visakhthefried's video: Hyundai i30

Hyundai i30 Hyundai i30 that was designed by the company's European contingent in Germany, with the hatchback's styling morphing from a conservative shape to the more adventurous chiselled lines of the company's 'fluidic sculpture' form language. The i30's large, hexagonal grille could also be a visual metaphor for the wave of confidence sweeping through Hyundai as it continues to pose a threat to the usual suspects chasing the No.1 Car Maker in the World mantle -- Toyota, GM and Volkswagen. The new Hyundai i30 range is similar to the original's line-up, with three trim levels and a choice of petrol or diesel power offered. Trim levels gain news names, though, with the former SX/SLX/SR replaced by Active, Elite and Premium to make the i30 consistent with the majority of other Hyundai models. Pricing increases fractionally from bottom to top, with the i30 now starting at $20,990 for an Active petrol manual and the top-of-the-tree Premium diesel auto asking $32,590 -- all before on-road costs are added. All Hyundai i30 variants include seven airbags, rear sensors, Bluetooth/iPod/USB connectivity and touchscreen systems as notable standard features. The latter is a five-inch audio system in Active models and a seven-inch satellite navigation system in the mid-range Elite and range-topping Premium. Elite models bring the likes of electric folding side mirrors, keyless push-button engine start, one-touch window operation, extendable sun visors, higher-grade steering wheel and gearlever, dual-zone climate control, rear centre armrest, rain-sensing wipers, and reverse-view camera (cleverly concealed inside the rear Hyundai badge that flips when the camera is in use). If you want a Hyundai i30 with the lot, the Premium trim adds front seats with heating, panoramic sunroof, electronic park brake, auto-dimming rear view mirror, xenon headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels (rather than 16s), and an electrically adjustable driver's seat. As with its predecessor, the new i30 has strong static showroom appeal with a smartly presented interior. The i30 copes better with small lumps and bumps than bigger hits but there is a pleasant suppleness to the ride quality. Keen drivers will still find more reward from a Golf, Focus or Mazda3 on interesting roads, but the Hyundai hatch has closed the dynamics gap with plenty of composure and grip through bends. It shows that Hyundai's efforts to fine-tune the i30's chassis in Australia have paid dividends. The petrol's figures are 6.5L/100km (manual) and 6.9/100km (auto). It also offers more torque (260Nm v 178Nm) and in a more useable point in the rev range than the alternative (and new) 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine. Diesel variants, however, come at a small cost -- a $2600 premium over the equivalent petrol model. The petrol engine, while not offering spectacular performance, revs smoothly and is more than sufficient for its intended purpose. The auto, when attached to either engine, also does a good job of selecting the right gear for the occasion. Only when you quickly ask more from the throttle pedal are the changes slower than ideal. General refinement is impressive, too, and only let down from tyre rumble that can be audible whether the i30 is riding on its 16-inch or 17-inch rubber. The Hyundai i30 doesn't break new ground in the small-car class but the new-generation model, backed by a generous warranty and capped-price servicing, certainly solidifies its position as one of the must-see/must-test-drive hatchbacks in the market.