The 2013 Hyundai i30 (also known as the Elantra GT in North America) is much more than just a family hatchback — it is a rolling demonstration of how far Hyundai has come in terms of style, space, fuel efficiency and build quality.
The Hyundai i30 2013 (also known as the Elantra GT) represents an ideal family vehicle when it comes to quality, maintenance expenditures and its behaviour on the road. The Hyundai hatchback is a competitive vehicle in terms of style, comfort, equipment and a cool interior. Here are 7 key facts that tell the full story of this impressive machine.
Fact 01
European Design, Global Quality
The i30 was designed and engineered at Hyundai’s European technical centres to meet the demanding tastes of European drivers. Its crisp Fluidic Sculpture exterior styling, penned under the direction of Peter Schreyer, blends dynamic lines with a clean, premium aesthetic that competes directly with the Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus and SEAT Leon. Almost 95% of the vehicles Hyundai sells in Europe are designed, engineered and tested there.
Fact 02
Impressive Interior Space
Despite its compact hatchback dimensions, the i30 offers genuinely generous interior space. Rear passengers benefit from excellent head and legroom, and the 378-litre boot (expandable to 1,301 litres with the rear seats folded) makes the i30 highly practical for family use and weekend adventures alike. The driving position is ergonomic and commanding, with all controls falling naturally to hand.
Fact 03
Style that Turns Heads
The i30’s exterior styling is genuinely distinctive. The signature hexagonal grille, swept-back headlamps, and flowing body character lines give the car a dynamic presence that stands out in the compact family hatchback segment. Available in a wide range of striking colours, the i30 is a vehicle you are proud to park on your driveway.
Fact 04
Outstanding Fuel Efficiency
The i30 range offers some of the most fuel-efficient engines in its class. The 1.6 CRDi Blue Drive diesel returns up to 3.6 l/100km (78.4 mpg) in combined testing, with CO2 emissions of just 94 g/km — keeping it under the critical 100 g/km threshold for many European taxation bands. Even the petrol variants, including the 1.6 GDi, deliver competitive fuel economy for everyday driving.
Fact 05
Remarkable Build Quality
Hyundai’s progress in build quality is nowhere more evident than in the i30. Panel gaps are tight and even, materials feel premium to the touch, and the switchgear operates with a satisfying solidity that rivals cars costing significantly more. This quality is backed by Hyundai’s unique Five Year Triple Care warranty: five years of warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
Fact 06
Safety at the Core
The i30 earned a full five-star Euro NCAP safety rating, demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to protecting occupants and pedestrians alike. Standard safety equipment includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), six airbags, Hill Start Assist, and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Higher trim levels add autonomous emergency braking and a rearview camera.
Fact 07
Value that Surprises
The i30 delivers an exceptional level of standard equipment for its price point. Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, and a high-quality audio system are all available from lower trim levels — features that competitors often reserve for more expensive grades. Combined with competitive servicing costs and strong residual values, the i30 represents genuine value over a full ownership cycle.
Whether you are looking for a stylish daily driver, a practical family car or an economical long-distance companion, the 2013 Hyundai i30 covers all the bases with aplomb. It is a vehicle that represents the best of what Hyundai stands for in 2013 — quality, value, style and innovation.