Used Hyundai i30 for sale near Cheltenham

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 34.0%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 300
Average Price: Around £6,500

Hyundai i30 (2012-2017) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Roomy and practical, especially the estate	Not as much fun to drive as a Ford Focus
Long list of standard kit on most models	Entry-level diesel is a bit weedy
Economical diesel engines	No hot hatch version

Quick Summary

The Hyundai i30 (2012-2017), the second generation of Hyundai's mid-sized hatchback, is a solid family car that rivals the Ford Focus, Vauxhall Astra and Kia Ceed. Launched in early 2012 with a five-door hatchback, it was followed by an estate model (i30 Tourer) and three-door variant. More eye-catching and grown-up than its predecessor, the i30 represented Hyundai's push upmarket, offering assured handling and decent refinement. A subtle 2015 facelift brought tweaked looks, equipment upgrades and revised engines. The car remained largely unchanged until its replacement by the third-generation i30 in 2017.

The i30 excels in practicality with a well-built cabin, generous 378-litre boot (extending to 1,316 litres with rear seats folded), and excellent standard equipment across trim levels. Diesel engines deliver impressive fuel economy, with the 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive achieving up to 74.3mpg officially. Running costs are reasonable, with insurance groups ranging from 6 to 13 of 50 and servicing around £230 at a Hyundai dealer. Whilst it may lack the driving excitement of a Ford Focus, the i30 is a stress-free, predictable choice for families seeking practicality, value and reliability, with excellent warranty coverage on newer examples.

Best for: Families seeking a practical, well-equipped hatchback or estate, budget-conscious buyers prioritising value and low running costs, and those wanting economical diesel engines.

Not ideal for: Drivers prioritising engaging driving dynamics, those seeking a hot hatch version, or buyers wanting the latest advanced driver assistance systems.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the i30 if: You're seeking a practical, well-equipped family hatchback or estate, prioritising value and low running costs, or wanting economical diesel engines with reasonable servicing costs.

Consider alternatives if: You prioritise engaging driving dynamics, want a hot hatch version, or require the latest advanced driver assistance systems.

Competitive Position: The Hyundai i30 (2012-2017) is a highly capable all-rounder in the family hatchback segment, offering excellent practicality, generous standard equipment and economical engines. Whilst the Ford Focus Mk3 edges ahead for driving engagement and overall rating, the i30 matches it on expert rating and surpasses both the Kia Ceed and Vauxhall Astra. Its key strengths lie in affordability, low running costs and reliability, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious families. The estate variant provides even greater practicality, whilst the Turbo model (from 2015) offers a warm hatch alternative for those seeking a touch more excitement.

Read our full Hyundai i30 Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from April 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.