Hyundai i30 N Line or The most beautiful i30 you can buy
The Hyundai i30 has become quite a popular model not only in the Czech Republic, and every year it appears in a new guise. This was also the case recently, when the latest version of the Hyundai i30 received a facelift.
More distinctive than usual
Let's be honest, the Hyundai i30 isn't an exceptional car that would make you feel completely out of place. and you probably wouldn't normally be interested in it on the road. That's certainly not meant to be a bad thing. It's simply a comfortable, enjoyable and functional car that doesn't cost a lot of money and you can get on with it every day at ease. In the N Line version I tested, however, the i30 is far more distinctive than usual thanks to stylish design details.
This i30 will delight its owners not only on the outside but also on the inside, for example with the all-new Bluelink infotainment system, which features a larger, 10.25-inch display that offers new options and features.
New engine on offer
Slightly more significant news is the all-new 1.5 T-GDI turbocharged petrol four-cylinder engine, which boasts quiet running and perfect functionality, making it a great partner for everyday driving. Thanks to mild-hybrid technology and a boosted starter-generator, it also consumes even one litre less petrol than its older, surprisingly weaker predecessor. If you take your foot off the accelerator, the engine also switches off while you're driving and, for example, shuts off at 30 km/h before a junction when braking. When coming to a complete stop, the car can keep the engine off for much longer than a conventional stop-start system can.
Under the hood is an inline four-cylinder, turbocharged, 48V mild-hybridPhoto: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna
In addition, the automatic gearbox automatically shifts to neutral when you take your foot off the accelerator, specifically to the so-called glide system, which also optimises consumption, and if you let the car brake with the engine, kinetic energy is stored and used later. Thanks to all these gadgets, combined consumption can be around 5.5 litres, as was the case in my testing.
You'd probably drive a conventional model for even less, but it wouldn't be as much fun. Especially if you put the car into sport mode. That's when the Hyundai i30 N Line suddenly comes to life, growls a bit under the bonnet and shoots forward like a rocket. Even when you're driving briskly, the stiffer chassis and low-profile R18 tyres keep you firmly on the road, guaranteeing grip in the corners. If you can find a nice, safe road here full of curves, I guarantee you'll get through them with the Sport mode with a smile on your face.
For an even better sporting experience, you'll enjoy the optional N Line Sport Package, which includes excellent anatomical seats, a perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel and a very grippy shifter head. The exterior design is also inspired by the sharp Hyundai i30 N, enhanced by more aggressive front and rear bumpers that boast dual exhaust tips. There is also a spoiler on the fifth door and distinctive 17-inch and 18-inch wheel designs.
This makes an otherwise "ordinary" car an exceptional piece of kit and will make you even more happy than you might have expected. The very nice thing is that despite the sportier feel, you pay no tax in the form of less comfort or practicality. This i30 is as spacious and comfortable as any other. You'll have to pay extra for better looks and handling, but it's not a staggering amount. Pricing for the N Line variant starts at a pleasant CZK 534,990 for the hatchback version with the 1.5 T-GDI engine and manual gearbox (the weaker 1.0 T-GDI engine goes as high as CZK 474,990). For a dual-clutch automatic, you'll pay an extra CZK 50,000. If you'd rather choose the fastback, you'll have to add CZK 10,000, and for the longer estate version with the stronger engine you'll pay a total of CZK 559,990. However, when you take into account the rich equipment, this is a really great price.
The boot offers a volume of 602 litresPhoto: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna
Is there anything wrong with this car at all?
From what I've said so far, there's little to nothing wrong with the Hyundai i30. Of course there are minor faults everywhere, probably no car is flawless and you'll probably never hit someone's taste to a tee. I, for one, would have liked to see the i30 not start in Eco mode every time with lane-keeping on. The former wouldn't even be that much of a problem, as you can switch driving mode by pressing a button on the dash, but for the latter you have to delve into the infotainment system's menu. However, fortunately for Hyundai, this is nothing that could threaten the brand, as the competition often has it very similar. All in all, the Hyundai i30 is a really great car considering its purchase price, and if you're considering this category, you definitely won't go wrong by buying it.
Improved front bumper silhouette looks nicePhoto: Foto: se souhlasem Juana Calderóna
A few words in conclusion
Competing carmakers have a lot of cars to choose from in this segment and then the final decision of customers is mostly up to taste, but after testing the Hyundai i30 N Line for a week, I can say that it is a trouble-free car that you can rely on in most every situation. Plus, it's very practical, and unless you're a very demanding user who mainly needs to get from A to B in a practical and comfortable way, and occasionally wants to enjoy a bit of a brisker drive, I think the i30 is a very good choice at this price. Plus, it has great support in the Czech Republic and you can find Hyundai dealerships, and therefore service, in many places.
