You only have to open the door to know the i30 heralds a new era of design integrity for Hyundai. It feels solid and heavy and shuts behind you with a satisfying clunk. If you were blindfolded and told this was a Volkswagen, you’d have no reason not to believe it.
Search further and at one end you’ll find a range of new engines: 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels, and 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrols, the latter tested here. Spot the omissions? No 2.0-litre petrol, and nor is there a hotshot turbo version, although it’s meant to be on the way.
At the other end you’ll discover its rear suspension is of the same multi-link configuration as the very best-riding, best-handling cars in the class, such as the Ford Focus and VW Golf. Compared with a conventional torsion beam, it’s a hideously expensive system to design and develop, but if properly executed it works well.
The steering is electrically assisted and offers a distinctly sporting 2.7 turns across a reasonably tight lock, while even the most basic i30 enjoys the same brake specification as the heaviest and most powerful, the 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel.
