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2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid review – Australian launch (video)

Defying the trend of a contracting small car segment in Australia, Hyundai’s i30 continues to dominate, with 20,626 units of the hatch and sedan moved in 2023, according to VFACTS. This saw it take out top trumps in the class, beating even the Toyota Corolla.

With 9383 of those units sporting a boot, it comes as no surprise that the i30 Sedan is very important to Hyundai Australia. The local arm has had significant input on the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan, with a series of strategic updates to broaden appeal, including one aimed squarely at Toyota’s heartland: a new hybrid model.

Hyundai invited Driving Enthusiast to the launch of the 2024 i30 Sedan, giving us an opportunity to sample the new model, including the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan N (separate review on that coming soon).

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-rear

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid: Specifications

Engine: 1.6-litre hybrid four-cylinder
Output: 104kW / 265Nm
Gearbox: Six-speed dual-clutch auto
Drive type: Front-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 16×6.5, 205/55
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 1381kg
Power-to-weight: 13.27:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 3.9L/100km
Our consumption: 4.5L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 42L/91 RON
Power efficiency: 26.66kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 4.29 seconds*
0-100km/h: 9.34 seconds*
60-110km/h: 6.68 seconds*
1/4 mile: 17.06 seconds at 165.7km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.731g*
100-0km/h braking: 51.18m in 3.85 seconds (wet)*
Max deceleration: -1.183g*
Decibel at idle : 45*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 79*
Starting price: $33,000

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-interior

Headlining the changes are external restyling, added interior features, a reshuffling of powertrains, and improvements to body rigidity and suspension.

Visually, the front end is sharpened considerably, with narrower headlamps and a more squared-off appearance. Air curtains at the side direct air over restyled alloy wheels, and then flow makes its way to the tail end, where a revised rear apron sets it apart from its predecessor. Badging now sits flush with the body work.

New colours include Ecotronic Grey and Meta Blue (for Elite and Premium only). Inside, the most notable additions are USB-C connections, a wireless charging pad and heated steering wheel – also containing a flattened H logo, mimicking the exterior. Rear occupants can enjoy two USB-C ports and climate vents, as well as a centre armrest, regardless of model.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-rear seats

Speaking of models, the entry-level drops the ‘Active’ moniker to just become i30. Other variants include the N Line and N Line Premium, as well as the more luxury-focused Elite.

The entry-level i30 is now available solely with a CVT transmission, improving the official fuel efficiency number to 6.1L/100km, but the 2.0-litre Smartstream four-cylinder now runs on the Atkinson cycle, meaning a slight reduction in power and torque, to 14kW and 180Nm, respectively. The entry-level non-hybrid model is now the only i30 Sedan to feature a torsion beam, rather than multi-link rear suspension.

Moving onto the hybrid, it combines a naturally-aspirated, Atkinson cycle four-cylinder, generating 77kW and 147Nm to an electric motor of 32kW and 170Nm, netting a combined system output of 104kW and 265Nm. Feeding the e-motor is a 1.32kWh lithium-ion polymer battery pack mounted under the rear seats. Regenerative braking is also said to be part of the equation too.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-engine

Interestingly, the i30 Hybrid differs from other hybrids of its class by utilising a six-speed dual clutch transmission. In execution, we found this to be an inspired choice, with the instant torque of the electric motor plugging any gaps and providing smoother progress than we have come to expect from DCTs.

An extended drive from regional Victoria to Sydney gave us the perfect opportunity to test the lofty 3.9L/100km claim against a variety of real world conditions. Interestingly, this is the same figure quoted for the Kona Hybrid, which shares the same drivetrain. Urban consumption is quoted as a scarcely-believable 2.8L/100km, with 4.0L/100km for highway.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-instrument cluster

During steady-state cruising over a variety of uphill and downhill terrain, the hybrid system masterfully switches between using the combustion engine and recovering energy on downhill sections, which is all very fascinating to watch on the power flow diagram in the 4.2-inch instrument cluster screen.

On the highway, the economy varied between 4.4L/100km and 4.7L/100km during our test, with the air-con on and a handful of stops. The operation of the adaptive cruise control and lane keeping systems are top-notch, with speed limit recognition only occasionally becoming confused. Wind and tyre noise from the aerodynamic sedan is never intrusive.

Once we reached the city, consumption plummeted into the low threes, stretching the range of the 44-litre fuel tank to beyond 1000km.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-wheels

As always, the chassis benefits from an intensive Australian tuning program, with excellent steering feel, just the right amount of body roll and an eager chassis that you can punt through bends with confidence. The improved road manners of the multi-link rear setup are noticeable as well.

Despite being a base model, the overall design of the interior is pleasing to the eye, with only the black surrounds for the 8.0-inch infotainment system betraying the car’s entry-level status. The colour-coded instrument cluster features funky LCD- style digital numerals for the speedometer and tachometer, glowing teal, blue or red depending on driving mode (Eco, Smart, Sport).

As before, a comprehensive five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty is offered, with five years of subscription to Hyundai’s Bluelink SOS telematics and remote app system. Roadside assistance is complimentary for the first 12 months, then contingent on following the capped-price service plan.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid-touchscreen

Servicing is every 12 months or 15,000km – whichever occurs first – at costs varying from $310 to $710 for a major service at 60,000km or four years. This adds up to a total of $2150 over five years/75,000km compared with $1400 for the non-hybrid i30. This means a premium of $750 over and above the $4000 asking price. For reference, the 2.0-litre i30 CVT starts at $29,000 before on-road costs.

Those who want a bit more luxury, such as a larger 10.25-inch touch-screen,  push-button start and ambient mood lightning would be better served in the Elite. The hybrid is not on offer in the N Line and N Line Premium at this stage, which still use the cracking 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder and seven-speed DCT combination.

At $33,000 before on-road costs, this swoopy sedan is an inflation-buster for those looking to minimise their ongoing costs. It might even tempt some former i30 diesel customers away from their oil burners.

2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid: Video

Mitchell Jones

Eccentric car nut and just as enthused by roasting an egg on the air cleaner of an old Hemi as he is hunting the horizon in a space-age electric supercar, Mitchell's passion for motoring started at a young age. He soon developed a meticulous automotive obsession for obscure facts. He joins Driving Enthusiast as a features writer and car reviewer, following a near 10-year stint at PerformanceDrive.

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