2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line Premium review

After a quick hiatus, the Hyundai i30 Hatch has been again on sale in Australia for just a few months now, and it comes with some distinctive European aptitude.

South Korean manufacturing of this mannequin ceased again in 2023 and it’s now solely being produced in Czechia, just like the high-performance N hatch variants. This implies it attracts a 5 per cent import tariff, and due to this fact prices have increased substantially.

Partly that’s as a result of, not like the pre-update mannequin, the i30 Hatch is now accessible solely in up-spec N Line and N Line Premium variants. The latter is on check right here.

With the change in manufacturing sourcing, we now get a European-based model of the i30 Hatch. A spotlight of this car is its 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, which is augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system.

WATCH: Paul’s video evaluation of the 2025 Hyundai i30 N Line

It replaces the zesty non-electrified 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine within the pre-update i30 N Line.

Whereas it nonetheless has sporty seems to be, does this up to date Euro-spec mannequin with its mild-hybrid powertrain stay as much as its heat hatch previous? Learn alongside to seek out out.

How does the Hyundai i30 examine?

View an in depth breakdown of the Hyundai i30 towards equally sized autos.

Hyundai

i30

How a lot does the Hyundai i30 value?

On check right here is the flagship i30 Hatch N Line Premium, which is the most costly hatch variant earlier than contemplating the full-fat N fashions. Costs for the brand new Euro-sourced i30 N Line variants is up by at the very least $3000.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s the Hyundai i30 like on the within?

The up to date Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line seems to be fairly totally different to the mannequin it replaces, and now has extra similarities with the i30 N sizzling hatch, which is made in the identical Czech manufacturing unit.

It’s surprisingly straightforward to get into the driving force’s seat, which isn’t all the time the case with low-slung hatchbacks. When you’re in, there are sporty-looking suede and leather-based trimmed seats, however despite the fact that our tester was brand-new, it was already beginning to get creases on the driving force’s seat trim the place you hop out and in. This doesn’t bode nicely for long-term sturdiness.

However the driver’s seat is comfy and affords loads of facet bolstering for assist. Not like the bottom N Line, the Premium positive aspects a 12-way powered driver’s seat with two-position reminiscence. This quantity of electrical adjustment is superior, and I appreciated the extendable thigh assist, particularly as an individual with lengthy legs.

The entrance seats are heated however they don’t get overly heat, which might be a bugbear in cooler months if you’re eager to heat up as shortly as attainable. The seats additionally don’t supply air flow, which could be helpful when it’s sizzling.

Forward of the driving force is a sporty-looking steering wheel that feels good within the hand. It affords heating and, not like the entrance seats, will get toasty heat. All of the buttons and toggle switches are logically positioned

One of many primary modifications with the up to date i30 Hatch is it now will get a correct 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster throughout the vary. This replaces the pre-update mannequin’s smaller 7.0-inch digital instrument show flanked by analogue dials.

Regardless of being new to the i30 Hatch, this bigger digital instrument cluster isn’t new to the broader Hyundai vary. It’s a standard unit seen in lots of fashions, together with the i30 Sedan.

There are just a few totally different themes accessible for the digital instrument cluster, and they are often chosen or hooked as much as what drive mode you’re in. My favorite is the Sport look because it fits the nice and cozy hatch character of the automotive.

There are additionally a spread of informative pages that may be cycled by means of, although it might be good to have extra with a digital speedometer readout exhibiting.

Transferring throughout, the N Line Premium will get a bigger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that after once more is a standard unit discovered in lots of Hyundai fashions.

Its show is brilliant and seems to supply sufficient processing energy, plus the person interface is simple to work together with. It’s onerous to get misplaced within the menus, and even if you happen to do there are a number of touch-sensitive shortcut buttons underneath the steering wheel that may take you on to key features.

A quirk of this bigger display is it nonetheless solely affords wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Unusually, the smaller 8.0-inch touchscreen within the base N Line affords solely wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

With my iPhone 15 Professional Max hooked as much as the USB-A port I didn’t expertise any dropouts by any means. It’s unusual for autos with wired Apple CarPlay to have dropouts, and when it occurs it’s often as a result of cable you’re utilizing.

Given this automotive has satellite tv for pc navigation, it additionally picks up Hyundai’s Bluelink linked automotive providers. This brings options akin to linked routing, voice management, climate forecast info, calendar integration, Valet Mode, and SOS emergency calling. There are additionally a spread of distant features accessible by means of the cellphone app.

Despite the fact that the automotive solely has wired smartphone mirroring, it’s good that it additionally has a wi-fi cellphone charger. The one factor inconvenient about it’s its location, because it’s the place you need to put your cellphone when plugged in.

Though the i30 Hatch has been up to date quite a few occasions now, its general inside design dates again to 2016. A telltale of that’s the dual-zone local weather management setup, which now seems to be dated however fortunately has bodily buttons and dials.

Look across the cabin and there are a whole lot of black finishes, making it really feel a little bit darkish and drab. Certain, there are some purple highlights scattered about, together with on the chunky leather-wrapped gear selector, but it surely’s not fairly sufficient to raise the atmosphere. Fortunately, there’s a panoramic glass sunroof which makes the cabin really feel airier.

By way of storage up entrance, it’s fairly satisfactory, however not standout. The 2 cupholders on the centre console are decently sized, however they don’t have enamel, that means cups aren’t secured in properly. Past that, the centre console field and glovebox are of satisfactory measurement, and there are door pockets giant sufficient for a water bottle. Fairly commonplace stuff.

Transferring to the second row, it’s apparent Hyundai prioritises the consolation of these within the entrance seats. At a leggy 182cm, I didn’t have a lot house in any respect, which isn’t unusual in small hatches like this. In reality, it’s fairly just like what’s on supply within the Mazda 3 and Toyota Corolla hatches.

I needed to splay my legs on both facet of the entrance seat to suit my legs in. Fortunately, toe room is ok and each head and shoulder room are additionally good.

Two folks can match within the second row with a good quantity of consolation, although pushing it to 3 will make it a little bit too tight. It’s a greater house for smaller adults or youngsters.

Talking of children, the i30 Hatch vary comes with ISOFIX little one seat anchor factors for the 2 outboard seats, plus top-tether factors for all three rear seats.

Second-row facilities fortunately embrace air vents which might be mounted on the again of the centre console, plus USB-C ports and an armrest with cupholders.

Across the again there’s a lightweight tailgate which is tremendous straightforward to open and shut. A hands-free energy tailgate could be helpful if you happen to’ve received stuff in your palms, however no car on this section at this value level has this type of characteristic.

The boot house on supply is fairly good, however that is partially as a result of there’s no spare wheel underneath the boot flooring. The explanation for it is because the 48V battery for the mild-hybrid system is the place the spare wheel would usually go.

Though for many individuals this gained’t be a fear, having no spare wheel is a deal-breaker for a lot of, particularly those that journey on rural roads away from tyre restore retailers.

The one factor that may assist you if you’ve received a puncture is a tyre restore package, which is nowhere close to as dependable as a correct spare wheel and doesn’t all the time repair a puncture.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparison tool

What’s underneath the bonnet?

The i30 Hatch N Line Premium is now powered by a smaller 1.5-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. Energy and torque outputs are each down in comparison with the pre-update mannequin.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparison tool

How does the Hyundai i30 drive?

Beginning up the i30 Hatch N Line, there’s a stunning engine rev flare for a quick second, earlier than the downsized turbo 4 settles right into a easy idle.

The automotive all the time defaults to the ‘Eco’ drive mode, which is a little bit irritating, as a result of except you want driving round on this mode or all the time choose most effectivity, it’s essential click on a button to alter it to both ‘Regular’ or ‘Sport’ each time you drive the automotive. Fortunately this button is situated proper subsequent to the gear selector.

Setting off in Regular, development is ample and just like the Mk7.5 Golf 110TSI with its dual-clutch transmission. It doesn’t really feel prefer it desires to speed up shortly from a standstill and can all the time attempt to shift as much as the following gear as quickly as attainable to cut back gasoline consumption.

Should you partake within the visitors mild grand prix, different automobiles will sometimes get away from you, which isn’t nice given this automotive used to have heat hatch qualities. It doesn’t really feel prefer it desires to be pushed more durable with regards to asking for sufficient acceleration to maintain up with different automobiles. It could actually do it, but it surely feels such as you’re pulling enamel.

That’s except you’re within the Sport setting, which makes the i30 faster however nonetheless hold the revs down low, the place it could lean on the additional low-down torque and minimise gasoline consumption, even when my common economic system determine was greater than what Hyundai claims.

The seven-speed dual-clutch computerized transmission (DCT) responds naturally throughout takeoffs and in low-speed city visitors, flaring the revs when wanted to make sure acceleration is easy. This isn’t all the time the case with DCT-equipped autos, particularly ones with dry clutches, which might typically really feel clunky.

This smoother takeoff feeling is helped additional by the 48V mild-hybrid system, which irons out inherent dual-clutch quibbles and hesitations much more.

One other operate the mild-hybrid system permits is smoother and extended engine idle cease/begin operation, due to the built-in belt-driven starter motor and 48V battery pack. Though these sorts of methods are controversial, as evidenced in our feedback part, after they work in addition to this one in observe they’re nowhere close to as intrusive as you’d suppose.

Within the Regular drive mode the engine turns off at round 25km/h when coasting to a cease, which is a weird sensation at first, however you slowly get used to it.

There have been events when I discovered it onerous to evaluate when the automotive would come to a cease, and I’d incrementally let off the brake pedal to sluggish my price of deceleration, which might then fireplace the engine again up earlier than I got here to an entire cease.

Throughout these moments there would even be a faint clunk heard within the cabin, presumably when the automotive’s transmission slots again into first gear. You may solely actually hear it as a result of there’s no engine noise to drown it out.

Within the Eco drive mode, the fuel-saving impact goes into overdrive. At greater speeds the automotive places itself right into a coasting mode the place it shifts into impartial and lets the engine idle to avoid wasting gasoline.

It is a frequent characteristic in European autos, however it could take you unexpectedly as a result of lack of engine braking. The automotive’s pace can get away from you extra shortly than you’d anticipate downhill, although fortunately you may get it to ditch the coasting mode by both touching the brake or accelerator.

Though the engine now not has the outright punch to make it really feel like a heat hatch, the automotive continues to be a whole lot of enjoyable to toss round within the metropolis. Certain there’s a little bit of street noise and tyre roar at low speeds, however the steering is properly weighted.

Just like the pre-update model, the N Line’s suspension setup is on the firmer facet, but it surely’s by no means uncomfortable.

As commonplace, there are entrance and rear parking sensors, plus a reversing digicam. For over $40,000, I’d additionally anticipate a surround-view digicam nowadays.

Increase pace, the automotive has ample energy and nonetheless has sufficient torque to stop it from dropping a bunch of gears to speed up at a good tempo. Even at freeway speeds the revs are stored low, which helps minimise gasoline consumption.

It’s truly a cushty tourer, although the big 18-inch alloy wheels with low-profile tyres don’t fare nicely over harsh bumps, sending a whole lot of power into the cabin. There’s additionally a good bit of wind and street noise, which is fairly frequent with European hatches and a additionally grievance of the pre-update mannequin.

On the security entrance, the adaptive cruise management is sweet at holding a constant distance between you and the automotive forward. It does what it ought to and doesn’t slam on the brakes overzealously when a automotive cuts in entrance of you both.

Regardless of this, the lane-keep help system goes off fairly incessantly, which could be intrusive as a result of it vibrates and jerks on the steering wheel. Like a variety of different Hyundai/Kia autos, it will get probably the most confused with freeway off-ramps.

The lane-centring system can also be hands-on with the steering. It’s greatest left for clearly marked highways and freeways, as it could get confused on poorly marked roads and at low speeds.

Lastly, probably the most annoying security characteristic is the Clever Velocity Restrict Help system. It sounds a single chime when a brand new posted pace restrict is detected, after which one other chime if you journey at the very least 2km/h over the restrict.

The explanation it’s so irritating is as a result of the chime is annoyingly loud and the system is usually incorrect, and defaults to on each time you activate the automotive.

Not like different Hyundai/Kia autos, the i30 Hatch nonetheless doesn’t have a simple method to flip the pace restrict help system off. As a substitute, it’s essential both dive deep right into a menu in to touchscreen, or use a shortcut button on the steering wheel to take you on to the particular menu. Both method, you continue to have to work together with the touchscreen.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparison tool

What do you get?

On check right here is the i30 Hatch N Line Premium, which is the top-spec variant of the core hatchback vary (excluding the high-performance N variants).

2025 Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line gear highlights:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Proximity entry with push-button begin
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Automated LED headlights
• Automated high-beam
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 3 x USB-C retailers
• Wi-fi cellphone charger
• Leather-based and suede upholstery
• 4-way energy driver’s lumbar
• Driver seat cushion extension
• Leather-based-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
• Twin-zone local weather management

i30 Hatch N Line Premium provides:

• Panoramic sunroof
• 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• Over-the-air software program replace functionality
• Satellite tv for pc navigation
• Wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• 12-way energy driver’s seat with two-person reminiscence
• Heated and ventilated entrance seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Bluelink linked automotive providers

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparison tool

Is the Hyundai i30 secure?

The Hyundai i30 Hatch did have a five-star ANCAP ranking, but it surely expired in December 2024, that means it’s now unrated.

Testing was carried out in 2017 underneath totally different evaluation parameters. It scored 14.01 out of 16 for entrance offset collision safety, 16 out of 16 for facet influence safety, two out of two for pole influence safety, and three out of three for seat belt reminders.

It scored ‘good’ for whiplash safety and ‘acceptable’ for pedestrian safety, contributing to an general rating of 35.01 out of 37.

Commonplace security gear contains:

• Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
• Autonomous emergency braking
  • Junction help
  • Pedestrian detection
  • Bicycle owner detection
  • Car detection
• Blind-spot help
• Driver consideration warning
• Clever pace restrict help
• Lane hold help
• Lane Following Help (lane centring)
• Rear occupant alert
• Rear cross-traffic help

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up against it rivals, use our comparison tool

How a lot does the Hyundai i30 value to run?

Hyundai backs its autos with a five-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.

The i30 is roofed by Hyundai’s ‘lifetime service plan’, which outlines the prices of every service for the primary 21 years or 210,000km.

Hyundai additionally affords a free service at 1.8 months or 1500km of possession. Service intervals are the identical because the outgoing turbocharged i30 Hatch N Line, although they’re shorter than the Corolla’s 12-month/15,000km upkeep gaps.

To see how the Hyundai i30 stacks up towards it rivals, use our comparison tool

CarExpert’s Tackle the Hyundai i30

I didn’t anticipate the third-generation i30 Hatch to stay round for so long as it has, however I’m glad Hyundai continues to be providing a rival for the likes of the Corolla, Mazda 3 and Golf.

This newest facelift for the i30 Hatch N Line is well-needed. It brings more energizing seems to be, and extra up-to-date know-how, whereas retaining the enjoyable driving dynamics of the mannequin it replaces.

The brand new 1.5-litre mild-hybrid turbo-petrol engine feels very European by way of its operation, but it surely prioritises effectivity an excessive amount of. And but my as-tested gasoline consumption determine was nonetheless a lot greater than the declare.

It’s additionally disappointing as a result of the mild-hybrid engine doesn’t supply the identical quantity of heat hatch-like energy because the pre-update mannequin’s non-electrified 1.6-litre turbo 4.

What hurts much more is how a lot the asking value has gone up by. The i30 Hatch N Line Premium particularly is now round $4000 costlier than earlier than, and crosses the $40k threshold. You can purchase a full-fat i30 N for that type of cash not so way back.

However if you put this within the context of how a lot the costs of some rivals have additionally gone up lately, it’s sadly not overpriced in its section. The highest-spec Corolla ZR Hybrid hatch is $40,260 earlier than on-roads, and the Golf R-Line is $42,290 earlier than on-roads.

One of many few reasonably priced heat hatches left is the Kia Cerato GT, which relies on the pre-update i30 Hatch N Line and is at the moment priced from $36,860 earlier than on-roads. The catch is it’s very shortly going to get replaced by the Kia K4.

It’s unhappy that Hyundai now not affords mainstream (non-N or N Line) variations of the i30 Hatch. These have been arguably the candy spot of the pre-update vary, particularly from a worth perspective.

That’s unlikely to alter, however if you happen to do desire a much less sporty or luxurious i30 there’s all the time the i30 Sedan, and if you happen to’re available in the market for a small premium hatch that doesn’t value the earth, the i30 Hatch N Line Premium Premium continues to be top-of-the-line.

All in favour of shopping for a Hyundai i30? Get in contact with one in all CarExpert’s trusted sellers here

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