Hyundai i30 2011–2015 car dimensions: 4300 mm long, 1780 mm wide and 1470 mm high. Unladen weight is 1,260 kg. Braked towing is 1,500 kg.
The cabin offers solid everyday comfort with air conditioning standard and dual-zone climate control on higher grades. Cruise control appears on mid and upper trims. A five-inch or seven-inch touchscreen with navigation is available on better-equipped versions, paired with Bluetooth, USB and auxiliary inputs. Rear parking sensors are common on mid trims, with front sensors and a reversing camera reserved for higher grades. No factory Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot warning or lane-keep systems were offered on this generation.
Boot space measures 378 litres with the rear seats up and expands to 1316 litres when folded. The load area is a practical shape for a small hatch and includes useful touches like a 12-volt socket on most versions.
Braked towing capacity reaches up to 1500 kg on diesel models and 1200-1400 kg on petrols, with unbraked ratings of 600-650 kg. Payload sits around 500-550 kg depending on engine and equipment.
The car suits light work or trailer duties but lacks dedicated heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension packages.
The cabin offers a solid, well-assembled feel with supportive seats and decent space for adults front and rear. Higher grades bring leather trim, dual-zone climate control, a power driver's seat and a panoramic roof that floods the interior with light. Materials mix soft-touch surfaces with hard plastics but build quality holds up well for daily use. Rear access is easy in the five-door and the boot is practical with a near-flat fold.
Euro NCAP five-star rating from 2012 tests
Standard six airbags plus ESC, ABS, VSM, HAC and ESS
Service intervals typically 15 000-30 000 km or 12 months
Five-year unlimited-mileage warranty when new
Efficient diesel options with high claimed mpg figures
Fuel options include petrol and diesel engines with Blue Drive versions offering strong efficiency claims on the diesel side. Real-world figures depend on driving style and conditions but the range covers both frugal commuting and longer trips without drama.
Servicing follows fixed intervals based on distance or time, commonly every 15 000 km or annually and extending to 30 000 km in some schedules. Oil and filter changes form the core of routine work, with additional checks on brakes, fluids and filters at higher mileages.
Safety kit is comprehensive for the era: dual front, side and curtain airbags are standard across grades, with a driver's knee airbag on many versions. Electronic stability control, traction control, hill-start assist and emergency stop signalling come as standard, backed by the five-star Euro NCAP result that scored highly for adult and child protection.
Ownership is straightforward thanks to the long warranty and generally reliable mechanicals. Keep up with scheduled services and the car remains easy and cheap to live with day to day.
Length 4300 mm, Width 1780 mm, Height 1470 mm, Wheelbase 2650 mm (i30 2011–2015)
Sources: manufacturer data, Hyundai EU 5-door hatchback specifications PDF, 2014 Australian Hyundai i30 Specifications PDF.