and so my test drive

snowcherry · **July 25, 2009, 04:46:39**

yes i finally had one (i know i do things back to front and take my time)

test drove a SX auto petrol (in hyper silver)
so some impressions and a couple of queries.
overall good impression...please note i don't tend to drive cars outside my own and am very set in my festiva
only drove around back streets so didn't get to go over 60K's

steering - very light! i was surprised at how light it felt - almost too light if that makes sense, i felt like i needed to feel the weight of the car a little more
fantatsic turning circle to and delightfully surprised at this
feeling of space/size - very happy with this as i didn't feel like the car was too large which i do feel in my works older model ford focus
acceleration - very responsive, actually surprised when testing reversing as i expected it to be slower but it wanted to fly out
head rest - horrible
passenger seat a little stiff on the drive, and feels like a hump of sorts in the seat, was too preoccupied to notice if drivers was the same.
rear vision seemed a little limited which i think most new hatches are probably like that now, side to front vision seemed quite good though, very large side mirrors to

braking......yeah had an issue here which i want some feedback on. when i come to an intersection with give way sign, i tend to slow down only tapping brake lightly then proceed with acceleration if clear. however doing this in the i30 i would brake down to almost stopping, lift my foot slightly and the BRAKE GRIPS IN. what the hell? i found this exceptionally disconcerting and want to know what this is and can you turn it off? i played around with that and worked out if i change initial pressure it doesn't do it but it did it 3 times to me overall. so its like i want to move off but the car decides it wants to brake to a complete stop instead.

i dragged my father along for this, and got him to try it as well (i trust his driving opinion) he liked it overall but a couple of things niggled him and was very surprised it was a 2.0 - he thought it was smaller after the drive. i think he expected a bit more from it. he didn't like the seats at all or the zig zag design of the gear stick. which i ssomething i would really need to get used to as well.

hmmm brain is empty now

Dazzler · **Reply #1: July 25, 2009, 06:19:47**

Hi Snowcherry,

I would expect the Auto petrol to be the least responsive of all models it is interesting you thought it went well and your dad thought it was underpowered.

Sounds like the headrest was in its most forward position as my wife hated her passenger side one until I adjusted it back a notch..

As far as the brakes go sounds like the demo has issues.. haven't heard of that happening before...

Seats are quite firm but are supportive on a long trip (generally good feedback in that area on here) I would recommend a set of lambswool seatcovers they make a big difference.. no matter what other members might say ...

Cheers,

Dazz

snowcherry · **Reply #2: July 25, 2009, 08:52:58**

cheers Dazz
i would like to do another test drive when i have more time, but take it out on a 100k stretch somewhere.
the responsiveness:- i'm comparing to works ford focus, which i don't enjoy driving as it just seems slow and sluggish (its an older model), and my fathers XR6 which i'm sure is responsive but awefully heavy

.

and i meant to mention it did feel smooth overall, and seemed to be quieter road noise wise, but again need to get it out on highway to be sure.

might have to try a different car and see if i have same problem with the brakes.

bumpkin · **Reply #3: July 25, 2009, 17:40:47**

Hi Snowcherry

Just going to pick up on a couple of your points and give my experience for you

1. Brakes - How old was the demo model, when I tested my one she was brand new and the brakes took me totally by surprise and I can only describe them as savage at that point. They very quickly settled down after purchase though and I really like them now.

2. Steering - I think it is a feature of the Electric Power Steering that makes it light at parking speeds but I think it gets heavier at higher speeds and gives better feel when actually driving.

3. Headrests - What is horrible about them? I have mine at the most forward point and I have to say that this is the first car I have ever had where I actually get to put my head against the rest.

4. Does an H pattern gearbox matter in an auto?

Blue · **Reply #4: July 25, 2009, 23:16:59**

Interesting how you thought it was responsive and dad thinks it is underpowered.

Get dad to drive an auto diesel, then he will realise how underpowered his Falcon feels by comparison.

Dazzler · **Reply #5: July 25, 2009, 23:18:45**

Quote from: Blue on July 25, 2009, 23:16:59

Interesting how you thought it was responsive an dad thinks it is underpowered.

Get dad to drive an auto diesel, then he will realise how underpowered his Falcon feels by comparison.

Or even better a manual diesel

Nev75 · **Reply #6: July 26, 2009, 00:02:23**

I have the auto diesel, and previously had a commodore supercharged v6. The i30 auto diesel feels much more powerful and more responsive than the v6.

Obviously there's the price premium for the diesel engine, but your spend on fuel will be lower! And I presume it will also have a higher resale value.

Lakes · **Reply #7: July 26, 2009, 09:29:18**

Hey Snowcherry, good you got out for a test, take a test in the manuel too, also both auto & manuel diesel.
just i have never driven the auto petrol, but that motor is lighter so steering could feel lighter, the diesel motor is heavier and i have not noticed the steering was that light.
i'm sure you dadwould hate that auto shifter as he is used to the Falcon shift, i have an auto V8 falcon and hate those notch zig zag shifters too, but i don't like auto's as much as manuel as you seem to have to use the brakes too often the free wheel. but everyone too there own personal taste. i notice girls like\ to have one hand free

so auto works, i notice they like to hold a Cappachino or a mobile phone .
cheers

snowcherry · **Reply #8: July 26, 2009, 09:41:07**

Quote from: bumpkin on July 25, 2009, 17:40:47

1. Brakes - How old was the demo model, when I tested my one she was brand new and the brakes took me totally by surprise and I can only describe them as savage at that point. They very quickly settled down after purchase though and I really like them now.

2. Steering - I think it is a feature of the Electric Power Steering that makes it light at parking speeds but I think it gets heavier at higher speeds and gives better feel when actually driving.

3. Headrests - What is horrible about them? I have mine at the most forward point and I have to say that this is the first car I have ever had where I actually get to put my head against the rest.

4. Does an H pattern gearbox matter in an auto?

to quickly answer
1. brand spanking new! its the hypersilver and they got it a few days prior
2. yes i think it was the power steering, and the dealer did say it would get heavier at the higher speeds
3. maybe because i'm short, but i couldn't sit right back without it feeling like it was pushing head forward
4. it doesn't really matter, i'm just used to manually selecting lower gear while i'm driving, in the ford its straight down and then straight forward again, and its not a H either, its wiggly

snowcherry · **Reply #9: July 26, 2009, 09:46:25**

Quote from: Lakes on July 26, 2009, 09:29:18

too there own personal taste. i notice girls like\ to have one hand free so auto works, i notice they like to hold a Cappachino or a mobile phone .
cheers

i'm so busted, not with the phone as i refuse to use one while driving, but i'm so guilty of the coffee

with the manual, i haven't driven one in donkeys years so i'm not too sure taking a demo out for a test drive would be a smashing idea
however i am intrigued to try the diesel, if it does feel that touch heavier it would be worth giving more consideration to it

thanks guys for the comments

bumpkin · **Reply #10: July 26, 2009, 11:53:29**

Quote from: snowcherry on July 26, 2009, 09:41:07

Quote from: bumpkin on July 25, 2009, 17:40:47
1. Brakes - How old was the demo model, when I tested my one she was brand new and the brakes took me totally by surprise and I can only describe them as savage at that point. They very quickly settled down after purchase though and I really like them now.

2. Steering - I think it is a feature of the Electric Power Steering that makes it light at parking speeds but I think it gets heavier at higher speeds and gives better feel when actually driving.

3. Headrests - What is horrible about them? I have mine at the most forward point and I have to say that this is the first car I have ever had where I actually get to put my head against the rest.

4. Does an H pattern gearbox matter in an auto?

to quickly answer
1. brand spanking new! its the hypersilver and they got it a few days prior
2. yes i think it was the power steering, and the dealer did say it would get heavier at the higher speeds
3. maybe because i'm short, but i couldn't sit right back without it feeling like it was pushing head forward
4. it doesn't really matter, i'm just used to manually selecting lower gear while i'm driving, in the ford its straight down and then straight forward again, and its not a H either, its wiggly

to quickly reply.........

1. Probably still bedding in and would settle very quickly after purchase as per my experience.
2. Looks like thats settled then 8)
3. Did you have the headrest adjusted at it's most forward point? There are three settings on mine, each getting progressively further forward, perhaps you need setting 1 or 2?
4. OK wiggly pattern

That is particularly European, like anything though I suspect you would quickly get used to it, I have seen some of our other Antipodean members being a bit taken aback by the position of reverse on the manual (I think the most common for you would be straight down from 5) but we have always had it "on it's own" and kinda outwith the H gate and nowadays in a lot of cars where you guys might be looking for R we would find 6

Come to think of it that wasn't too quick a reply

Cheers
Brian

Blue · **Reply #11: July 26, 2009, 12:04:10**

Quote from: bumpkin on July 26, 2009, 11:53:29

I have seen some of our other Antipodean members being a bit taken aback by the position of reverse on the manual (I think the most common for you would be straight down from 5) but we have always had it "on it's own" and kinda out with the H gate and nowadays in a lot of cars where you guys might be looking for R we would find 6

Jesus Brian... Olda Scotia I got (another thread) EASY..
Antipodean... I had to google !!!!!! Hahahahaha. I thought it was a theatre in the south of London !

And just for the record, when 6 is under 5... stick R where ever you like.
When the "slot" UNDER 5 is empty though... that's where R (or any other gear they like) SHOULD go !

Otherwise it seems like having a ladder with rungs OUTSIDE the uprights

To me at least !

bumpkin · **Reply #12: July 26, 2009, 12:14:49**

The R outside the gate harks back to when we only had 4 forward gears, therefore the "rung was always outside the ladder" in your words

Sorry about Antipodean, thought it was a common

Lakes · **Reply #13: July 26, 2009, 21:32:35**

Quote from: snowcherry on July 26, 2009, 09:46:25

Quote from: Lakes on July 26, 2009, 09:29:18
too there own personal taste. i notice girls like\ to have one hand free so auto works, i notice they like to hold a Cappachino or a mobile phone .
cheers

i'm so busted, not with the phone as i refuse to use one while driving, but i'm so guilty of the coffee

with the manual, i haven't driven one in donkeys years so i'm not too sure taking a demo out for a test drive would be a smashing idea
however i am intrigued to try the diesel, if it does feel that touch heavier it would be worth giving more consideration to it

thanks guys for the comments

Hey Snowcherry, your not alone with the coffee.
hey if you can, just take the diesel manuel for a test drive and follow my directions and it will be easy.
now as you have not driven manuel in some time you have probably forgot. but first and second gear on the Hyundai have a spring load lock out, third and forth are just push forward and pull back gears 5th is dspring loaded lock out. reverse is a little ring under the gear nob you pull the ring up push gear stick over to the left and forward with your foot pushing clutch peddle in, now while still pushing forward on gear shift ease out clutch to put a load on the gear see if gear shift move forward more just to make sure its in reverse.
if your just going to drive forward on your test drive you won't need to know that but its usefull knowledge. to get 1st gear put gear shift in nutral push to the left against the spring load then forward and your in first, now her is were the magic of the turbo diesel and the fly by wire computer controld throtle come into play, DON'T use the throtle just ease out the clutch it does not matter if your on a hill it works, if on a hill just pull hand brake on, you ease out the clutch and you don't use the throtle and you will feel car push forward let hand brake off don't use throtle still and remove foot from clutch the car will just move off smoothly then just use throtle and shift gear to second remembering second also has a spring lock out so need to push gear stick to left as you pull it back the diesel will pull smooth in 4th gear at 50KPH so very easy to drive in trafic too. i drive lots of different types of cars trucks amd ride motorbikes some cars auto some manuel no diffence when you get used to them they all seem the same but manuel use less fuel and brake pads last longer.
cheers good luck enjoy your coffee.

snowcherry · **Reply #14: July 28, 2009, 10:32:09**

^

lets just say 'probably forgot' would be on the side of caution

re: headrest, i tried to see if i could push it back but obviously didn't look very hard, i'll look at that again next test drive

Dazzler · **Reply #15: July 28, 2009, 10:36:45**

Quote from: snowcherry on July 28, 2009, 10:32:09

re: headrest, i tried to see if i could push it back but obviously didn't look very hard, i'll look at that again next test drive

Haven't fiddled with mine for a while.. but think you have to pull the headrest forward then push it back..

Trips · **Reply #16: July 28, 2009, 11:45:48**

Quote from: Dazz on July 28, 2009, 10:36:45

Quote from: snowcherry on July 28, 2009, 10:32:09

re: headrest, i tried to see if i could push it back but obviously didn't look very hard, i'll look at that again next test drive

Haven't fiddled with mine for a while.. but think you have to pull the headrest forward then push it back..

Correct, just pull the headrest all the way forward then it springs all the way back as far as it can. i have mine about halfway in, quite conformable IMO

snowcherry · **Reply #17: August 05, 2009, 01:42:01**

went to enquire about a test drive yesterday in an auto diesel.....but they didn't have one! bugger

sweetbix · **Reply #18: August 09, 2009, 07:51:21**

Quote from: snowcherry on July 25, 2009, 04:46:39

steering - very light! i was surprised at how light it felt - almost too light if that makes sense, i felt like i needed to feel the weight of the car a little more
fantatsic turning circle to and delightfully surprised at this
feeling of space/size - very happy with this as i didn't feel like the car was too large which i do feel in my works older model ford focus
acceleration - very responsive, actually surprised when testing reversing as i expected it to be slower but it wanted to fly out
head rest - horrible
passenger seat a little stiff on the drive, and feels like a hump of sorts in the seat, was too preoccupied to notice if drivers was the same.
rear vision seemed a little limited which i think most new hatches are probably like that now, side to front vision seemed quite good though, very large side mirrors to

braking......yeah had an issue here which i want some feedback on. when i come to an intersection with give way sign, i tend to slow down only tapping brake lightly then proceed with acceleration if clear. however doing this in the i30 i would brake down to almost stopping, lift my foot slightly and the BRAKE GRIPS IN. what the hell? i found this exceptionally disconcerting and want to know what this is and can you turn it off? i played around with that and worked out if i change initial pressure it doesn't do it but it did it 3 times to me overall. so its like i want to move off but the car decides it wants to brake to a complete stop instead.

Hi Snowcherry,

I test drove both the petrol and diesel i30 today. I found the petrol i30 was a whole lot more responsive with acceleration and breaking than my 04 Getz. The diesel I found a little heavier to steer and not as responsive as the petrol was at lower speeds...so you might actually prefer the diesel. As for the head rest, I didn't seem to have a problem after adjusting it.

I'm a bit of a shorty too...

I've decided that i'll be going back to the dealer in the next few days and I'll be placing an order on a SR.

There's nothing wrong with the diesel, it's just the SR that I want...

snowcherry · **Reply #19: August 09, 2009, 10:18:13**

hi sweetbix
thanks for that input! appreciate it
dealer still doesn't have an auto diesel for me to drive and am unsure when i can get out to the next dealer, i'll prob end up with the petrol though because of initial costs

and i'd love the SR myself but i just cannot get that extra cost togethor, hoping to order mine by end of month but am looking for some good 2nd hand deals as well

donc · **Reply #20: August 10, 2009, 15:44:42**

Hi Snow,

Might also be worth noting that despite all the talk of engines here; the choice of diesel or petrol engine are generally NOT the main determinants of people buying cars, of the ultimate enjoyment you get out of a car, or of end resale value...

I've posted examples of RedBook resale stats elsewhere on this forum, but in a nutshell... what determines enjoyment for most people as well as ultimate resale value (as a factor of depreciation, perc below purchase price) are aspects relating to safety and luxury - these are what people pay for nowadays... (and the reason the SR has the best resale perc factor, the SLX next, and the SL last of all no matter which engine is fitted).

Look for the number of air bags on your model of choice (6 should be the minimum on all cars nowadays) ... a cruise control and on-steering audio controls (a distinct safety feature)... better quality tyres and rims (another safety feature often overlooked)... stability control and TCS, ABS and EBD... fog lamps, seats with lumbar support, tinted windows, stone guards and mud flaps, climate control etc. etc. ... these are the things that make your car really enjoyable to drive as well as adding significantly to the resale value when you finally decide you want something else!

Good luck!