Made in Czech Republic?

julian · **February 19, 2009, 17:53:42**

I just came across an article on the web written at the end of November last year that said Hyundai had opened a big factory in the Czech Republic to make cars for Europe, and the first model to be manufactured there is the i30.

How can I tell whether my i30, purchased in mid-January, was one of those made in Czech Republic?

Shambles · **Reply #1: February 19, 2009, 18:09:03**

You've posed your question in a strange part of the forum Julian

Anyway, one of our Czech members (Joey) alerted us to this and even posted pics of the factory as it was about to start production. What bearing that statement has on your question I have no idea, just as I have no idea what the answer is. I guess the chassis/VIN number might give it away. How, though, I do not know.

https://i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,1387.0.html

eye30 · **Reply #2: February 19, 2009, 19:01:54**

see links:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156&hilit=vin+number
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=68&hilit=vin+number
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156&p=848&hilit=vin+number#p848

Shambles · **Reply #3: February 19, 2009, 19:04:14**

Quote from: eye30 on February 19, 2009, 19:01:54

see links:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156&hilit=vin+number
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=68&hilit=vin+number
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156&p=848&hilit=vin+number#p848

Hey eye. Where did you get those links from? They're from the old forum. You're not still using the old forum are you

eye30 · **Reply #4: February 19, 2009, 19:11:13**

Quote from: Shambles on February 19, 2009, 19:04:14

Quote from: eye30 on February 19, 2009, 19:01:54

see links:
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156&hilit=vin+number
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=68&hilit=vin+number
viewtopic.php?f=6&t=156&p=848&hilit=vin+number#p848

Hey eye. Where did you get those links from? They're from the old forum. You're not still using the old forum are you

No

Did a search and these where in the posting.

Just tried and they don't work!!!

Do you still have the old web address so I can try and recall and post for J?

Shambles · **Reply #5: February 19, 2009, 19:15:58**

Quote from: eye30 on February 19, 2009, 19:11:13

Do you still have the old web address so I can try and recall and post for J?

No, it's not accessible.

However a link to a VIN decoder can be found somewhere on this page

Nice work though, eye30

eye30 · **Reply #6: February 19, 2009, 19:24:25**

Cheers for that shambles.

If the first character in your Vin is a K then it was built in Korea.

There are other sites if you wish to google.

I don't see India or Czech in list.

I wonder if they are being classed as Korean built?

Dazzler · **Reply #7: February 19, 2009, 20:05:31**

You wouldn't think if it would be that hard to Czech place of manufacture would you

julian · **Reply #8: February 19, 2009, 20:21:42**

I posted it here 'cos I was wondering about i30s sold in the UK.

Well, the first letter of my VIN is a K so I guess it was made in Korea.

Thanks for all the replies, guys!

Shambles · **Reply #9: February 19, 2009, 20:28:22**

No probs J... this section is for organising a UK meetup, which I hope you can get to, when we set one up

I'll move this thread to a better place

sopel · **Reply #10: February 19, 2009, 21:35:36**

car from czech republic are different, in Poland club, we've got one user who have car from czech.

photos:
headlights:

no glovebox in middle:

usb & ipod entry in other place:

different hubcap(?):

Shambles · **Reply #11: February 19, 2009, 21:45:35**

Hey sopel, thanks very much for the pictures. I didn't realise there was so much difference in the Czech-produced models

Hemmi · **Reply #12: February 19, 2009, 21:56:44**

Yeah, thaks sopel, I guess I then prefer the Korean made i30.

sopel · **Reply #13: February 19, 2009, 23:32:12**

i've heard that all production goes to czech, i don't know is it true, but in Poland , from now only polish dealers will sell only cars from czech

Lakes · **Reply #14: February 20, 2009, 01:08:03**

I would take a Chech mate, as i think they build good tough cars and would or might have a better set up for rough roads like we have here but who knows? what tyre do they have?

julian · **Reply #15: February 20, 2009, 09:57:14**

Yes, I would too. I was interested because my wife and I have been to the Czech Republic three times, we love it, it's a beautiful country, and Prague is amazing. And I have great respect for Czech engineering. The Czechs are up there with the Germans in making quality. Volkswagen knew what they were doing when they took over Skoda and started manufacturing VWs there. I guess Hyundai decided to build a plant there for the same reason. It's certainly not the cheapest country in Europe to manufacture in.

I would have bought a Skoda Octavia if I had the money (and if it would fit in the garage!) It would have been funny if I'd bought a Czech-built car in the end by accident!

LuciferDarklord · **Reply #16: February 21, 2009, 11:41:07**

Those Czech headlights look cool. I like the black background. Kinda like the ones Thumper modified.

i30mania · **Reply #17: May 27, 2009, 11:28:30**

what tyre do they have?

inter...?

they shouldnt change the usb ipod port place

silveri30uk · **Reply #18: May 30, 2009, 00:40:04**

I know the Czech workers are really good but I do blame Hyundai of cost cutting. The steering wheel material is not as good as the Korean version and so is the leather on the seats. They have also taken away the heated windscreen wipers and the solar glass, which if you look at the UK wedsite, are still show as standard! The former is quite useful as we had a long cold winter in the UK this year. Has any one used this feature on their Premium model? I have a Ford Focus also and their heated windscreen if magic.

Silveri30UK

pixsta · **Reply #19: June 29, 2009, 18:33:52**

Hello!

Can you tell me the length of the trunk with upset back seats for the Czech model?

Thank you

iThurT · **Reply #20: June 29, 2009, 19:20:48**

I've just bought a CDRi 1.6 (UK). On the inside of the passenger front door pillar is a sticker which states it was made in Czech Republic. From my pre-buy research I'd assumed all EU destined cars are Czech made since April this year and my dealer never suggested anything other than that they would be coming from Czech Republic. This permits a mere 2 week delivery wait and avoids the trading import taxes they would otherwise have to pay and is the reason why the Czech (Hyundai) and Slovenian (Kia) factories were opened in the first place.
Mine has no centre pocket on the dash (which I don't like) and the iPod/USB sockets are in front of the gearstick (which I do like) but my 15" alloy wheels are the same as Korean sourced models AND (contrary to all the information I'd read) the spare is a full size alloy and not a "spacesaver" (which I like very much). Headlight background is ~~silver~~ black. Hopefully QC will match the home factory's standards. Time will tell.

eye30 · **Reply #21: June 29, 2009, 20:09:53**

welcome iThurT

Glad you like your i30.

Re ipod/usb. It's a pain having to open the arm rest to connect/disconnect so at least that is an improvement.

Re centre pocket on the dash - I can't picture this - any pics?

I presume yours is the 85 kw /113BHP @ £35 road fund?

iThurT · **Reply #22: June 29, 2009, 20:25:53**

Hi there.

"Re centre pocket on the dash - I can't picture this - any pics?"

As in sopel's second pic, just above the media player. 'Tray' might be a better description.

"I presume yours is the 85 kw /113BHP @ £35 road fund?"

That's right.

Run's great and on fresh air too! Apparently all they've done to get to 119mg/km is raise third gear (presumabley most used in urban areas). It makes the drop from third to second a bit dodgey 'til you get used to it but well worth the annual saving. Averaging 55mpg at the moment (town/country mixed with little dual carriageway).

eye30 · **Reply #23: June 29, 2009, 20:29:42**

Quote from: iThurT on June 29, 2009, 20:25:53

"Re centre pocket on the dash - I can't picture this - any pics?"

As in sopel's second pic, just above the media player. 'Tray' might be a better description.

OK I know what you are talking about.

In my view it is next to useless.

Some overseas, Korean, have a sat nav.

What do you have in its place?

iThurT · **Reply #24: June 29, 2009, 22:11:43**

Nothing. It's just blanked off as in sopels picture.

BTW Tyres are Hankook Optimo. A bit noisy but good 'feel'.

CORRECTION!! I've just checked... headlight background is BLACK as in sopels pic.

eye30 · **Reply #25: June 30, 2009, 07:04:44**

Cheers for the update.

Lovely scenery.

Where is it?

iThurT · **Reply #26: June 30, 2009, 08:56:06**

It was taken on the moors on the north end of the Forest of Bowland (about 5 miles south of Lancaster). The view over the Irish Sea is spectacular with the Lake District, Heysham Power Station(!) and Blackpool all visible. I would imagine, on a haze-free day, the Isle of Man would be visible also.