Hyundai i30 2012: Forward and more
In the Korean market hatchback i30 II generation (intra-index GD) made its debut last fall. Model Hyundai Motor recently announced by European dealers, and in summer it is also expected in North America - as Elantra GT.
Perhaps the "thirty» II is coming soon and in our country, so that potential buyers will want to compare Russia's new model i30 model in 2007. Well, although the front-wheel drive car built in the same two-volume architecture, II generation is very different from the first. In any case, part of the exterior.
The European approach
I must say, the first generation model of the i30 (index FD) did not differ bright appearance. Dull, too prim, look a little contributed to the success in general, an interesting car. The new model - is another matter. Designers Corporate Technical Centre (Russelsheim, Germany), sculpted hatchback size class C in this stylistic vein, Hyundai Motor. "Fluid Sculpture» (Fluidic Sculpture): delicately curved lines, harmonious proportions. Undulating terrain reminiscent of the sides' highest »i40, a gaping six-gon falshradiatora evokes associations with the models of Peugeot.
Roll call of stylistic solutions, cross-pollination ... However, the new "thirty of the" can not refuse in personality: expressive and memorable appearance. The hatchback looks fresh and dynamic, neither give nor take - a modern European car. In the interior, too, noticed the motives Fluidic Sculpture: flexible contours of the front panel and center console create a coherent visual image. Moreover, it should be noted in a European (po-nemetski!) rational approach to the finish Interior: carefully selected color combinations, not the cheap plastic, metallic and decorative details. Upholstery fabric, or (in a class above versions) - combination: high-quality imitation leather and fabric. Without undue claims, but quite decent.
The driver's seat adjusted not only longitudinally but also in height (except for the modest performances), "cake" is set to the angle of inclination. And in the more expensive trim levels - also on the flight. Tellingly, the wheelbase is unchanged, and "thirty» II is still positioned as a five-seater vehicle. Five adults and in fact are held in places easily and comfortably. Not only in front, but in the 2nd row. Perhaps even more spacious than I generation, though cramped in the cabin the previous model, too, no one complained.
And the load is, where to haul: Even at full capacity of the landing places of the luggage compartment - almost 380 liters (VDA). And if the rear seats folded (divisible in proportion 60/40), the loading space is increased to 1315 liters. In addition, inside the set of "pockets" and convenient offices for details. Not only attractive but also very practical, "hatchback."
In the European market is presented in the new i30 five information and entertainment options and comfortable equipment, "the budget» Base, City, Tecno, Style, and "premium» Style S. In the "state" modest Base - Stereo (CD/MP3) with 4 speakers, rear power windows, power side mirrors (heated) and air conditioning. No frills, but everything you need there. In the performance of City appears on top covered with leather multifunction "cake", but since the level of Tecno «thirty" is equipped for real. "Music" with 6 speakers, support for Bluetooth, four electric windows, "climate control", etc. While the "regular" set of top-performance Style S is, moreover, with a touch screen navigation, heated front seats and automatic "parking" a car.
List of toll options is low - except that a glazed roof panel and one more thing on the little things. However, the buyer has a real opportunity to choose the non-poor "packaged" version Hyundai i30 on individual taste. Is that the servos reshuffle the front seats are not provided - at any price. As well as upholstery leather. Apparently, Hyundai Motor car attributes considered inappropriate for a democratic luxury "hatchback." It is quite reasonable.
The new model has not been tested "on strike" on how to EuroNCAP, but the first "thirty" has earned all five "stars" 4 years ago. Apparently, II generation will prove to be not less: in Hyundai Motor know the secrets of creating safe vehicles. Inside, many of the "cushion" and "curtain" on the windows, 3-point seat belts with pretensioners and "active" head restraints and other means of protection for the driver and passengers. Anyway, the "passive" safety at i30 at the proper level - as befits the modern "family" car.
Comfort and control
In terms of first-generation pickup i30 certainly did not apply to sports "hatch." Not the character. A new "thirty"? How to look: on impressions avtoobozrevateley European version with a 100-horsepower engine Gamma gasoline is also not a sprinter. However, a modest 16-klapannikom happy elasticity and confidently pulls the car in all driving situations. Including - when overtaking maneuvers on the highway. It is an adequate power unit - albeit without the "drayverskogo 'claims.
It is clear that with the powerful Gamma GDi to "thirty of the" looks much more interesting: the engine runs smoothly and is paired with a 6-speed manual gearbox able to give the hatchback a more or less lively dynamics. However, "low-end" 16-klapannikom noticeable lack of torque, and with the active driving speed must be kept above 4 thousand - working vigorously "handle". Unfortunately, the manual gearshift switches are not particularly clear, so that for many, seems preferable to a 6-speed "automatic» A6GF1. I must say, excellent automatic transmission: fit in well with both Gamma GDi, and with the turbo diesel VGT. And the Mode Shiftronic probably forced to switch - to the delight of "driver" enthusiast.
On impressions, 128-horsepower turbo diesel VGT is not inferior to gasoline Gamma GDi the real attraction, though the "polished" are not as well: the engine during cold start tapping, and at speeds in excess of four thousand in the sound rude overtones appear the VGT. However, in the frequency range of rotation of the shaft diesel heated almost makes itself felt. For example, in "cruising" mileage on the highway the difference with 16-gasoline klapannikom almost imperceptible. While the superiority of the turbo-diesel in the fuel economy much ...
And in regard to road holding and handling, too, can see further progress over the previous model (not weak on the fly). Driving pleasure is not so much, but put the right manner. The new hatchback is stable on the "straight" is predictable and obedient to the high-speed maneuvering. The side roll on the arc is small, and the understeer typical of front-wheel vehicles, is not expressed - at least to the limits of traction front tire with running surfaces. Flexible vehicle - based on one and all. However, the "thirty» II is quite suitable for active and drive - if anyone.
Is that the "transparency" steering leaves much to be desired. Mechanism works gently, but the feedback nedobiraet - a typical flaw Electric Power. And the bust mode FlexSteer - from Comfort to Sport - makes little difference. Apparently, the case is different. Nevertheless, the road holding and handling the new i30 is close to the recognized leaders of the class C - such as the Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf. And much detached from the comparable models of Opel, Peugeot and Renault. The result of professional activities of Korean automakers is welcome.
Suspension is not too hard, but firmly damped and does not allow for breakdowns to the constraints - at least not in the toughest of road bumps. So the course of the "thirty» II a smooth and seamless - just for "family" vehicle. And thanks to quality soundproofing in the cabin environment comfortable and quiet - except that the noise is heard at a speed of air flowing around the side mirrors Overall pretty. Performance and build the car, at first glance, quite on the level - in line with the ambitious brand attitudes. Models of Hyundai Motor win a worthy place in the world market and the new i30 is surely a strategic way. The trend, however ...
Summing up
If you paint the subjective impressions of European observers on standard positions, the balance is composed as follows:
Appearance - 4 points (out of 5). The new "thirty» Hyundai looks much more interesting to the first generation. The stylish hatch size class C; «good».
Road holding and handling - 4. The car is predictable and obedient to the move, the trajectory is stable. And while the wheel rather "cotton."
Dynamics - 3. Acceleration hatchback i30 depends on the choice of powertrain and designs with the "younger" engines - petrol and diesel - not impressive. With a powerful "quartet" of course, much more fun, but all the same dynamics - not the trump card of the new model.
Comfort and Equipment - 4. The "thirty» II generation even and smooth ride - at least on the road with good pavement. Informational and entertaining, and comfortable equipment - non-poor (except for the execution of Base).
Safety and security - 4. New models are coming all the test "on strike" on how to EuroNCAP, but "thirty» I generation in 2008 has earned all five "stars". Safety is quite modern, upfront "good."
Quality and reliability - 4. Hyundai and Kia models are gaining a worthy reputation among motorists worldwide. And the new i30 has earned - in terms of performance and the assembly - it is a positive evaluation.
Interior space - 5. The "thirty» II generation spacious and comfortable interior, roomy and flexible variable luggage compartment. "Excellent."
Operating costs - 4. The new i30 is economical on fuel - especially with a diesel engine, the costs of maintenance and repair are moderate.
In the black:
- Well decorated and spacious interior;
- Even and smooth ride;
- Non-poor infotainment and comfort facilities;
- Cost of fuel - especially with a diesel motor.
In the red:
- "Cotton" wheel;
- Is not always clear-cut job manual transmission;
- Is soft dynamics.
Overall score - 4 points (out of 5). The new model Hyundai little inferior to what the best representatives of the size class C - such as the Ford Focus and folksvagenovsky Golf. However, for pan-European nature of the hatchback is virtually no visible identity of the Korean automaker ..
Verdict: recommended. "Thirty» II generation improved over the previous model, and looks really nice. For a reasonable price comfortable and practical hatchback deserves serious attention.
Gather new i30 Hyundai Motor plant in Ulsan, Republic of Korea, as well as in the Czech city of Nosovice. In Europe, for the "budget" version Base request of 13 500 thousand euros, while the hatchback in the "packed" configuration Tecno cost of at least 16 thousand 290 euros. Well, Tecno BlueDrive with a powerful pull on the Gamma GDi 17 thousand 190 euros - etc. Not for free, of course, but within reason.
Purely in particular. The second generation of Hyundai i30 has grown on the same platform to the enterprise as the Elantra V, as well as a sports coupe Veloster. Interesting family. As for powertrains, for the new "thirty" are two all-aluminum four-cylinder petrol-Gamma, and a couple turbo diesel - "Junior» U2 and powerful VGT. Volume of the "small» Gamma - 1397 "cubes" maximum power - 100 hp at 5500 min-1, the greatest torque - 137 Nm. The working volume of the "older" 16-klapannikom Gamma GDi - 1591 ml. Advanced "quartet" with direct fuel injection into the combustion chamber develops forces up to 135 at 6,300 min-1, the maximum torque - 167 Nm. Moreover, in the performance of a device BlueDrive Stop / Start, which automatically mutes the engine at every opportunity - for the sake of fuel economy.
Volume, "the youngest of turbo diesel - 1396" cubes "with a maximum capacity - 90 thousand forces at 4 rpm, maximum torque - 220 Nm. While the turbo VGT (working volume - 1582 milliliters) is set at 110 or 128 forces under the same four thousand rpm, maximum torque - 260 Nm. Engines equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox, while the 6-speed hydro-mechanical "machine» A6GF1 (with a positive shift Shiftronic) costs about 1100 euros extra. And as shown by test-drive, automatic transmission A6GF1 worth it.
For the "American" edition called Elantra GT is a 1.8-liter 16-klapannikom Nu forces up to 150 (SAE «Net") at 6500 min-1. Also, direct injection of gasoline into the combustion chambers. And the Russian market a new i30 will be released, most likely with 1.4-liter "Quartet» Gamma - without any tricks.
As part of the way the Korean hatchback does not yield the strongest competition: the front desk McPherson, rear - cinematically perfect suspension double wishbone ("spatial" configuration). levers. Coil springs and transverse stabilizers. Tires with new i30 in size from 195/65R15 to 205/55R 16-inch alloy wheels. Rack and pinion steering gear is equipped with Electric Power MDPS, and the device FlexSteer (in the more expensive versions) allows the driver to choose one of three modes: Comfort, Normal or Sport. "Bagel" is easier in the hands or vice versa - requires increased effort. To taste. The brakes of the i30 «around» Disc (front ventilated), the "state» - ABS and proprietary electronics VSMS (Vehicle Stability Management System - a system for maintaining the stability of the car), which operate under the supervision of the ESC and MDPS. Korean hi-tech.
The length of the 5-door hatchback - 4300 mm, width - 1780 mm, height - 1470 mm Wheelbase - 2650 mm gauge - 1563/1571 mm. Wet weight "thirty" with a 1.4-liter "Quartet» Gamma and manual gearbox is small - from 1185 kg. Whereas the VGT turbo diesel car pulls in at least 1365 kg. The difference really earnest.
With a 1.4-liter 16-klapannikom Gamma and "handle" the new i30 is capable of accelerating to 100 km / h in 12.8 seconds .. The declared maximum speed - 182 km / h, average fuel consumption - 6 liters per 100 kilometers (EU5). Hatchback with a 135-strong Gamma GDi much more fun: a manual gearbox "hundreds" of space is achieved in 9.7 seconds., Max speed - 198 km / h If that version is much more economical Gamma GDi of fuel than a 100-horsepower Gamma: Special version of BlueDrive on average it takes only 5 liters of petrol on the way! Even more beautiful than i30 with a powerful turbo diesel VGT: average consumption of heavy fuel - only 4.3 liters per 100 kilometers. Then, as the "hundred" with an economical place i30 gaining faster than 11 seconds., And the speed reaches 197 km / h Many people like it.
The point of view. The attractive hatchback - just right for a family of moderate means. More interesting, perhaps, than the comparable Opel Astra and Renault Megane. The correct configuration of the rear suspension (of which depend primarily on driving characteristics), and all that. Moreover, the Korean model is much cheaper than German and French.