Hands-on with the Hyundai range: we test the i20, i30 and i40

From Hyundai Spain, they wanted to reach out to the various online media outlets and blogs so that we could test their range and have a first meeting between the brand and these media. At the event held in Madrid, the brand put practically their entire range at our disposal, and we opted for the city car, the compact and the saloon.

Specifically, we got behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20, Hyundai i30 and Hyundai i40. We tested them all with diesel engines, and we were pleasantly surprised by the response of the smallest one – the i20 1.1 CRDI with 75 CV – which showed that a three-cylinder engine can deliver more than enough response.

Before testing the cars, the brand’s managers gave us an overview of the history of Hyundai, with interesting facts, such as the fact that the first export Hyundai made from South Korea went to Ecuador in the 1970s. Furthermore, until 1991 the engines were not their own, and it was in that year that the first engine created 100% by Hyundai appeared.

Most of its models sold in Europe are manufactured in Europe, specifically 70% of the models sold on the old continent. And for those seeking maximum safety, all their new models come with a five-year warranty with no mileage limit.

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 1.1 CRDI with 75 CV

Now that we know a little more about the Hyundai models, it’s time to get behind the wheel and experience first-hand how they behave. Of all the models we had to choose from, a small white i20 with the SLE trim (the most basic in the range, but it includes alloy wheels and A/C) was the first model we tested.

To be honest, my expectations were very low when I got behind the wheel, but after about 50 km with the Hyundai i20 I was pleasantly surprised. Despite having only three cylinders, the car responds sublimely – similarly to many 70/90 CV four-cylinder diesel engines.

We tested it on a winding road in northern Madrid, and the small i20 climbed and gained speed quickly. It also maintained agile handling and, best of all, its consumption, which without efficient driving stayed at 4.8 litres per 100 km (on the open road it’s easy to bring it below 4 litres per 100 km if we drive calmly).

That said, in terms of design, the car was somewhat austere. The SLE trim does not include electric mirrors or body-coloured door handles, while the interior stands out for a driving position with the essentials but simple design. As is typical of the segment, and the Hyundai i20 is no exception, there is an abundance of hard plastics in the cabin.

Finally, with equipment that includes air conditioning, an external navigator, a sound system with Bluetooth and USB/Aux sockets, front electric windows, alloy wheels, among other features, the price of the diesel unit we tested stood at 10,990 euros (after brand discounts, PIVE-2, and a discount for financing).

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai i30 3-door 1.6 CRDI with 128 CV

The crown jewel for Hyundai is this i30, the model that has been best received in our market. Truth be told, after getting behind the wheel of the Korean car, it has plenty of arguments to capture the attention of future buyers.

The design has been modernised and adapted to European taste, with well-defined exterior lines that project a sporty and avant-garde image – it has little to do with the bland Hyundai models of the 1990s. The interior quality has improved and it has little to envy from European models, since it features good materials, pleasant-to-the-touch plastics and a high perceived quality.

The drive in this Hyundai i30 with the 128 CV diesel engine was rather short, but it was enough to realise that it offers a high level of interior comfort. The engine is performant, but perhaps a more powerful diesel would be welcome. It is true that the market increasingly demands smaller and cheaper engines, but a 150 CV engine is never out of place in a compact’s range.

In terms of dynamics, it stands out for its interior comfort, especially its soundproofing, and for suspensions that strike a well-judged balance between firmness and comfort. The engine delivers its 128 CV progressively and, in most cases, it is more than sufficient.

The price is once again a strong argument for this Hyundai i30, because the unit we tested, a fully equipped three-door with the 128 CV diesel engine, has a final price of 19,490 euros (after discount, PIVE-2 and a discount for financing).

Behind the wheel of the Hyundai i40 1.7 CRDI 136 CV

The Korean saloon surprised us with its ride comfort and good interior soundproofing. The interior is precisely one of its strong points, since the driving position enjoys a quality on a par with the segment, and the rear seats seemed very spacious for a mid-size saloon.

Our hands-on time with the Hyundai i40 was shorter than with the other models, but it was enough to notice its good ride and the engine, which, although a more powerful engine would not hurt, is sufficient for most journeys.

Personally, I find the exterior design very well executed, especially the rear, but it does not seem to be taking off among private customers (although it does in fleets). It is available from 19,690 euros with the 1.7 CRDI engine with 115 CV (a little tight for this saloon).

Photos | Diego G. Moreira

Technical specifications of the cars in this article

HatchbackHyundai i3012 versions · from 29,250 €

HatchbackHyundai i206 versions · from 21,520 €