New i30 tested by monkeys

d3matt · **May 10, 2012, 20:42:04**

d3matt · **Reply #1: May 10, 2012, 21:01:03**

Interestingly this is a UK registered i30 in right hand drive, but not the same spec as we can buy. It has an electric handbrake for starters. It's also got the metal/sport pedals (which my Ceed 3 has) and these aren't available on UK models either.

AlanHo · **Reply #2: May 10, 2012, 21:24:50**

Nice find Matt....

That video must have been made months ago because Felicity Wood (the i30 Product Manager) in the video - who I met at the Silverstone Launch - is no longer in that post and probably no longer an Hyundai employee. Not one of the 4 managers I met are now in post.

You will recall from my report on the Silverstone experience that I asked several technical questions about the new i30 - none of which she was able to answer. However she did get the information and Email me with the answers a few days later which I posted in the thread. Looking back - I'm not sure the information she supplied about the DPF and Dual mass Flywheel were strictly correct. Perhaps the monkeys had not dug that deep.

I suspect that in this video we are seeing an example of the next upgrade to the car due to be made available in a few months time. Hyundai are poised to respond quickly to the new Golf to be launched later this year. They are determined to at least match, and if possible beat, anything that VW have on offer. It is going to be interesting.

Dazzler · **Reply #3: May 10, 2012, 22:27:20**

That was different .. Thanks Alan

Shambles · **Reply #4: May 10, 2012, 22:42:41**

Quote from: Dazzler on May 10, 2012, 22:27:20

That was different .. Thanks Alan

I'm not sure we should attribute all the forum's monkey business to Alan

AlanHo · **Reply #5: May 10, 2012, 23:09:05**

The car in the video is fitted with the convenience pack which includes keyless entry, auto fold door mirrors with puddle lamps and chrome exterior door handles. It also has the panoramic sun roof option and the individual pack with leather seat facings and LCD colour instrument display. These are all listed as factory optional extras.

However - it seems to be fitted with 17" rims which are listed as a dealer fit accessory which cost £600 for a set of 4 wheels excluding tyres. That's an awful lot of money to pay for more road noise and a firm ride.

The total cost of all these extra items will be at least £3600 including tyres.

d3matt · **Reply #6: May 11, 2012, 09:21:41**

Yes, but the electric handbrake and metal pedals are not included in those options (in the UK).

Doggie 1 · **Reply #7: May 11, 2012, 09:22:32**

They were quite funny to watch.

AlanHo · **Reply #8: May 11, 2012, 11:14:02**

Quote from: d3matt on May 11, 2012, 09:21:41

Yes, but the electric handbrake and metal pedals are not included in those options (in the UK).

I agree Matt - as I said in my earlier post - I suspect that in this video we are seeing an example of the next upgrade to the car due to be made available in a few months time. Hyundai are poised to respond quickly to the new Golf to be launched later this year. They are determined to at least match, and if possible beat, anything that VW have on offer. It is going to be interesting.

Hyundai have a track record of introducing a car with optional features - then a few months down the track some of the options become standard and new options become available. I guess the electric brake (heaven forbid) and the metals sports pedals are going to be seen either as options and/or on the rumoured turbo petrol sporty model.

eye30 · **Reply #9: May 11, 2012, 12:57:50**

When I test drove the i40 that had the electric parking brake with automatic hold function.

Weird sensation when stopped a no movement even though my brain was telling me that I hadn't activated the handbrake.

AlanHo · **Reply #10: May 11, 2012, 15:20:35**

Quote from: eye30 on May 11, 2012, 12:57:50

When I test drove the i40 that had the electric parking brake with automatic hold function.

Weird sensation when stopped a no movement even though my brain was telling me that I hadn't activated the handbrake.

My new i30 has got the auto hold (hill start) feature but fortunately it has a normal handbrake.

d3matt · **Reply #11: May 11, 2012, 16:11:50**

Yes my new i30 and previous Ceed had hill start too.
Other markets get the electric handbrake on the new i30 now. But for some reason they decided the UK market would prefer an old fashioned handbrake. Probably right. My LR Discovery 3 had an electric handbrake and I liked it.
I do wonder why they just don't save costs and have the same spec and parts everywhere.

Dazzler · **Reply #12: May 11, 2012, 22:27:46**

The new Hybrid Camry I tested recently had a foot operated park brake which didn't really appeal. I think out of sight, out of mind.. I would be more likely to leave it on by accident.

I backed it out from where it was parked with the brake on

and only realised when I went to drive off something was wrong and noticed the light.

d3matt · **Reply #13: May 11, 2012, 23:06:45**

We once had a Merc ML and before that a Merc E-class which both had foot operated brakes. They're good for putting a lot of pressure on, but then take the skin off your leg when you lease it. I don't why manufacturer's still use them.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #14: May 12, 2012, 10:33:28**

Quote from: Dazzler on May 11, 2012, 22:27:46

The new Hybrid Camry I tested recently had a foot operated park brake which didn't really appeal. I think out of sight, out of mind.. I would be more likely to leave it on by accident.

I backed it out from where it was parked with the brake on and only realised when I went to drive off something was wrong and noticed the light.

Was it the old Ford Marquis in the seventies that had a foot operated park brake?
I find them a bit odd.

Dazzler · **Reply #15: May 12, 2012, 10:37:12**

Quote from: db08 on May 12, 2012, 10:33:28

Quote from: Dazzler on May 11, 2012, 22:27:46
The new Hybrid Camry I tested recently had a foot operated park brake which didn't really appeal. I think out of sight, out of mind.. I would be more likely to leave it on by accident.

I backed it out from where it was parked with the brake on and only realised when I went to drive off something was wrong and noticed the light.

Was it the old Ford Marquis in the seventies that had a foot operated park brake?
I find them a bit odd.

Don't think I've been in one of those but I have come across a foot brake before

AlanHo · **Reply #16: May 12, 2012, 11:02:23**

Most American cars seem to have auto gearboxes and foot operated parking brakes instead of a conventional hand brake. It is OK when you have an automatic car but is hell on wheels with a manual when trying to make a hill start. You cannot release the brake gently like with a conventional hand brake - it is either on when you set it or off when you trip it with the hand or foot trip depending on the car.

One of my friends here in the UK has an 8 year old Mercedes with a manual gearbox and the dreaded foot operated parking brake. He loves the car - but admits that hill starts are tricky. He developed a heel and toe technique with the normal brake and accelerator. However - a few months ago he had an operation on his spine which has left him with a floppy right foot. He is not now able to safely drive the car because he can no longer heel and toe. Hence he is having to sell his beloved Mercedes and is looking for an automatic.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #17: May 12, 2012, 11:16:17**

If operating on his spine gave him a floppy foot, I'm glad they didn't operate on his neck.

accim · **Reply #18: May 12, 2012, 12:44:44**

Funny video

rustynutz · **Reply #19: May 13, 2012, 04:09:10**

Quote from: Dazzler on May 12, 2012, 10:37:12

Quote from: db08 on May 12, 2012, 10:33:28
Quote from: Dazzler on May 11, 2012, 22:27:46
The new Hybrid Camry I tested recently had a foot operated park brake which didn't really appeal. I think out of sight, out of mind.. I would be more likely to leave it on by accident.

I backed it out from where it was parked with the brake on and only realised when I went to drive off something was wrong and noticed the light.

Was it the old Ford Marquis in the seventies that had a foot operated park brake?
I find them a bit odd.

Don't think I've been in one of those but I have come across a foot brake before

The old Holden Sunbird had one......

Doggie 1 · **Reply #20: May 13, 2012, 04:11:38**

Quote from: rustynutz on May 13, 2012, 04:09:10

Quote from: Dazzler on May 12, 2012, 10:37:12
Quote from: db08 on May 12, 2012, 10:33:28
Quote from: Dazzler on May 11, 2012, 22:27:46
The new Hybrid Camry I tested recently had a foot operated park brake which didn't really appeal. I think out of sight, out of mind.. I would be more likely to leave it on by accident.

I backed it out from where it was parked with the brake on and only realised when I went to drive off something was wrong and noticed the light.

Was it the old Ford Marquis in the seventies that had a foot operated park brake?
I find them a bit odd.

Don't think I've been in one of those but I have come across a foot brake before

The old Holden Sunbird had one......

It did too. I remember that now.

Dazzler · **Reply #21: May 13, 2012, 06:27:09**

My late/great mate Angus had a Holden Sunbird (until he wrote it off on slippery West Coast roads..) You just don't see them any more (which is a good thng)

rustynutz · **Reply #22: May 13, 2012, 07:57:03**

My first car was gonna be a Holden Sunbird....

My Grandfather had one and had decided he was gonna give it to me, unfortunately before that happened, he wrote himself and the Sunbird off in an accident...

Doggie 1 · **Reply #23: May 13, 2012, 08:05:55**

Your grandfather wasn't called Angus, was he?

rustynutz · **Reply #24: May 13, 2012, 08:23:50**

Nope....

AlanHo · **Reply #25: May 13, 2012, 08:57:38**

Whoever thought of letting baboons loose in the new i30 did Hyundai a great service.

The story and video have gone viral all over the internet, TV news and newspapers world-wide. It's the cheapest and most effective advertising they will get this year.

d3matt · **Reply #26: May 13, 2012, 12:33:54**

And it has only cost them the £1,000 they donated the park. Amazingly cheap advertising.

Doggie 1 · **Reply #27: May 13, 2012, 13:12:58**

Sure is. Everyone's talking about it.

d3matt · **Reply #28: May 21, 2012, 16:50:46**

Here's a video from the firm that got the job to clean up the i30 after the "monkey test".

Looks like new again.

Shambles · **Reply #29: May 21, 2012, 17:37:12**

Quote from: d3matt on May 21, 2012, 16:50:46

Here's a video from the firm that got the job to clean up the i30 after the "monkey test".

Did I see him jet spraying the inside of the door?