2021 Hyundai i30 N-Line Hatch MANUAL Review

Hyundai i30 is a hoot, and has been a good seller for a very long time. We've seen improvements over the years, including this model's midlife nip-n-tuck.

The recently released i30 sedan we thought to be a cracker when we reviewed it HERE.

It is sold on other markets as Elantra, but Hyundai here is OZ, decided to plonk an i30 badge on it. It is a low volume model, and manuals are an even less-purchased model, whether in sedan or hatch.

What's the difference on the outside between i30 N-Line, and Elite?

This is where it gets even stranger, with Hyundai putting nicer DTRLs and turn lights on the Elite, rather than the range-topping N-Line. The i30 N-Line hatch has LED projector headlights, and a smart set of 18" alloys.

I'd rather the look of Elite. Despite these changes, i30 N-Line's face isn't quite as pretty as the Elite, and nowhere near as striking as the i30 N-Line sedan. In fact, compared to the sedan, the hatch is looking a trifle frumpy.

Life is too short to be driving a car you're not happy with, so is the manual worth a look?

Above: This Week - 2021 Hyundai i30 N Line Manual - plus manual driving tips

Above: WIN A NAVMAN DASHCAM by watching This Video (email answer to gaycarboys@outlook.com) finishes 31/10/2021

Above: Answer to the Navman question is in THIS VIDEO (email answer to gaycarboys@outlook.com) finishes 31/10/2021

Help Support Gay Car Boys Subscribe to our Youtube Channel 

ABOVE: i30, n-line, N, and Sedan

What do Manual i30 N-Line's miss out on?

i30 Manuals miss out on:

i30 Sedan:

- Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) (with auto hold function)

- Remote start (via Smart Key)

- Drive Mode (Normal, Eco, Sport)

- Paddle shifters

- Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA) (manuals get warning only)

- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) (manuals get warning only)

- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/ S&G)

i30 hatch:

- Drive Mode (Normal, Eco, Sport)

- Paddle shifters

- Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go (SCC w/ S&G)

Does i30 N-Line have an ANCAP safety rating?

What's i30 N-Line like inside?

Inside is the same deal, nowhere near as nice as the less popular sedan.

The cabin is functional, well laid out, and very tidy. The odd bit of hard plastic is offset by smart fabrics and loads of gizmos. It's not champagne taste on a beer budget, more like really posh beer on a really posh beer budget.

Seats are comfortable, covered in acres of cow, and finished with contrasting red stitching. Rear seat space is adequate, with a 5cms of knee room.

None the less, the interior is comfortable, functional, cosy, and has a feeling familiarity. Not only that, everything is easy to use.

What is i30 N-Line like on the road?

It feels tight, but not in the same way that a VW Golf feels tight.

Steering is light and breezy, and acceleration is relaxed and comfortable. Highway cruising is a doddle, and the driver aids work well. I was surprised there was no blind spot monitor, something you'd need for a 2021 ANCAP 5 Star rating.

Like most Hyundais, i30 is shown to be reliable in JD Power survey results.

There is a space saver spare tyre, and wireless apple carplay to make trips go a little faster. N-Line Premium has a larger infotainment system which includes navigation, so the wireless CarPlay is mitted.

The manual gearbox is a delight, and the clutch is nice and light, with just enough feeling to give you the feedback you want. You won't want to drive in heels, if you know what's good for you.

These days, fuel economy is a big thing, and the tendency to drive around town in 4th would use more fuel than the auto with the same engine. 8.5L/100k combined stretches to 10.3L/100k (claimed) and our tests was over 11L/100k most of the time.

The 150kw/256Nm 4 cylinder feels perky, but Euro 5 is somewhat short of what I'd expect for emissions standards in 2021. The advantage is you can run 91Ron petrol, so the 50L tank will fill with the cheap stuff, even if it kills a polar bear.

Get your full list of gadgets and specifications HERE:

Verdict:

I like i30 a lot. The hatch is starting to look old fashioned, and the manual misses out on some tasty gadgets.

I love a manual, but city traffic saps much of the fun out the driving experience. Take the automatic and use the paddle shifters if you must.

When you buy a car, you should keep an eye out on resale, so the most popular model now, will still be a good second hand proposition when it comes time to upgrade.

Price: i30 N-Line Hatch Manual 29,420 (auto$31,420)

Trans: 6Sp man (or 7Sp DCT)

Power: 150kw/265Nm

Econ: 7.5L/100k

CO2: 176g/km, Euro 5