’s additionally disappointing as a result of the mild-hybrid engine doesn’t supply the identical quantity of heat hatch-like energy because the pre-update mannequin’s non-electrified 1.6-litre turbo 4.
What hurts much more is how a lot the asking worth has gone up by. The i30 Hatch N Line Premium specifically is now round $4000 costlier than earlier than, and crosses the $40k threshold. You would purchase a full-fat i30 N for that type of cash not so way back.
However whenever you put this within the context of how a lot the costs of some rivals have additionally gone up in recent times, it’s sadly not overpriced in its phase. The highest-spec Corolla ZR Hybrid hatch is $40,260 earlier than on-roads, and the Golf R-Line is $42,290 earlier than on-roads.
One of many few reasonably priced heat hatches left is the Kia Cerato GT, which relies on the pre-update i30 Hatch N Line and is at present priced from $36,860 earlier than on-roads. The catch is it’s very shortly going to get replaced by the Kia K4.
It’s unhappy that Hyundai not gives mainstream (non-N or N Line) variations of the i30 Hatch. These had been arguably the candy spot of the pre-update vary, particularly from a price perspective.
That’s unlikely to alter, however in case you do need a much less sporty or luxurious i30 there’s at all times the i30 Sedan, and in case you’re out there for a small premium hatch that doesn’t value the earth, the i30 Hatch N Line Premium Premium remains to be among the best.
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