2017 Hyundai i30 Se Nav Review

Driven: 2017 Hyundai i30 SE Nav Review

I put the 2017 Hyundai i30 to the test for one week. It was a pleasure to drive. Here are my thoughts on the car.

What’s the Hyundai i30 SE Nav all about?

Meet the all new Hyundai i30 for 2017. It’s a reasonably sized hatchback with lots of advantages. This particular machine has received the latest Hyundai styling DNA. It’s what they are calling a timeless design. My first impressions of the styling of the new car were great. I really like the new look for the i30 and it really reminds me of the Mercedes A-Class. So, that’s a great compliment for this car.

This model is the 5 door SE Nav. You’re getting the full package, equipped with 17-inch alloy wheels and dual zone climate control. Add that to the automatic windscreen wipers and headlights and electrically folding door mirrors. This model also provides you with an 8″ touch screen satellite navigation system and a rear view parking camera. So you are getting a fair bit of kit for your cash.

It’s so much more premium and mature compared to the last few generations of the Hyundai i30. The car looks and feels solid from a build quality perspective. Even the simple act of shutting the doors just feels nicer than the previous models.

The new Hyundai i30 is powered by a 3 cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine that creates 120 PS and 171 Nm of torque. This power goes to the front wheels using a 6 speed manual gearbox. It gets from 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds and reaches a top speed of 118 mph. It might be a little engine, but don’t underestimate it. It’s very efficient and more than capable of achieving a combined fuel efficiency figure of 56 mpg. So, it will create only 115g of CO2 per km.

How does it drive?

I was excited to see what this 3 cylinder, 1.0-litre petrol engine was like in the 2017 Hyundai i30. To be honest with you, I was initially a little disappointed with the level of power supplied by the engine. Nevertheless, I soon adjusted. The little engine relies on the turbo for its power, so get the turbo spinning and you can have plenty of fun with this car. For the day to day journeys, the 120 PS has more than enough power for getting you from A to B. Needless to say though, you’re going to need more power when you have 5 people in the car or a heavier load in the boot.

The 1.0-litre engine made for a nice, relaxing drive in this 2017 Hyundai i30 because of the limited power on hand I felt like I was smoothing out my entire trip in the car. The 6 speed manual gearbox works very nicely and it is matched well to the 1.0-litre engine with short ratios.

The Flex Steer option is no more with the 2017 Hyundai i30. But fear not, Hyundai created this model with a fixed weight, which is absolutely bang on. The steering feel is perfect for the car too, both for parking and enjoying the country road. Manufacturers say the new setup is 10% more direct and the vehicle response is 15 milliseconds faster.

Trust me when I say you’re sure to feel extra safe in this car. The 2017 Hyundai i30 includes Autonomous Emergency Braking, Driver Attention Alert and Blind Spot Detection. The list continues with Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System and High Beam Assist. It’s safe to say that twenty-first century technology will seriously assist you here. It might even help to reduce crashes, save lives in the long run and allow for more cars to be on the road.

What’s it like inside?

The interior of this model is definitely a comfortable place to be.  The driver’s instruments are very bright and good looking with added white lights illuminating both of the main dials. You can change the centre screen to display information about the trip metrics about the car. Plus, it allows you to keep a close eye on those mpg figures.

The infotainment system in the SE Nav features an 8″ display. This beats the lower spec models that come with a 5″ version. The touch screen graphical interface is very modern. It’s simple to use, extremely sensitive to touch and lightening fast to operate. The entertainment system includes radio, CD, USB, Bluetooth streaming, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and of course Sat Nav. The nav system comes with a 7 year free subscription to LIVE services. This gives you access to information on the weather, traffic, speed cameras and online searches for points of interest.

The integrated wireless phone charger is a massive bonus. It’s nicely placed in the central console where you would typically drop your phone. It’s a genius and convenient addition to the car as it’s one of the first for cars in this segment at mid trim level.

The Experience

The experience is like no other. The 2017 Hyundai i30 SE Nav is a friendly and efficient drive. When you get behind the wheel, you know it’s a smart buy. Plus, you’re going to be saving money at the pumps. The positives continue. The steering feel is perfect so the short shifts mean you will constantly be going through the gears, setting you up for an engaging, fun drive.

Verdict

The latest 2017 Hyundai i30 has taken unbelievable steps forward with their new car. It’s hard to believe that this is still considered an affordable hatchback because it comes fully kitted out. For Hyundai as a UK motoring brand, this may mean a rapid increase in their reputation. For you, this means a very pleasant surprise when you realise you can get a lot of car for the money. If you are looking for something faster the i30N is available.

Highlight Video

Specification

Hyundai i30 Sport Nav

  • Price: From £19,805
  • Engine: 1.0-Litre T-GDi
  • Power: 120 PS 
  • Torque: 171 Nm
  • Transmission: 6-Speed Manual
  • 0-62mph: 11.1 Seconds
  • Top speed: 118 mph
  • Weight: 1,194kg
  • Economy combined: 56 mpg
  • CO2: 115 g/km

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Author: Paul Hadley