CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 31.9%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 360
Average Price: Around £6,000

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 and Vauxhall Astra. Available as a five-door hatchback, three-door hatchback, and estate (Tourer), it represents a significant step upmarket for the brand with improved handling and refinement. The well-built cabin features excellent practicality, with a 378-litre boot on hatchbacks (extending to 1,316 litres with rear seats folded) and 528 litres on the estate. A subtle 2015 facelift brought revised engines, equipment upgrades, and the introduction of a turbocharged warm hatch variant.

The i30 excels in ease-of-use and stress-free daily driving, though it lacks the engaging dynamics of the Ford Focus. The 1.6-litre petrol engine (118bhp) is preferable to the underpowered 1.4-litre, whilst diesel models offer superior fuel economy, with the 1.6 CRDi achieving up to 74.3mpg officially. The 2015 facelift introduced a more responsive seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Running costs are reasonable, with insurance groups ranging from 6 to 13 of 50, and VED potentially free for lower-emission models. The five-star EuroNCAP rating and comprehensive standard safety features provide peace of mind, though the car lacks modern autonomous emergency braking.

Best for: Families seeking a practical, well-equipped hatchback or estate with low running costs, budget-conscious buyers wanting sensible value, and those prioritising comfort and ease-of-use over driving excitement.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting engaging, fun-to-drive dynamics (Ford Focus is superior), those seeking a hot hatch option, or buyers requiring 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 with low running costs, prioritising comfort and ease-of-use over driving excitement, or looking for sensible value as a budget-conscious buyer.

Consider alternatives if: You want engaging, fun-to-drive dynamics (Ford Focus is superior), require a hot hatch option, or need the latest advanced driver assistance systems.

Competitive Position: The Hyundai i30 (2012-2017) is a capable all-rounder in the family hatchback segment, offering excellent practicality, comprehensive standard equipment, and economical running costs. Whilst it doesn't match the Ford Focus for driving dynamics or excitement, it outperforms rivals like the Vauxhall Astra in user satisfaction and expert rating. The Kia Ceed offers a longer warranty, but the i30 provides better value and a more engaging driving experience. For families prioritising space, comfort, and affordability over thrills, the i30 is a highly sensible choice.

Read our full Hyundai i30 Review

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