The Hyundai i30 Tourer adds better practicality levels to the successful hatchback. Has it changed the way it drives? Aidan Rennie-Jones finds out.
The Hyundai i30 Tourer is a more practical estate version of the hatchback – a car that's sold nearly a million units since launch 10 years ago.
It looks very similar to the hatch at the front end with sleek lines and plenty of chrome, especially in Premium or Premium SE. The back is particularly smart, with hatch looks and estate practicality and more stylish than many direct rivals.
What's new?
The exterior is fresh and modern and, inside, it's a breath of fresh air over the old model. A large infotainment system in the centre of the fascia means minimal buttons and no cluttered appearance.
The engines are similar in terms of choice of diesel and petrol but more frugal.
Under the bonnet
Several engines to choose from, including 110 and 136PS 1.6-litre turbo diesel and 120PS 1.0-litre and 140PS 1.4-litre turbo petrol.
The diesels are the most fuel-efficient, especially the lesser-powered version, with 74.3mpg combined and 99g/km of CO2.
How it drives
Refined and comfortable, it lacks excitement.
It's a family-friendly estate car but doesn't give the driver much feedback about the road. The 110PS diesel also feels a bit sluggish so you might want to opt for the more powerful version.
How it looks
The all-new i30 Tourer is a good-looking car with curvy styling, sharp angled headlamps and an aesthetically pleasing dropped curve to the window line.
The badge may not be the most desirable but this Hyundai really has appeal with its smart looks standing out a bit more than the hatchback.
What's it like inside?
Super-comfortable seats and lots of nice soft-touch plastics but, alhough most of the plastics feel fine, the lower you feel the cheaper it gets.
Overall, it's a nice place to be and feels well screwed together, with convenient cubbyholes to store bottles of water, bags of sweets and mobile phones.
The vast 602-litre boot grows to 1,650 litres with the 60/40 rear seat backs folded flat.
Equipment
Premium trim comes with a very intuitive infotainment system including sat-nav, electric driver's seat, sporty alloy wheels, LED headlamps, DAB radio and 17in alloy wheels to name a few.
For leather upholstery and a panoramic roof, you have to upgrade to Premium SE.
Final say
It may not be inspiring to drive but it's aimed at families and for that role it's perfect with a huge boot and a plethora of cubbyholes throughout the cabin and under the boot floor. As family wagons go, this is a decent alternative to more established marques.
SPEC AND TECH
Price: Hyundai i30 Tourer 1.6 CRDi 110PS Premium £23,065 (range £17,495 to £25,785)
Engine: 1,582cc, 110PS, four-cylinder turbo diesel
Performance: 0-62mph 11.3 seconds; top speed 117mph
MPG: 74.3 combined
CO2 emissions: 99g/km
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