To accommodate that larger boot, the Tourer gets an elongated profile that makes for a sleeker design than the hatch. While not particularly eye-catching, it’s a smart look. Inside, the cabin is identical to the hatch, which means it gets a clutter-free centre console and 5.0in or optional 8.0in touchscreen infotainment, available with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as 3D satnav.
Under the bonnet comes a choice of turbocharged engines, with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol producing 118bhp at the entry level and a 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel with 131bhp the priciest unit. For our test, we’re driving the mid-range 1.4-litre petrol T-GDI that has 138bhp.
What's it like?
The Nürburgring tag is thrown around so often these days that it has almost become meaningless but, in the i30, there is some sign of it having had a positive effect on dynamics and ride. The i30 Tourer is supple and smooth, yet also well damped and quick to respond to undulations, making it feel confident on the motorway and not opposed to being driven at pace on B-roads.
Our car’s 1.4 four-pot makes it good for a 0-62mph time of 9.2sec and a top speed of 130mph. It feels every bit as nippy as those stats suggest and makes for a surprisingly effective motorway cruiser, thanks in part to the arrival of 178lb ft from 1500rpm. But on our run, the petrol unit could only average 40mpg – more than 10mpg short of its claimed combined economy.
We would opt for the six-speed manual as it seems to unlock the engine's maximum potential, but those who do go for the optional seven-speed dual-clutch auto will at least enjoy quick gear changes, albeit with a less punchy power band.
Hyundai claims the i30 Tourer has the most driver assist programmes available in its class, and the range-topping Premium SE model tested here certainly stands in good stead to back that. It gets blind spot detection, driver attention and lane departure warning technology as part of its armoury. It also gets cruise control and lane keep assist as standard, which makes long-distance driving substantially less tiring.
This is helped by good refinement, with road noise kept to such a low volume that, on this first go at least, it feels as if the i30 Tourer could give the Golf estate a run for its money in this department. Wind noise is also impressively low, with only a slight amount being audible at motorway pace from around the door mirrors. That’s particularly impressive considering the SE Premium gets a panoramic sunroof - something that can hinder soundproofing in rivals.
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scrap
Seems impressive. Like a cut
Seems impressive. Like a cut price, well specced Audi A4 estate.
Shrub
40%!
Has demand for C segment estates really rocketed by 40% over the last twelve months? Why is that then, crossovers proving unsatisfactory? Nice car this.
xxxx
££££
Why even list a Focus estate as an option, a Titanium X with leather(£600) and an over worked 1.0 engine is £24,600 and I don't even think you get Sat Nav (another £600????) Ford are having trouble shifting these cars at moment and have started offeringn big discounts, so buyer beware!
typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion
Jimbbobw1977
Far more preferable to a
Far more preferable to a dreary old Golf, will more than likely trounce the Golf for reliability as well
Flametrench
I was interested until…
… I saw that the £14k price in the headline was £10k short of the reality.
odie_the_dog
Unless I'm missing something,
Unless I'm missing something, this Hyundai costs £ 5k more than the new Insignia estate reviewed here:
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/vauxhall/insignia-grand-sport/first-drives/vauxhall-insignia-sports-tourer-design-nav-15
Now, OK, the Hyunadia is the top of the range model, the Insignia one from bottom, but the outright kit list is little different, the Insignia is a larger car which means more space - usually a consideration for an estate buyer.
So, not wishing to be funny - how can Hyundai justify £ 25k for this? That said the same point can be made about the Golf estate.
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