Hi I have driven my New Hyundai i30 1.8Elite Manual 820 Kms. I have followed the general rule of thumb for new car engine run in so far.
Here are the few points about the car so far that I like and dislike.
starting with the Pros
1) Very Good build quality overall.
2) Interior is nice place and everything looks and feel good quality
3) The overall space inside. Especially the rear passengers leg room.
4) The overall features (like Sat Nav, Reversing camera, dual zone climate, rain sensing vipers, heated & Auto folding side mirrors, full size spare etc) vs
the price. But I must say I got a good deal.
5) The driving dynamics are actually good. I don’t know why so many reviewers say that the driving dynamics are below average for this car. Unless you
are driving like maniac, the car driving dynamics are pretty sweet.
6) Full Sized spare Wheel
7) The car is relatively quiet over country roads i.e. cabin noise is not harsh. There is tyre roar but not to an extent where it gets annoying.
8) Gear Shifts are vey good.
Cons
Minor
1) Sat Nav illumination is too bright. You can use the day/night mode if using the Sat Nav but I am talking about if you are using radio, media screen
2) Steering in my opinion is heavy even in comfort mode and the modes are a gimmick IMHO
3) The stitching on the leather wrapped steering is a bit rough
4) The steering mounted controls have sharp edges
Medium
1) Thick A pillar visibility
2) My shoe get stuck under the plastic panel over the foot rest. I wear size 9.5 shoe
3) Seat are not very comfortable and I find the cushioning a bit hard for long cruises.
4) The radio reception is Pathetic. Both AM and FM. I get lot of static in AM and FM both. If I am parked in garage, I cannot get proper reception. In
contrast my old car stereo works like a beauty. Good thing is that I do not listen to radio much so I have put this into medium cons otherwise it
should in Major.
5) Car traps a lot of heat when parked in open air carparks
Major
1) I have mostly driven manuals in my life Suzuki Swift, Mazda 626 (I still have this one), Mitsubishi Van, Hyundai Santro (indian Version). The clutch
take up point is vague in this car and I still can’t figure out the best way.
When I revere the car, the clutch gets engaged at the lowest point, but when engaged in 1st
gear the take up point is higher.
2) There is a slight hesitation in throttle response when I start in 1st gear. This I find really
dangerous at round about and crossings. There is a lag in response and the car jerks as well in
the first 2 gears. I’ve had few close calls because of this. I never had this problem with other
manual cars
3) May be there is something wrong with my car but this car seriously lacks power in taking off especially at steep or inclined roads. I went for a drive last night and I deliberately stopped at a steep inclined road. With aircon on and only me in the car, it really struggled to take off. My 1996 Mazda 626 (2L manual) which has 230K on odometer does way better with aircon on at the same spot. Even though the power and torque is pretty much similar in both cars.
4) Harsh Engine Sound under acceleration. I am not flooring the gas peddle but not babying it either.
I’ll take the car in for its first service and explain these issues to the dealer and update what the dealer has to say. i’m pretty sure, he’ll say it’s normal. lol.