Hyundai i30 Hatchback (2007 - 2011) 1.6 CRDi Comfort (6) 5d (2009/59) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I know the value of affordable motoring. It may not be a premium brand but I don't feel the need to drive a premium car to feel good about motoring or myself. It is very well equipped for the price anyway.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Divided opinion about the colour - bright red! But there are other colours available! Most are surprised and impressed when they sit in it.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Yes, it is economical to buy and run and they have a decent enough reliability record.

What are you likely to buy next?

A similar size car, I would look at the newer i30 but they are more expensive than my older i30 relative to say the Focus, Golf etc.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£5,500

When did you buy the car?

July 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Deal was pretty good, paid £500 below Parkers price guide and received £150 more on my part-ex than it was worth too.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Have driven a 1.4 Comfort on a regular basis so when changing my own car was happy to look at 130's among a few other choices.

What was the dealer like?

Not a bad experience, but like every dealer make sure you see everything for yourself (including paperwork!) rather than rely on your description. Was a little miffed to see that after paying for the car in full it cover another 46 miles between then and picking it up??? However I only noticed as I was driving away and have left them a part-ex with a lot of problems, so figured on balance.... However, it does leave you wondering what else they cut corners on or take advantage of and this was a franchise dealer.

What's it like to drive?

The 1.6 diesel is a bit slow off the mark (though this rarely bothers me) but once it is going it will pull very impressively from say 30 - 50 or 40 - 60, even in higher gears. The steering is a bit vague, you can move the wheel a few degrees when straight ahead before it affects anything, but it is easy to steer and park. I'm achieving a regular 54 mpg on suburban and a road drives to work. Seats are comfortable, especially over long distances. Visibility is pretty good too. Gear change is a little notchy at times. Pedals are in a comfortable position and nicely weighted.

What's it like to park?

Pretty easy, the door mirrors are very large. Visibility out of the rear window is reasonably good too. The C-pillars are not too much of a problem either. The steering is very light so it is easy to perform tight turns.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Nothing wrong, its a pleasure to own. It does have a slightly annoying tendency to mist up the windows far to easily.

What's most practical about your car?

Generous rear leg room and good boot size.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Aux input on the CD player so I can hook up my iPod.