VW Golf Feelings In The New Hyundai I30

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

VW boss Martin Winterkorn took a close look at the new Hyundai i30 at the IAA in Frankfurt. The new generation of the compact has caught up well with the classic VW Golf.

By Peter Weißenberg

Let's start playfully. Close your eyes: "Klank" - the passenger door slams shut - solid, full and safe. Heavy sedan? The hands feel forwards, find support on a thickly foamed, non-slip dashboard, the fingers grasp switches that click with a click. The diesel starts quickly, presses the passenger gently into the seat, pulls up evenly. Skillfully. A car for Germans. A German car?

Hyundai i30 with some catching up to do in terms of driving comfort

Open your eyes: No - it's the new Hyundai i30. And: yes - the youngest offspring of the Koreans comes as close to the VW Golf feeling as few other competitors from the Far East. No wonder: The car actually comes from the "Middle East". It is being built in the Czech Republic. And its philosophy is Made in Germany. In the Rüsselsheim research and development center, designers and engineers clearly have one yardstick in mind: the Golf. "And the Ford Focus in terms of dynamics," adds Hyundai Product Manager Javier Garcia.

The driver, who is at home in Golf, but also in Focus, can see that there is still some catching up to do in terms of driving comfort and roadholding: In fast corners, the Korean is not quite as confident on the road as the Champs. But if you don't have or need this kind of dynamic, you feel safe. The ESP, which intervenes early, but not abruptly, and the tight damper set-up ensure this. The Koreans don't overdo it with too gruff severity. The three programs of the power steering provide additional sensitivity depending on the driving situation and mood. The contact with the road is more direct than in any other Hyundai.

The most economical Hyundai i30 consumes 3.7 liters of diesel

In the hinterland, but also in the hustle and bustle of Seville, the different engine variants showed their strengths. The two 1.6-liter diesel and gasoline engines will in no case show signs of deficiency in typical compact class drivers: the gasoline engine is busy sprinting; the diesels in three characteristics between the saver (blue CRDi), skilled worker (110 hp) and amateur athlete (128 hp) are well behaved and sporty with their passengers - even with five. The start-stop system, underbody paneling and smooth-running tires even push the fast-moving diesel in the most economical variant below the magical 100 milligram limit for CO2 emissions. Hyundai promises 3.7-liter third mix for 21,530 euros.

The 1.4-liter engines will sooner reach their power limits when fully loaded - and tempt their drivers to be less patient with the accelerator pedal and dynamic handling of the very well-guided gear shift gate. The i30 is likely to fall far short of the specified average consumption. And anyone who has ordered the automatic converter for 1400 extra euros shouldn't be a fan of long city trips. Because then hectic gear changes, especially with diesel, will let the consumption values spill well above the seven-liter threshold.

Up to 1316 liters fit in the trunk of the Hyundai i30

30 millimeters more space above the head, eleven millimeters more foot space and five millimeters more shoulder space - that sounds like less than is inside. Subjectively, the new i30 appears airier than its predecessor. The luggage compartment volume is eleven percent higher at 378 liters; after folding down the rear seat bench and backrests, there is 1316 liters of space above the completely level loading floor. A top value.

Family affiliation with a lot of character is now evident in the design and high quality in the processing. It trembles, rattles, and rattles nothing. And unlike its somewhat homely predecessor, the i30 also cuts a dynamic figure when stationary.

Prices for the Hyundai i30 start at 15,850 euros

The i30 starts on the last weekend in March from 15,850 euros. On board are, among other things, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, air conditioning, hill start assist, CD radio, central locking with radio remote control and power windows at the front.

As for all other models, Hyundai also offers a five-year guarantee (including mobility) for the i30, whose maintenance intervals are 30,000 kilometers, with no mileage limit. An important selling point, especially for German customers - and especially in comparison to German providers. (SP-X)