CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.7 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.1%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.3 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 360
Average Price: Around £6,800

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 well-built and practical family car that rivals the Ford Focus and Vauxhall Astra. Available as a five-door hatchback, three-door hatchback, and i30 Tourer estate, it offers a generous 378-litre boot (extending to 1,316 litres with rear seats folded) or 528 litres in estate form (1,642 litres extended). The cabin is nicely designed with plenty of adjustment, good storage, and a flat rear floor. A subtle 2015 facelift brought tweaked styling, equipment upgrades, and revised engines, including a rare turbocharged 1.6-litre petrol Turbo model with 183bhp.

To drive, the i30 is composed and refined, though it lacks the engaging dynamics of a Ford Focus. It's easy to use with light controls and predictable handling, making it stress-free for daily duties. Engine options include 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol units, plus economical 1.4 and 1.6-litre CRDi diesels with the 1.6 offering up to 74.3mpg officially. The 2015 facelift introduced a new seven-speed dual-clutch automatic with improved fuel economy. Trim levels range from entry-level Classic (later S) to Premium, with good standard equipment including Bluetooth, air-conditioning, and safety features. Running costs are low, with reasonable insurance groups and servicing around £170-£230 at Hyundai dealers.

Best for: Families seeking a practical, well-equipped, and economical hatchback or estate car, and those prioritising sensible value and low running costs.

Not ideal for: Drivers wanting engaging, fun-to-drive dynamics, those seeking a hot hatch version, 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 economical engines and low running costs, or prioritising sensible value and ease of use.

Consider alternatives if: You want engaging driving dynamics, a hot hatch version, or the latest advanced driver assistance systems like autonomous emergency braking.

Competitive Position: The Hyundai i30 (2012-2017) is a very solid choice in the family hatchback segment, offering excellent practicality, good standard equipment, and economical diesel engines. Whilst it doesn't match the Ford Focus for driving engagement or the Kia Ceed for warranty length, the i30 delivers impressive value and sensible all-round capability. It's an excellent option for families and commuters prioritising comfort, space, and low costs over driving excitement, making it a highly capable all-rounder in its class.

Read our full Hyundai i30 Review

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

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