[BC]

If it's actually the gears grating then I wouldn't wait for that to improve. I do find it takes a bit more effort to get into second from first than the other gears but no audible snicks. Been good from the start for me. "Good" being a relative term; it's not the best gear-shift in the world.

Not to question your method, but the synchro does need consistent pressure to do its thing. You might be babying it too much because you are expecting the crunch. I assume the clutch take up is not too low to the floor. Often only shows in the 1->2 shift because one generally rushes that one a bit more so as not to lose momentum when taking off.

In any case I'd raise it with the service manager.

Thanks for the suggestions. 
It's not really a grate but more a snick, with the change harder & noisier when cold. (which is understandable).
The clutch adjustment was checked by the dealer and seems ok.  I think you are probably correct re the consistent pressure to get the syncro to work properly, so I'll persevere, watch my driving style and see if it loosens up with time. 

It's possible that the cable involved in moving into second gear is not quite allowing sufficient movement to ensure both the synchro and the gears have positive pressure/movement to engage correctly.

My bet from what you have told us is that the cable needs adjustment. The mechanic should be able to diagnose this - whatever the problem.

Persevere with the service department. If the gears snick and you are sure you have the clutch fully in, then something is not right.

[mudling]

The main downside to my i30 is the air-con vents.  The lowest I can point them seems to be onto my face...?

I'd like cold air blowing on my body as well, not just ending up with a cold face.  I work around it by pointing them away at different angles and just cooling the interior in general.

[Nick Riffed]

The main downside to my i30 is the air-con vents.  The lowest I can point them seems to be onto my face...?

I'd like cold air blowing on my body as well.

Hmmmm...

[bumpkin]

The main downside to my i30 is the air-con vents.  The lowest I can point them seems to be onto my face...?

I'd like cold air blowing on my body as well, not just ending up with a cold face.  I work around it by pointing them away at different angles and just cooling the interior in general.

Two things come to mind here, considering the vents are generally about chest height, how tall are you? and do you need cushions to see out the windscreen??

Second thing is cold air blowing onto body, I am off outside to fiddle with the passenger side vents  

[Doggie 1]

I haven't read every post so it may have been mentioned already, but the useless lighting in the hatch area and no "auto headlights on" feature when it gets dark.

[eyecon]

1. I wouldn't mind having the back lit display on the stereo to be dimmed lower. I find I need to turn the backlight off at night because it's too distracting.
2. Cruise control should be standard for SX
3. The seats are lacking adequate side support. The seats don't hold my upper body in when I go around corners.
4. They should have cup holders for the rear seat passengers.
5. There should be an automatic window up function on the driver's window. At the moment the button only has an auto down function

I'm being picky aren't I. I have an industrial design design background, so I can't help being critical. I still love my diesel though.

[Doggie 1]

If Hyundai are smart (and I think they are) and they monitor these forums and listen to the current owners, the next model is going to be great. 

[Dazzler]

4. They should have cup holders for the rear seat passengers.
 

The SLX does (in the centre armrest)

[snowcherry]

I haven't read every post so it may have been mentioned already, but the useless lighting in the hatch area

ugh its crap isn't it. i've just bought one of those round portable led battery powered lights. it hangs or sticks in cupboards, or hatches as it were, where you need extra light. haven't popped in the boot yet but i think it will work well.

[Lorian]

I haven't read every post so it may have been mentioned already, but the useless lighting in the hatch area

Cheap 'n easy upgrade for the hatch lighting:

https://i30ownersclub.com/forum/index.php/topic,4821.0.html

[Surferdude]

Apart from the brightness, or lack thereof, my issue with the boot lighting is that it's in the wrong place.
Whatever is in the boot will get in the way of the light from the side panel.
I'd really like to see it mounted up above in the roof lining so it shines down across the whole boot space.
I know the removable parcel shelf would get in the way and you can't put it in the parcel shelf because it CAN be removed. Maybe in the hatch somewhere.
A little project for me in the future.

[jw98]

First impressions are
1) major disappointments with the harsh ride - had Skodas before - Fabia and Octavia - and the i30 seems to judder on every bump compared to them. So much so that my father-in-law is not happy being in it because of the back problems he has. It's a 1.4 Comfort on 16 inch wheels. Hopefully it will soften up a little with time but if not I don't think we will be keeping it long.
2) the road noise

[Dazzler]

First impressions are
1) major disappointments with the harsh ride - had Skodas before - Fabia and Octavia - and the i30 seems to judder on every bump compared to them. So much so that my father-in-law is not happy being in it because of the back problems he has. It's a 1.4 Comfort on 16 inch wheels. Hopefully it will soften up a little with time but if not I don't think we will be keeping it long.
2) the road noise

That is a shame JW .. The road noise can be a bit loud on course bitumen (although not the loudest in its class)

Have you checked your tyre pressures?  Ride is MUCH harsher at say 36-38 PSI all around compared to say 32PSI

[Lorian]

First impressions are
1) major disappointments with the harsh ride - had Skodas before - Fabia and Octavia - and the i30 seems to judder on every bump compared to them. So much so that my father-in-law is not happy being in it because of the back problems he has. It's a 1.4 Comfort on 16 inch wheels. Hopefully it will soften up a little with time but if not I don't think we will be keeping it long.

Get it checked. That sounds defective from your description. My ride (UK model - not sure where you are) is very good.

First impressions are
1) major disappointments with the harsh ride - had Skodas before - Fabia and Octavia - and the i30 seems to judder on every bump compared to them. So much so that my father-in-law is not happy being in it because of the back problems he has. It's a 1.4 Comfort on 16 inch wheels. Hopefully it will soften up a little with time but if not I don't think we will be keeping it long.

Get it checked. That sounds defective from your description. My ride (UK model - not sure where you are) is very good.

Ride comfort and evaluation of handling is subjective, of course. Me, I am predisposed to prefer a stiff, even jarring, ride in the (often misplaced) belief that this will translate to "better" or safer handling.

I doubt very much that there is anything wrong with the car. Maybe there is something wrong with the expectation, and this car has safer handling to the detriment of its comfort. Mind you, I have zero knowledge of the Skodas.

Mine is generally more compliant than my previous car.

[jw98]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - checked the tyre pressures - 45 psi! Now drives like a different car! Bit worried that the main dealer hasn't deflated them in the pre-delivery inspection. Makes you wonder what else they haven't checked. Thanks again for your help

[Lorian]

Check your oil and water levels too. You might want to check your tracking too, but that will cost you elsewhere. In your position I'd tell the dealer what you found and ask for a copy of the completed PDI checklist.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions - checked the tyre pressures - 45 psi!

Crikey

[Mutley]

1. When the indicators automatically cancel it tends to flick the opposite indicator on for a quick flash.
2. My unlock button doesn't always want to unlock until I press it a few times, dealer couldn't fault it and reprogrammed it but still have the issue. Spare key works fine.
3. Tailored floor mats come with 2 holes for the driver mat and a couple of hooks so that it doesn't slide around but there is nowhere for these hooks to attach to in the carpet.

[Dazzler]

1. When the indicators automatically cancel it tends to flick the opposite indicator on for a quick flash.(Yeah a bit odd isn't it!!!!
2. My unlock button doesn't always want to unlock until I press it a few times, dealer couldn't fault it and reprogrammed it but still have the issue. Spare key works fine. (I'd make the main key your the spare then! )
3. Tailored floor mats come with 2 holes for the driver mat and a couple of hooks so that it doesn't slide around but there is nowhere for these hooks to attach to in the carpet. (The Hooks that come with the mats screw firmly into the carpet it is just a case of making sure you get them in the right place...)

[Lorian]

3. Tailored floor mats come with 2 holes for the driver mat and a couple of hooks so that it doesn't slide around but there is nowhere for these hooks to attach to in the carpet.

LOL. they keep changing their minds on the carpet fittings. Did you get the hooks just loose then?

[Mutley]

My carpet has no holes in it for where the hooks are supposed to go. Is there supposed to be or do I have to make my own holes? I have have 2 loose hooks.

[Lorian]

This is new/different to all the carpets that have gone before. Please post a photo of carpet, mat and hooks.

Do the hooks just screw in to the carpet?

For a long time the hook or hooks have come ready fitted in the car. My drivers side has two hooks factory fitted. Some have one, and a long time ago some had none.

Actually maybe you are supposed to still get the self-fit hooks, I didn't focus on your location.

[Dazzler]

My carpet has no holes in it for where the hooks are supposed to go. Is there supposed to be or do I have to make my own holes? I have have 2 loose hooks.

 

See my red comments to your first post.

Mine is a Feb 08 Build and when I got my mats I just screwed the loose hooks into the carpet about a centimetre (half an inch or so) more towards the rear of the car than the holes aleady in mats with the hooks pointed towards the front when they are fully screws in..They havent moved a bit (or the mats, in more than 12 months since I got them)

Mind you, the passenger side one is pretty grippy and secure without any hooks...

[Mutley]

What are your hooks like? Mine are a plastic type. I'll get some pictures up tonight.

[BC]

The master "door unlock" button would be better in the center of the dash near the hazard light button.  It's too hard for the passenger to reach when the driver leaves the car and the doors need to be relocked.  It's also a bit small.

[bumpkin]

My 08 has the mats which came with the screw in hooks like Dazz has mentioned, again they have not haved in two years, but also the passenger and rear mats are very grippy without any anchoring

[Lorian]

I think someone else already mentioned, but after 6 months the bolster on the right (entrance) side of the driver's seat is looking a bit worse for wear. All the other leather everywhere still looks brand new. I might have to give it some leather balm at the weekend.

[Dazzler]

What are your hooks like? Mine are a plastic type. I'll get some pictures up tonight.

They are black plastic with a thread on the bottom and like a blunt shark tooth on the top...