You could be forgiven for not having the Hyundai i30 on your shortlist for a second-hand family hatchback. After all, it’s a dull-looking car that you’ve probably never heard of. Before you dismiss it, though, you may be interested to know that in a recent customer satisfaction survey of 23,000 drivers, i30 owners emerged as the happiest on the road — leaving Jaguar, VW, Mercedes and the rest trailing.

It seems the i30 does everything owners expect of a family hatchback, and more. As evidence, take the inclusion of an auxiliary socket and USB port for your MP3 player — standard on every model — or how about a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty? Then there’s the car’s aggressive pricing, which makes the i30 typically cost £2,000 less than a comparable Renault Megane — even though the latter suffers much worse depreciation.

Hyundai has kept costs competitive by sharing the i30’s platform, engines and transmission with the Cee’d model from its sister company Kia, but the i30 does not scrimp on equipment. All models have air-conditioning, electric front windows, CD player, front, side and curtain airbags and traction control. Entry-level Comfort and mid-grade Style models are the most popular; the top-spec Premium has leather trim.

The i30 was launched with 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines (of 108bhp and 124bhp) and 1.6 and 2-litre diesels of 113bhp and 138bhp. Not one is a duffer; the petrol engines are particularly free-revving, quiet and economical. Both diesels are smooth and surprisingly quiet, even when cold, and offer the bonus of 60mpg economy.

On the road the i30 is a revelation: not only is it nimble, but it rides pleasantly. The steering is well weighted, visibility is excellent and the gear change is easy. The diesels make particularly relaxed motorway cruisers. Overall, the i30 shames established rivals with its balance of comfort and surefootedness.

A clear fascia, comfortable seats, good rear legroom and a 340-litre boot complete the appeal. The i30 may not have been on your radar, but if you’re after a used hatchback it should be now.

NEED TO KNOW

Airbags All models have front, side and curtain airbags. Front passenger airbag can be deactivated to accommodate a child seat

Bumpers Body-coloured bumpers show up any damage; parking sensors are standard only on Premium models

Diesel economy 90bhp 1.6-litre eco-diesel introduced in 2009 produces just 119g/km of CO2

Engines Don’t need costly cambelt changes

Gearbox Automatic gearbox available on 1.6 petrol and diesel models

Safety A five-star score for adult occupancy and four stars for child safety in Euro NCAP crash testing

Wheels The larger 17in wheels of Premium models compromise ride quality. A space-saver spare is standard on all models.

RELIABILITY AND SERVICING

Hyundai’s generous warranty is a hit, as buyers are keen on the idea of avoiding unexpected bills in their car’s fourth and fifth year. But you should check that a used car’s warranty is still valid, as it is dependent on the car having been serviced to the maker’s schedule, in this case every 12 months or 12,500 miles, whichever is sooner. A Hyundai dealer can check this if you give the registration number.

RESIDUALS

Reliability, generous equipment levels and the five-year warranty make the i30 highly sought after, and consequently there are few used bargains. But its enduring popularity means you will get a good price when you come to sell it on, especially if it has any of its warranty remaining.

THE ONE TO BUY

2008 08-registered Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Comfort with 10,000 miles and full service history. Pay £10,350 at a Hyundai dealer or £9,500 privately

OR FOR SIMILAR MONEY

2009 09 Mazda3 1.6D Takara
2008 58 Ford Focus 1.6 TDCi Style
2008 58 Vauxhall Astra 1.9 CDTi Design
2008 57 Toyota Auris 1.4D-4D T3
2006 56 VW Golf 1.9 TDI Match

 

 © Bumper Media Limited May 2010