Hyundai i30 hatchback (2011-2016) - Interior & comfort
The Hyundai i30 looks good and is well built, but rivals use higher quality materials, and some controls are a bit fiddly
The interior design of the Hyundai i30 is more upmarket than in previous models from the brand, although it still can’t match the likes of the VW Golf for premium appeal and seems a bit fussy in places.
Hyundai i30 dashboard
There’s no faulting the construction of the Hyundai i30 interior: soft-touch materials across the top of the dashboard and the insides of the doors give it a high-grade feel. Some hard plastics remain lower down, but overall the i30 impresses. Cool blue lighting adds to the sense of class, the switches and buttons operate precisely and the dials and instruments are clear and easy to understand.
It’s easy to get comfortable, too, with plenty of adjustment in the driver’s seat and steering wheel allowing for a near-perfect driving position. All the seats provide a decent balance of comfort and support, even if the slightly harsh ride can become annoying on long journeys, but we have no real complaints here. And besides, the long list of equipment included for the money will keep most drivers and passengers happy if they have a long distance to cover.
Equipment
A multifunction steering wheel is fitted as standard on all models, making it easy to access various functions and control the stereo without taking your eyes off the road. The Bluetooth hands-free phone connection with voice recognition is another useful feature on every i30 – this even allows you to stream music wirelessly from a compatible phone to the stereo.
The entry-level S model gets a four-speaker stereo, with all other versions getting a higher-grade six-speaker package. Every i30 features USB and auxiliary ports, so drivers and passengers can hook up their smartphone or MP3 player and listen to their own music. Go for an SE Nav or Premium model and you get a built-in touchscreen sat-nav system incorporating Traffic Message Channel (TMC) technology to help you avoid jams.
The Premium model also comes with keyless entry, so even if the key is at the bottom of your bag, the car will unlock when you press the button on the door handle. Then, when you’re behind the wheel, you just hit the start button and the engine fires into life.
Options
Hyundai doesn’t offer the toys you’ll find on Premium models as extras on lesser models in the i30 range – it prefers buyers upgrade to a higher trim instead. The only factory-fitted options available are metallic paint and a panoramic sunroof, although customers can take their pick from a range of dealer-fit accessories at their local Hyundai showroom.
