The Hyundai i30 Tourer is designed to be a more practical version of the i30 hatch and packs the same level of build quality on the excellent i30 hatch on which it is based
The i30 Tourer comes with choice of just one diesel engine. This is the same 1.6 litre four cylinder option with 126bhp that is found in the i30 hatchback. It is not a bad thing however as it is the best engine option to go for. It has the most punch and best of an average choice of engines when it comes to on the road performance. There is an option of the slick 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. While performance may not be its forte, economy is, and the 1.6 diesel makes for very affordable motoring.
Like the i30 hatchback, you won’t be writing home about the i30 Tourers change of direction or pace on Irish back roads but more likely to be boasting about its ability to cruise very comfortably on motorway journeys. While good on motorways, it’s not so great at absorbing everyday road imperfections at lower speeds. If you are looking for a higher level of performance and a bit more fun from your practical family wagon, both the Volkswagen Golf Estate and Ford Focus Estate offer a more engaging drive with the same real world usefulness.
The i30 Tourer is available in just one trim level, but luckily, it’s probably the best option in terms of level of kit and value for money. The Deluxe trim comes with 16 inch alloy wheels, heated electric door mirrors and a fully colour coded exterior body. You also get a nice contrast brushed metal effect across the dashboard complete with a multi-function leather steering wheel and leather gear knob. In terms of engine refinement, the 1.6 diesel moderately subdued unless you decide to push it particularly hard.
The overall build quality and use of materials like that of its i30 hatchback sibling is excellent. The i30 Tourer has the same robust build quality complimented by a nice blend of quality contrast materials on a modern designed dashboard. While it is a very nice place to be, it still not quite on the same level of the Volkswagen Golf or most recently the new Opel Astra. The seats in the i30 provide great levels of support and comfort and you get the same levels of connectivity as you would expect from any of its competitors. For the price and standard specification, it is an excellent option.
The Hyundai i30 hatchback on which the Tourer is based received a full five star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test. It comes with a strong level of safety kit as standard too. This includes a set of six airbags, electronic stability control, hill hold when setting off on steeper inclines and ISO-FIX child seat points.
The practicality levels of the i30 Tourer builds further on the spacious benefits that come with the i30 hatch. It gets similar levels of storage within the cabin from large door pockets, to the glove box and the cubby beneath the centre armrest. The boot is even bigger standing at a massive and class leading 528 litres before you even drop the rear seats. These are arranged in a 60/40 split that enables you to fold them down to create a whopping 1642 litres. It is immensely practical and enormous value for money, if you require this level of space.