[POV] 2021 Hyundai i30 1.5 T-GDi Mild Hybrid Test Drive 

Among such talented opposition in the family hatchback class, the i30 is a bit of an uninspiring choice, but it does have its selling points. The i30 has recently been facelifted, with a view to increasing its appeal. With striking LED headlights and a bold new grille, the i30 is certainly smarter than before - although Hyundai hasn’t gone to the same lengths as it did with the distinctive Tucson SUV.
The Hyundai i30 has been designed, developed and tested in Europe, specifically for European buyers. The car feels solidly put together, though some scratchy plastics do let down what is an otherwise considered interior design. Everything is logically located - especially on those fitted with the larger touchscreen. The touchscreen measures eight inches on SE Connect, and 10.25 inches elsewhere. The touchscreen system is clear and quick to respond, despite dated-looking graphics, while the live services, such as traffic, weather and speed camera alerts, make life on the road easier.
Despite its square tailgate and high roofline, the Hyundai i30 isn’t the most capacious family car on sale. Space up front is fine with lots of movement in the seating position and a steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment standard on all models. Space in the back is fine for most adults, but those over six-foot will find their heads rubbing on the roof. The Hyundai i30 Tourer estate offers 602 liters of boot space.
The engine is a 1.5-litre and makes 160hp, plus it has a 48-volt starter/generator mild hybrid system which recovers energy under braking and then stores and uses it under acceleration. This reduces the stress on the engine, resulting in lower emissions and higher MPG. This engine is only available in sporty N Line trim. It's quick enough for any situation an i30 owner could possibly throw at it. The 0-62mph in 8.6 seconds for the manual, and 8.8 seconds for the auto.
The i30 is a comfortable cruiser, with enough wheel control to smother most surface imperfections and keep things calm for passengers. There’s plenty of grip, but you wouldn’t know it through the steering. While Hyundai has dropped its largely ineffective FlexSteer power-assistance system, the wheel still feels lifeless, with a constant weight no matter what speed you’re doing or how much lock you add. The wheel feels inert as a result, although the fairly positive six-speed manual goes some way to rescuing the driving experience.
Engine type: Inline 4 Turbo
Fuel Type: Petrol (Gasoline)
Displacement: 1.5 l (1482 cm3)
Engine Power: 160 hp @ 5500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Layout: front engine, front wheel drive
Top speed: 210 km/h (130 mph)
Curb weight: 1250 kg (2755 lbs)
Average fuel consumption: 5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg US / 51 mpg UK)
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