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Used Hyundai i30 (2011-2016)

Something a little different than the normal family hatchback, the Hyundai i30 scores well against the textbook hatches

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i30 Second Gen Front Side

Want a family car but don't really fancy the usual textbook family hatchbacks on offer? The second-generation Hyundai i30 could well be a fine used car alternative for you.

On sale between 2011 and 2016, the second-generation i30 can now be had for a very attractive used price, but could it tempt you away from the likes of the Vauxhall Astra and Ford Focus?

On first impressions, the Hyundai i30 offers:

  • Alternative looks
  • A big boot
  • 3-door, 5-door and estate availability
  • A 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating
  • Good equipment levels

To find out if the second-generation i30 is the right used family hatchback for you, read on below.

Engines and Driving Experience

i30 Second Gen Side

Launched in 2011, the second-generation Hyundai i30 has a choice of engines familiar with this era of hatch, so expect to find 1.4-litre and larger 1.6-litre petrol engines, joined by some rather economical diesel alternatives, which are also 1.6-litres in size.

These engines are not going to get pulses racing, with their 0 to 62mph times all taking between 10 and 12 seconds. On the plus side, 40mpg is possible in the petrol versions and over 70mpg possible in the diesels, ensuring the i30 is a family hatch designed to keep money in your pocket rather than coming out the back of the exhaust.

Overall the i30 is easy to drive and will suit most drivers getting behind the wheel. It won't impress keen drivers, but then those will probably be looking at something more tasty, such as a VW Golf GTI.

This particular i30 has something called Flex Steer, which allows the driver to alter the weight of the steering, meaning you can configure the i30 steering feel to your exact preferences.

Practicality and Running Costs

i30 Second Gen Press

As mentioned, the i30 is going to be fairly easy to run, with circa 40mpg possible from the petrol versions and 70mpg in the diesels. Being a Hyundai, servicing should be straight forward and can be completed at any Evans Halshaw Hyundai retailer.

As for practicality, the i30 is rather good in that respect. Available as a 5-door, 3-door and even an estate (the 5-door is the most common variant), the i30 flaunts varying levels of practicality.

Sticking with the more commonly found 5-door hatch, plenty of room can be found in the cabin, with complementing space for all your stuff. Big door bins, a cooled glovebox and cubbyholes in the centre console are all a nice plus.

A massive 378-litre boot is offered with the i30, meaning it's almost on par with the excellent VW Golf (380 litres) and offers more than the equivalent aged Ford Focus (316 litres).

Interior, Technology and Safety

i30 Second Gen Interior

Despite first appearing in 2011, the second-generation i30's interior is still up to the job of feeling decent, even today.

High-quality soft-touch materials give the i30 an upmarket feel, and with Hyundai models of this era using blue lighting on their dials and screens, the interior has held up rather well.

Entry-level S models are predictably sparse, but as this is a Hyundai you do get a bit more than other manufacturer's entry-level models, so there's a multi-function steering wheel, Bluetooth and air-conditioning.

We'd recommend the SE, which is the one above the entry-level S and gets more sought-after essentials like cruise control and rear parking sensors - along with the Flex Steer function mentioned previously. SE Nav models add in a smart touchscreen sat-nav system, which makes the cabin look way more current.

A five-star Euro NCAP safety rating is also a nice bonus, thanks to features such as:

  • Six airbags
  • Anti-lock brakes
  • Hill-start assist

Is the Hyundai i30 right for me?

The second-generation Hyundai i30 is a great choice for those looking for an outside the box answer to the family hatchback.

With varying body styles, and space to match titans in this market, such as the VW Golf, the i30 proves it could well be the smart buy, as it costs less than the VW, which is renowned for holding value rather well.

It also offers more space than the popular Ford Focus. With a smart cabin, especially on SE Nav models and above, the i30 shouldn't be overlooked if you are in the market for a dependable used family hatchback.

Why buy a used Hyundai i30 through Evans Halshaw?

Find your ideal used car with Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw, we have a variety of used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it's inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.

All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we're able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.

We're also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.

If you'd like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you've spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw dealership, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.