2010 Hyundai i30 SX 1.6 CRDi: owner review

I am reviewing an auto 1.6-litre turbo diesel 2010 Hyundai i30 SX. My wife had this car and replaced it with a Hyundai ix35. So really I inherited it, and would have otherwise been unlikely to own an auto, as I have always driven manual vehicles.

What do I like? Well, the motor is amazing. When it gets to about 2800rpm the turbo kicks in, and if you're a bit excited with your right foot, you might expect a few demerit points.

I actually like the auto trans. Gears can be selected (more or less) like a manual, and that is useful, especially when accelerating and you do not want to automatically drop back into a low gear. The car is remarkably roomy and comfortable.

The engine is very willing, and braking, steering and handling are good. Fuel economy seems okay. I do not have figures.

I put a tow bar on for a trailer and a small boat. All was good there.

What I don't like? The headlight globes do not last long and constantly need replacing. With the central locking, I have problems with the rear left-hand-side passenger door, and sometimes it will not unlock. Also, the master control for the passenger windows is dodgy. I am able to open the passenger windows from the driver's control panel but not shut them.

Oh! The sound system, initially it was really good. I fear that it dislikes me. Initially the radio ceased working, and now the USB input has gone out in sympathy. The CD player might be considering its options, but currently it has not withdrawn its service.

Finishing up on some more good things: the paint work is durable, the car is pretty quiet inside, the gauges are easy to read, and the heating and air-con are fine. The car has about 215,000km on the clock, mostly highway driving in Tassie, with a 100km round trip commute.

And yeah, I would say they are an okay car all round.

Owner: Peter

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