AFTER a successful five-year run, Hyundai’s i30 has undergone a complete makeover, gaining a new look, redesigned interior, more space, better safety, and big changes under the skin.
The previous model was a solid effort that changed perceptions of the brand, but Hyundai is shooting even higher for the new model, with the obvious aim of class leadership.
So the question is: has the Korean giant gone far enough to take on Australia’s best small cars? Here we put the range-topping Premium CRDi automatic under the microscope.
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FD i30
Released: October 2007
Ended: May 2012
Family Tree: i30AS a replacement for the XD Elantra hatch from 2000 to 2006, the 2007 i30 was a revelation – as well as a great success for Hyundai in Australia, helping to move it away from its cheap driveaway company reputation.
Created to compete against Europe’s finest C-segment five-door models like the VW Golf, this was the first Hyundai in this class designed in Germany, and featured Australian-tuned MacPherson strut and multi-link rear suspension, as well as modified electric power steering for improved dynamics and feel.
Two four-cylinder engines were available from launch – a 105kW/186Nm 2.0-litre twin-cam petrol unit and an advanced 85kW/255Nm 1.6-litre CRDi common-rail turbo-diesel. In 2010 an 89kW/153Nm 1.6-litre petrol powerplant became the base engine.
All drove the front wheels via a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox – though the CRDi manual gained a six-speeder from September 2011. Three model walks were available: SX, SLX and SR.
A successful i30cw wagon arrived from early 2009.
Get the full story: Euro looks, diesel donk and Aussie suspension tune auger well for Hyundai's new i30
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