Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid 2024 Review

By Bruce Newton, carsales.com.au

Hybrids are a great way to reduce running costs without compromising performance and everyday useability. Toyota has long been a pioneer for petrol-electric powertrains, and now Hyundai is following in its wheel tracks with an expanded range of fuel-sipping alternatives, which now includes the updated 2024 i30 Sedan.

Positioned between the standard models that have a conventional 2.0-litre petrol engine and the high-performance i30 Sedan N, the Hybrid features a unique 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder paired to an electric motor and is offered in three model grades.

But there’s more to it than just that. Let’s find out more…

How much does the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid cost?

Although Hyundai Australia has confirmed the i30 Sedan Hybrid will be available in three model grades – standard, Elite and Premium – only the entry-level version is currently available as the mid-grade and flagship versions are yet to begin production in South Korea. They will start arriving in local showrooms later this year.

For now, the i30 Sedan Hybrid costs $33,000 plus on-roads, which equates to a $4000 premium over the equivalent non-hybrid entry model. It is expected that Elite and Premium models will have the same price difference between Hybrid and regular models when they arrive.

Hyundai is also hoping to add sporty N-Line trim options to the i30 Sedan Hybrid at some point as well.

The i30 Sedan Hybrid’s most direct competitor is the Toyota Corolla hybrid sedan, which starts at $32,320 (plus ORCs) for the Ascent Sport. Other key small sedans are the Kia Cerato and Mazda3, although neither is available with hybrid power.

What equipment comes with the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid?

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid arrives in line with a facelift across the entire model range with a new exterior look that features a revised front-end, which now has a split grille and becomes sleeker.

Otherwise, the low and angular fastback exterior is fundamentally retained.

Standard equipment for this model includes 16-inch alloy wheels and a space-saver spare tyre (i30 2.0 gets a full-size spare), leather trim for the steering wheel and gear knob, cloth seats, an electronic park brake, dual-zone climate control with rear vents and rain-sensing wipers (the latter two are items the i30 2.0 misses out on).

There are five exterior paint colour choices, of which Atlas White is the only one that won’t cost you an extra $595.

The Elite and Premium models add a host of key features, including smart key remote access and push-button start, ambient mood lighting, leather seat trim, power and memory for the driver’s seat, heating and ventilation for the front seats, a heated steering wheel, a glass sunroof and even extendable sun visors (very handy when the sun is low in the sky and blazing through the side window).

The i30 Sedan Hybrid comes with a five-year/unlimited-km warranty, a minimum 12 months of roadside assistance and 12-month/15,000km service intervals. The first five visits to the workshop currently average out at $430 each under Hyundai’s capped price servicing program. You can prepay for five years to lock that price in or take your chances there won’t be increases over time.

What technology does the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid feature?

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid comes with a familiar 8.0-inch infotainment screen and 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster. While other models get upgraded tech and the Bluelink app, the base model misses out.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be connected wirelessly or via cable. A larger wireless smartphone charging pad is included, there are now front and rear USB-C outlets (as well as a USB-A up-front), and audio is broadcast via a six-speaker system.

AM and FM radio are included, but there is no digital radio, embedded sat-nav or ‘Sounds of Nature’ elevator muzak.

Higher-spec models will get a 10.25-inch infotainment screen and 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

What is the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid like inside?

The interior of the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid continues the fuss-free persona of its predecessor. It’s not very flashy but feels well-built and workmanlike in its presentation.

Importantly, it’s quite spacious inside thanks to the car’s overall 4710mm length and 1825mm width. That’s nearly 100mm longer than a Toyota RAV4 mid-size SUV and only 30mm narrower.

The driver sits behind a steering wheel with reach and rake adjustment and there is manual height-adjust on the seat to help get comfy. The steering wheel gets four horizontal spokes, which is a bit of an unusual look, and there are no gearchange paddles on this or any non-N Line/N i30 model.

Instead, manual changes can be performed via the T-bar auto but seem of limited use. The same could be said of rotating the drive modes through eco, normal, sport and smart, as the impact on the powertrain was limited and the suspension is passive.

Infotainment controls are basic and familiar Hyundai stuff, with physical buttons for audio and the climate control. If you’re a bit of a luddite (like me), then this car is easy to understand and operate.

Storage options include reasonably sized door pockets, dual cup holders and a lidded bin in the centre console, and a big glovebox with a large owner’s manual. Both vanity mirrors in the sun visors have lighting. There’s also a sizeable grab handle for the passenger on the centre console (or is it just there for styling?).

Rear-seat access is easy via wide-opening doors, which presents a bench seat with a truly impressive amount of leg, elbow, and headroom (despite the fastback roof) for two 180cm-plus passengers. Even with a 180cm driver comfortably in place, the rear-seat passenger won’t be compromised.

Offered in the rear are two USB-C points, air-con vents adjustable for direction and force, small door pockets and a fold-down armrest with dual cup holders. But there is only one map pocket (on the passenger seat).

The boot is sizable at 474 litres and the rear seat splits/folds flat to create plenty more space. Annoyingly though, there is no opening button on the boot lid – you access it via the key fob or the lever next to the driver’s seat.

There are no storage cubbies or nets in the boot to stop small items rolling around either, while the boot lid hinges are goosenecks that intrude into the space.

How safe is the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid?

Like the original model that first launched in 2020, the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid arrives without an ANCAP safety rating and is unlikely to ever have one.

That’s because ANCAP hasn’t tested the i30 sedan and there is no data available from its European partner NCAP as it’s not sold there.

That omission aside – and it means many fleet buyers have already scratched this car off their lists – the i30 Sedan Hybrid has a reasonable safety equipment list.

This is led by Hyundai’s SmartSense suite of driver-assistance features that includes autonomous emergency braking (AEB) – which can now detect motorcyclists and direct oncoming traffic – adaptive cruise control with stop & go, lane follow and keeping assist, intelligent speed limit assist and driver attention monitoring.

Other safety items include six airbags, a rear-view monitor, front and rear parking sensors, tyre pressure monitoring, rear occupant alert, three child seat top tethers, two ISOFIX restraints and LED headlights with dusk sensing.

However, the base model does miss out on blind spot collision avoidance, safe exit warning, rear cross traffic alert and avoidance, parking collision avoidance and an auto-dimming electro chromatic interior mirror.

The entry-level i30 Sedan Hybrid also misses out on the Bluelink connected car app, which has automatic collision notification and emergency SOS call, as well as a bundle of convenience features including remote lock/unlock.

What powers the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid?

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid combines a 1.6-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with a low-capacity electric motor and a tiny 1.32kWh lithium-ion polymer battery.

The engine and motor produce combined maximum outputs of 104kW and 265Nm and drive the front wheels via a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

The powertrain can run solely as an electric vehicle at low speeds if there is charge in the battery, as a petrol-only vehicle at higher speed and links the two motors together in most circumstances.

This is done without input from the driver. Unlike Toyota hybrids, there is no dedicated EV button allowing the driver to make the choice to run solely on electricity (although the request is often rejected because of lack of battery charge or speed).

How fuel-efficient is the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid?

With its fuel-saving electric assistance doing its part, the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid has a claimed average consumption of just 3.9L/100km on 91 RON petrol, matching the equivalent Toyota Corolla hybrid sedan.

On a two-hour drive program that spent a lot of time cruising in the country near Albury/Wodonga, the i30 averaged 4.3L/100km according to its trip computer. That’s pretty good.

But let’s crunch some real numbers. Assuming a 2.0-litre i30 can achieve its claimed 6.0L/100km (unlikely), the hybrid averaging 4.3L/100km and 91 RON costing $1.90 (yeah, I know, it’s a guestimate), then, at an average 15,000km per year for each car, it would take more than eight years to reclaim the price difference between the petrol and Hybrid versions.

If you increase the 2.0’s consumption average to (a more realistic) 7.0L/100km and the Hybrid’s premium would still take more than six years to recover. Of course, rising petrol costs (not a wild prediction) would also work in the hybrid’s favour.

But yes, there are more holes in these calculations than a Swiss Cheese.

Of course, finances aside, you will be puffing out tonnes less CO2 over time with the Hybrid.

Being an orthodox hybrid, the i30 sedan cannot have its battery recharged by plugging in. It accrues charge regeneratively when lifting off the throttle or braking.

What is the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid like to drive?

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid delivers a totally a fuss-free experience.

For starters, there is nothing complicated about the user experience, unlike a plug-in hybrid or dedicated electric vehicle. The computers do all the work in blending how the petrol and electric motors operate and there is no requirement for recharging – simply re-fill the petrol tank at a service station and you’re back on the road.

The good news here is the electric motor fills in a shortage of low-speed torque from the petrol engine, meaning tip-in throttle acceleration is solid. Again, it’s a step-up on the 2.0-litre/CVT combo in the standard i30.

We know from previous experience with hybrids that performance is significantly curtailed when the battery runs out and the electric motor isn’t available. But that didn’t happen during our drive and, even when depleted, the little battery will quickly start recharging and contributing again.

On the move, the powertrain and transmission combine for efficient and smooth progress. It’s only challenged when sharp climbs and/or hairpins are thrown into the mix that there is some unruly revving and gear hunting.

Its well-calibrated traction control keeps the front wheels from spinning and there’s no sign of steering tug or rack rattle.

Another key element that makes the i30 Hybrid nicer to drive than the standard models is the upgrade to a multi-link rear suspension set-up.

The non-Hybrid models (except for the high-performance N) have a regular torsion beam, which doesn’t offer the same level of control, compliance, and overall comfort – especially if the dampers haven’t been tuned to suit local road conditions.

So, it’s a good move and one that contributes to the i30 Sedan Hybrid having a comfortable ride at most speeds, good body control and reliable, responsive handling.

Overall, this is a car that’s neither too sloppy nor too sharp to drive. At a pinch you could see it wearing an N Line badge.

During our test drive only a bit of tyre noise on coarse surfaces and some intrusion from sharp edges at low speeds disturbed the cabin, along with the usual (and incessant) Hyundai bings and bongs for over-speeding and driver monitoring. They default to on and can be switched off in the infotainment display, but not as easily as the annoying lane keeping. As we have previously mentioned this is a common issue with Hyundai and Kia vehicles.

Should I buy a Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid?

There’s a lot to like in a not very memorable way about the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid. It pleases in the same way finding $10 on the pavement will or getting bumped up to business class on a Melbourne-Sydney flight. Nice at the time but not a defining experience.

The positives are delivered quietly: a competent drive, a spacious interior and a frugal drivetrain. It’s also well under $40,000 on the road, has a solid warranty and Hyundai build quality to support it.

But sedans are not so fashionable these days and it’s the base model so it’s not lavish.

If you decide affordable, unfussed and low-emissions motoring is your priority then the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid should fit the bill.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid at a glance:

Editor’s Rating: 7.8/10

Price:  $33,000 (plus on-road costs)	Transmission: Six-speed dual-clutch automatic
Available:  Now	Fuel: 3.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
Powertrain:  1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric	CO2: 92g/km (ADR Combined)
Output: 77kW/147Nm (electric motor: 32kW/170Nm)	Safety Rating:  Not tested
Combined output: 104kW/265Nm

 

Disclaimer: Images supplied by Hyundai.

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