ONE of the great things about buying a second-hand Hyundai is that you will take over the remainder of the excellent five year unlimited mileage warranty.
And almost as good, their reputation for reliability is so good that you will probably never have to use it.
The company’s i30 hatch and estate are roomy and practical family cars, with better than average rear legroom and a big boot.
The engines available are 1.4 and 1.6 petrol with 108 and 120bhp and 1.6 and 2.0-litre turbo diesel with 113 and 138bhp.
All the engines are smooth and reasonably quiet, very economical and have plenty of power for the weight.
The clutch is light and gearchange smooth, and the power steering is has decent feel in the corners.
The ride is comfortable over just about every type of surface, and although the handling is not quite as accomplished as the best in class, it’s not far behind.
Interior
All have six airbags and stability control which puts them ahead of much of the opposition.
The amount of standard kit is excellent, with air-con, front electric windows, central locking and a good stereo on even the most basic 1.4 petrol – which is also as economical as the diesels.
FAST FACTS
Hyundai i30
Price: Pay about £7,200 for an ’07 57-reg Comfort, or £9,650 for an ’09 09-reg Style
Mechanical: 108bhp, 1,396cc, 4cyl petrol engine driving the front wheels via a 5spd manual gearbox
Max speed: 116mph
0-62mph: 11.2 seconds
Combined mpg: 46
Insurance group: 6
CO2 emissions: 145g/km
BIK rating: 15%
Marks: 10/10
Main rival: Peugeot 308