TOUR GUIDE (some text hidden) --NONE--

By Jonathan Crouch

Hyundai's improved i30 Tourer estate might be all the vehicle you'll ever need. Jonathan Crouch reports

Ten Second Reviewword count: 61

If you require a practical and well built car that's manageably sized and won't break the bank, Hyundai have something that is well worth a look. This improved version of the third generation i30 Tourer may not be the most charismatic choice in the sector but it could be the most sensible. It scores strongly for build quality and no-nonsense utility.

Backgroundword count: 79

The i30 is, according to Hyundai, 'more than just a model' but 'a whole family of cars', consisting of three body types with unique characters united by 'coherent, timeless design'. Make of that what you will. Here, we're looking at an improved version of the Tourer estate version, which is a great choice if you want to impress somebody with quite how far Korean cars have come. Thanks to a 620-litre boot, you certainly won't need to pack light.

Driving Experienceword count: 222

As you'd expect, the Tourer model drives just like its hatch counterpart. The engines on offer are the same as those on offer in that hatch variant - which means that they've been much improved as part of the recent round of updates to this third generation design. The volume 1.0-litre T-GDI 120PS petrol unit can now be ordered with 7-speed auto transmission for the first time. But the key news is that this volume 1.0-litre petrol unit now comes with 48-volt Mild Hybrid technology for better fuel efficiency and for the first time with a 6-speed iMT Intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). iMT decouples the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator. This allows the car to enter into two possible levels of coasting depending on the conditions. With the first level, the engine is idling. With the second level, the engine is additionally temporarily turned off to save even more fuel. For those who prefer to drive automatic, the 48-volt Mild Hybrid option is also available with a 7-speed dual clutch transmission. The 136PS version of the 1.6-litre diesel also gets the 48-volt mild hybrid set-up - and the same two-way transmission choice. Across the i30 range, Hyundai has improved its SmartSense advanced safety package with 'Lane Following Assist, ' 'Rear Collision-avoidance Assist' and 'Leading vehicle Departure Alert'.

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