Hyundai i30 Edition 1.6 CRDI

EVERY once in a while a car comes along that changes the perception of its maker. One such car is the i30, and its maker is Hyundai.

Now you may have seen the Korean manufacturer’s name taking up an increasing amount of column inches in the motoring media over the past year because of its outstanding sales success through the car scrappage scheme.

It would not be an exaggeration to say that the scheme provided the platform on which Hyundai achieved its big breakthrough in the UK.

But for those drivers who had already been attracted by the pricing and quality of the i10 city car, the i20 supermini and the i30 hatchback, Hyundai had already proved itself as a maker of excellent, affordable cars.

Only last month, the i30 shot straight to the number one slot in the Driver Power Top 100 to be named the most satisfying car to own by the people who should really know – the drivers who run them.

Completed by more than 23,000 drivers, the Driver Power survey is compiled by Auto Express magazine, and is considered to be Britain’s definitive poll on car reliability and satisfaction. And Hyundai as a brand made the biggest overall leap up the charts, jumping 12 places to finish sixth.

But it’s not just Auto Express readers who think the i30 is satisfying to own – readers of Which? magazine also voted it as the most reliable medium-sized car in a poll published late last year.

The Hyundai i30 range starts at £12,300, and includes a five-door hatchback and estate variants. Engines include an advanced turbodiesel offering economy of more than 60mpg and emissions of just 119g/km.

The five-door i30’s long bonnet and BMW 1 Series-style rear end mark it out as a good illustration of how Hyundai has successfully made the transition into the mainstream.

The transformation is also evident inside the car; prominent and easy- to-use controls and displays are fitted to solid, dark, quality plastics. Space is generous for a car of this size, with back-seat passengers able to experience a trend-bucking level of legroom.

At the rear, the car’s boot opens to reveal a decent amount of luggage space, while the rear seats can be folded to increase the car’s practical side.

The i30 is on the whole a very good car. It doesn’t have Ford’s benchmark Focus beat for driving quality, but it does come perilously close. And until now it has been lacking a sporty offering.

Enter the Edition version, which includes a modified front grille, hexagonal air intake and sculpted fog lamps, plus side skirts and a new rear bumper incorporating twin exhaust trims.

Priced at £14,700, the i30 Edition is still cheaper than an entry-level Ford Focus, yet the list of standard equipment is comprehensive.

As well as the exterior enhancements, standard kit includes stylish 16-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, sports pedals, a chrome-finished gearknob, electric windows all round, remote central locking, electric heated door mirrors and a six-speaker stereo-radio CD player with aux and USB connections and steering wheel audio controls. Like all models in the i30 range, it also includes ESP as standard, along with active front head restraints and six airbags.

Engine choices are 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre petrol, or Hyundai’s acclaimed 1.6-litre CRDi diesel – tested here – which offers sub-119g/km emissions. A stop-start system is available as a £200 option on all models, dropping emissions lower and saving even more fuel.

The 1.6-litre diesel unit pumps out a respectable 113bhp, which gives the car a top speed of 117mph and the ability to sprint to 62mph in a respectable 11.5 seconds.

Performance-wise, progress is always smooth and surprisingly rapid when you want it to be – so much so that I found the acceleration figure hard to believe. And when not accelerating hard, the diesel engine rarely sounds intrusive.

The steering wheel can be adapted for height and reach, while the seat has height adjustment as standard, so it’s easy get comfortable. Dials are easy to read and the blue LCD display gives a warm, modern feel to dashboard.

Your inner cynic will claim that the only way Hyundai can gain acceptance with the i30 is to load the car with toys. Frankly, that’s plain rubbish.

Private buyers will love the extras and, crucially, love the sensible asking price.

And if you’re surprised by all the praise, then don’t be; the i30 really will change your perception of affordable motoring. The Edition version simply adds to the enjoyment.

Hyundai i30 Edition 1.6 CRDI

Price: £14,700.

Engine: 1.6-litre turbo diesel unit developing 113bhp.

Transmission: 6-speed manual, driving front wheels.

Performance: Maximum speed 0-62mph, 0 to 62mph in 11.5 seconds.

Economy: 62.8mpg combined.

CO2 rating: 119g/km.