Used Hyundai i30 Tourer 2012-2017 review
Category: Estate car
Comfortable, cheap to run and a capable load-lugger. The Hyundai i30 Tourer is a bargain used estate
What's the used Hyundai i30 estate like?
Hyundais of old were often worthy alternatives because they were cheaper than their rivals and came with plenty of equipment. But that all changed with models such as the i30 Tourer, which had a more attractive design, a better-finished interior and a comfortable ride. In short, this car's overall package was so good that it challenged the very best the class had to offer.
In terms of pricing, the i30 Tourer competes with the likes of the Toyota Auris Touring Sports, Kia Cee’d Sportswagon and Honda Civic Tourer. But in terms of how it drives and how it’s built, you can add the class-leading Ford Focus Estate and Volkswagen Golf Estate to that list.
Power in the i30 Tourer comes from either a 1.6-litre petrol or a 1.6-litre diesel engine, with each offering a range of outputs. The diesel has plenty of low-down grunt that’s particularly useful when you load up the car with people and luggage.
When you drive the i30 Tourer, you’ll notice a bit of body lean and that the steering is a bit vague and lacking in feel. But if you dial it back a little in the bends, you’ll enjoy a more comfortable ride than you get from some more sporty rivals. There's a fair bit of road noise on the motorway, though, so you’ll need to turn the stereo up a little bit to drown it out.
Children in the back will appreciate the small transmission tunnel because it means three can sit abreast quite comfortably without fighting over leg space. Three adults might not fit at once, but head room is plentiful – much more so than in the i30 hatchback.
Practicality is an essential quality in any good estate, and the rear seats of the i30 Tourer can be made to fold completely flat to aid the transportation of longer items. Overall capacity with the seats down is greater than it is in the Focus Estate or Vauxhall Astra Sports Tourer. In fact, it's almost as much luggage space as can be found in much bigger estate models.
S spec cars are a little mean on equipment, but SE gets you alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, rear parking sensors, lumbar support and electric windows all round.
Ownership cost
What used Hyundai i30 estate will I get for my budget?
Prices start at only £4000 for a 2012 i30 Tourer with plenty of miles under its belt. Spend a bit more and examples with average mileage or less will set you back £6500.
Facelifted example (from 2015 onwards) in SE spec with average mileages start at around £8500. A late 2017 model will be around £11,000.
To keep up to date with used Hyundai i30 Tourer prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you're getting the best deal.
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How much does it cost to run a Hyundai i30 estate?
The petrol engine has the most expensive running costs, with an average of 42.8mpg and £150 road tax for the manual version and 41.5mpg and £190 tax for the automatic.
Both the 109bhp and 126bhp 1.6-litre diesel of pre-facelift cars have the same average fuel economy of 64.3mpg and £30 road tax (50.4mpg and £150 road tax for the auto). This was improved upon for the 2015 revision, which included a slight power increase up to 134bhp for the higher-powered diesel. Again, both versions have the save economy and yearly tax figures of 72.4mpg and £20 tax for the manual and 67.3mpg and £20 tax for the auto.
All cars registered after April 2017 will be subject to the new flat rate of £140 per year for road tax.
Servicing costs for the i30 Tourer will be comparable with rivals'. However, early i30 Tourers can now take advantage of discounted servicing since they are old enough to be out of Hyundai’s warranty period. Included as part of the package is 12 months of AA roadside assistance coverage, which could be worth considering if you normally take out your own breakdown cover.
Our recommendations
Which used Hyundai i30 estate should I buy?
The 109bhp 1.6-litre diesel is the best engine to go for if you plan on using the car as a workhorse. It also has really good fuel economy if you go for it in Blue Drive form.
SE comes with all the equipment you need and makes the most sense as a used buy. It also has smaller alloy wheels that help to maintain the car's cushy ride.
Our favourite Hyundai i30 Tourer: 1.6 CRDi 110 Blue Drive SE
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used Hyundai i30 estate?
The Honda Civic Tourer might not be the most likely of rivals at first, but within its increased rear overhang is a boot of huge proportions and seats that can easily be made to fold completely flat. Rear head room is also increased over the standard Civic hatchback because of the higher roof.
If you like the added peace of mind of a long warranty, the Toyota Auris Touring Sports is a cracking alternative. It's available with petrol and diesel engines or a hybrid powertrain. The hybrid batteries don’t even impact boot space all that much, either, so it still makes for a capable estate.
The Kia Cee’d Sportswagon is closely related to the i30 Tourer. This means you get just as much room inside, the benefit of a longer seven-year warranty (albeit capped to 100,000 miles) and a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines.
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