RoadTest: Hyundai i30The Hyundai i30 ticks a lot of boxes - but if only it wasn't so similar to its Kia cousin. Michael McAleer, Motoring Editor reports
Beneath the smooth corporate veneer of familial loyalty, many of the Hyundai staff at its European headquarters are clearly annoyed. And rightly so, for they've lost the lead in their own company.
Somehow, in spite of it being the biggest car brand from Korea, and despite being the big brother in the joint company with Kia, it's the latter brand that has been stealing all the media attention in the last year.
Kia has a completely revamped product line-up, where the little Picanto is its oldest model. Kia also gets extra publicity from its shared sponsorship of events like the World Cup and it gets solo coverage on individual deals like that with Andre Agassi.
Even when the head of Hyundai Motor Corporation, Chung Mong-koo, was sentenced to three years in jail for embezzling funds and breach of trust, it was the Hyundai name that made the headlines, with no mention of Kia in the coverage.
If all that were not enough, perhaps the most annoying development to date has been that Kia got first crack at the new high-end family hatchback, developed by the parent company and offered, effectively, under different model names by both marques.
Given the similarities, being first is important. To the media and public, this is going to be "Hyundai's i30, based on the Kia Cee'd" rather than the other way round. Already Kia has moved to introduce an estate version of its model and show a concept convertible version. Hyundai is still pulling the covers off its five-door version.
Kia also gets a seven-year warranty. Hyundai has not stated officially what it will offer, but it's unlikely to come near that sort of offering.
Prior to its unveiling last week, The Irish Times had the chance to take the new i30 out on the roads around Frankfurt and down to a well-hidden test track in the German countryside, run by parts supplier Bosch.
Though the car was camouflaged in the usual black padded sheeting outside, the interior was virtually identical to the finished product, save for any logos that might identify it to prying eyes being well covered up.
The interior, to be fair, is virtually identical to the Cee'd and so is the exterior design. The only real difference is that the Cee'd has got slightly sharper edges, while Hyundai has opted to smoothen out some of the surfaces. It's a personal choice, but the Kia does look that bit younger and distinctive.
Hyundai engineers were keen to underline that the suspension on the new car is different from that on the Kia. This is tuned to offer a more subtle performance, according to the engineers.
On the test track we found that the steering is impressively direct. On a twisting hill climb and descent the car was remarkably composed, particularly when you consider this is the same company that gives us the Accent. There is only the slightest indication of understeer and certainly no sense of oversteer. That may sadden diehard hatchback fans who like the idea of a little play in the rear end but this is a family car after all.
We've tested the Cee'd over quite long distances and now the i30, and there's only the faintest difference between the two models in terms of handling; certainly not enough to make it noticeable to many regular family hatchback owners.
On the test track we tried out three of the six engines being offered, starting with the lively and eager 107bhp 1.4-litre, then on to the 113bhp 1.6-litre diesel and finally the 138bhp 2-litre diesel.
The i30 also comes with a choice of 1.6-litre/119bhp, 2-litre/138bhp petrol engines or another 1.6-litre/89bhp diesel.
Of the cars we tested, the 1.4-litre proved lively, if a little noisy; the 1.6-litre diesel was the most adept at dealing with some incredibly twisting hilly roads while comfortably cruising on the autobahn; while the 2-litre diesel felt slightly out of sorts in all environments but the unlimited open motorway and even then it never felt exactly punchy, but rather a little front heavy.
Of the engines on offer, our choice would be the 1.4-litre petrol for suburban and regular motoring, and the 1.6-litre diesel for the high mileage users.
The new i30 heralds the introduction of a new alphanumerical naming system for Hyundai.
While this model will arrive in Ireland in October, it will be followed by the i10 - replacing the Atoz - and the i20 that will replace the Getz. Then there will be the new Sonata, to be known as i50.
There are even suggestions about a new executive-sized model, the i70.
Hyundai has done very well with models like the Santa Fe and Tuscon, and it may be a wrench to part with these established brand names.
It's only the latest in a series of decisions that seem to give Kia the edge within this Korean business family.
As for the i30, it's a well developed and spacious car with a couple of perky engines and impressive handling characteristics. It's just too similar to its Kia twin for either to be able to push forward.
For buyers it will probably come down to the price and offer being made and the dealer they know best.
Factfile
ENGINES: Six four-cylinder engines were listed at the launch: three petrol (1.4-litre/107bhp, 1.6-litre/119bhp, 2-litre/138bhp) all with 16 valves and variable valve timing; and three CRDi diesels (1.6-litre/89bhp, 1.6-litre/113bhp and 2-litre/138bhp).
All have five-speed manual transmission as standard, except the 2-litre diesel which gets a six-speed gearbox.
An optional four-speed automatic transmission is offered on the 1.6-litre and 2-litre petrol engines and the 1.6-litre diesel.
Not all engine versions will be sold in Ireland.
ARRIVING IN SHOWROOMS: October 2007
Price: Expect it to start around €19,500