[omegaspeedy]

Hi guys,

I'll attempt to update this from time to time and want to share my thoughts so far.

I live in a town on the outskirts of Auckland City and needed to update my ageing Toyota Starlet Glanza 1.3 which had served me well for the last 9 years. My drive to work is about 37 km each way, mostly motorway driving with a demanding steep gradient running about 4-5 Km's at the end. I found my Glanza a drag to drive and a bit small for the type of driving I was doing so after a few promotions decided I was going to treat myself to a new wagon.

I started researching a replacement economical car in the Yaris, Swift, Mazda 2 price range and came to the conclusion the Swift was best value. I went down to our local dealer who also doubled as a Hyundai dealer (I hadn't considered a Hyundai but had seen many on static display at Auckland Airport where I work). I got talking to the dealer and explained what I was looking for and he asked if I had considered the i20, which I said I hadn't. After a test drive and some more research I was sold! It is a great car with grunt and economy. It also comes with four wheel disc brakes, climate control, cruise control, airbags galore etc. far more bells and whistles than the competitors.

While signing papers I lusted over the bigger i30 in the show room and thought how much I'd love to own it due to it's great looks. After the 1000km checkup of the i20, I mentioned I really like that i30 and wouldn't mind taking it for a test drive. WOW, it was so much better in every area! After more consideration and a bit of loose cash to dispose of, I asked the dealer if it was possible to upgrade to the i30 which he said no problem and we went ahead.

1125km on the clock.

Firstly, pride of ownership is very high. It's a gorgeous car to own. It's the first car that I care about enough to consider neutral hp cleaner  Its had me researching detailers, wax, leather care, oils, tyres.......this car has me fully engaged. That's a good thing. My cars never got the garage and had to weather out the winters. This one has made me organized things so it is garaged. She even got a name lol. Call me lame but when I walk past the internal garage door, I peak in for a look. I love the lines of this car. I can even excuse the bugle eye front headlamps.

I'm used to the electric steering now which didn't take long. I think it also 'burns' or 'wears' in after a few 100 Km's. I love the instantaneous response. She a perky girl for a 1.8l, overtaking, no worries unless you get a sad guy in a mid life crisis driving a late model Subaru in front of you on an overtaking lane who decides to not let you past.....prick. I love the way it pulls without having to put the foot all the way down. I find it a fun and enjoyable car to drive. Those reviewers who say otherwise are obviously spoilt but also a bit out of tough with the average driver who doesn't get to poll around in an Aston or exotic sports car many times a week.This girl goes around a tight corner without stress or roll no worries. I love the gadgets, blue tooth is cool. Dual climate is useful....no fights with the wife over the temp, I'm an audio geek with a nice tube amp and usually hate car radios. This one is fun and listenable. Not offensive at all compared to many. Fit an finish inside is of high quality and the leather is a pleasure. It looks even better after Meguiar's Gold conditioner. The trim likes it too. I leave the wipers in auto. It's been raining on and off for three weeks. It's great not having to 'manage' the wipers. I find them very accurate and effective. Coupled with the auto defogger, the windscreen is always clear.....I love that system.

So far this car a exceeded expectation, in 95% of all areas (a few little defects in the paint let that score down a bit) and feel I'm engaged enough to continue a long relationship with this brand. It's been a great experience so far.

[FatBoy]

Great post!!   

So, are you happy with the car or not?  I'm not sure from your tone..   

[Phil №❶]

So, what's her name 

[omegaspeedy]

LOL I love this car.......she's a beauty!

My wife named her Heidi the Hyundai

[eye30]

I can see from your post that you are really pkeased you upgraded to th i30.

Wonder why you did not consider it prior to buying the i20?

[Phil №❶]

I can see you've been to the tavern again. 

[omegaspeedy]

I can see from your post that you are really pkeased you upgraded to th i30.

Wonder why you did not consider it prior to buying the i20?

I couldn't afford it initially and it was all bad timing but I ended up with spare cash after a renovation, and I'd already purchased the i20. It worked out in the end. I could have lived with the i20 but the i30 is so much better and capable in every respect. It doesn't even burn any more gas as far as I can see.

[Shambles]

Thanks for the testimonial

Deserves a place on the portal page

[Doggie 1]

 

[elantraelite]

Mate,, you honestly couldn't have bought a better car.

My partner and I brought home our 2014 i30 elite 6spd diesel and love it! now we have 2 i30's!

[omegaspeedy]

It sure is a great car! I'm stoked with it. I love details like the oil filter is at the front and there's a cutout to make it easier to get your hands around it from below. Nice touch!

I was told the i20 had a 'Learning' auto transmission, ie it looked at your driving habits and changed it's gear change habits to your style based on previous history. Does anyone know if the i30 is the same?

[Phil №❶]

AFAIK, Yes. 

[Snookes]

Thank you for that great first post Omegaspeedy. I enjoyed reading that. You've made a good choice of car - and model !

[Dazzler]

  Sorry I'm a bit late to the party ....

 

[Berber]

Great write up. They are a very underrated car.

[omegaspeedy]

Thanks guys, the car is fantastic. I enjoy it better each time I drive it.