Photo: Supplied.
BY JOHN VANDERMAAT
At first sight, the Hyundai i30 Sedan looks noticeably different from many other vehicles on the road today. As a sailor, I generally prefer smoother lines and softer chines; however, I was genuinely impressed by the distinctive straight lines and wedge-shaped styling of the i30 Sedan. While the exterior design gives the impression of a compact sedan, it actually delivers the space and comfort of a very roomy family car with good visibility all round. There is ample room in both the front and rear seats, along with a very generous boot – particularly impressive given that it accommodates a full-size spare wheel.
Having had the opportunity to test-drive the Premium edition of this model, I enjoyed its well-appointed cabin. Highlights include an electronic sunroof, leather-appointed seats, a steering wheel and gear shift, and a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory function. The 10.25-inch capacitive touchscreen, with a blue light filter and split-screen functionality, provides access to an intuitive, easy-to-navigate multimedia system. With four instrument cluster display themes to choose from, it is simple to customise the dashboard to suit individual preferences.
Driving the i30 Sedan was a real pleasure. I consistently felt connected to the road and was more than satisfied with the performance delivered by the 2.0-litre petrol engine. With four drive modes available, selecting the most appropriate setup for current driving conditions is straightforward. The mode selection is far from cosmetic – you genuinely notice the differences between settings. While the car performs very well in Eco, Smart, and Normal modes, engaging Sport mode delivers a distinctly sharper and more responsive driving experience.
The safety features in this model were easy to use and extremely helpful. The cameras that provide blind-spot views when changing lanes, along with the on-dash display indicating nearby vehicles, significantly enhance driver awareness and contribute to safer driving.
I greatly appreciated the opportunity to test drive the Hyundai i30 Sedan Premium over several days. It offers the safety, comfort, convenience, and reassurance expected of a modern vehicle, while remaining approachable and enjoyable to drive.
Thank you to Bartons for supplying the Hyundai i30 for review.
