The last few months, we’ve spent some time exploring SUVs and larger vehicles - but sometimes, great things come in small packages. It’s time to zoom in on the Hyundai i30, a seriously versatile small car that is currently the most popular Hyundai vehicle in Australia. With a myriad of styles and variants available - from a hatchback to a sedan, base-petrol to rally-worthy i30 N models - there’s truly an i30 for everyone.
Wait times for the European-sourced i30 N ‘hot hatch’ are currently between 6 and 12 months, with new orders currently paused - however, other i30 models are seeing wait times of 3 months or less. In 2022, over 21,000 Hyundai i30s were sold in Australia1, with sales of this popular small car nudging those of the Toyota Corolla several times throughout the year and threatening to take the crown in Australia’s hotly-contested passenger car sales race2.
First launched in 2007, this small family car has been a top-seller for over 15 years and won a string of awards from 2007-2012, asserting its status as one of the world’s best and safest budget-friendly vehicles in the market. All models boast impressive performance and handling while being safe and inoffensive, and this value-packed hatch (or sedan) is right at home in the city and beyond, able to both perform well and look the part. We explore why the Hyundai i30 is so well-loved, how much it will cost you to buy, finance or subscribe to, as well as how you can get into one sooner than you might think.
Reasons to drive a Hyundai i30
Simple to drive, economical and with a generous 5-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty, Hyundai’s i30 is a ‘DNA car’ and the backbone of its range. While the badge is Korean, this impressive car is designed and built in Europe, with several hundred laps of the Nürburgring under its belt during its development. With all the usual tech and safety features that you can expect in 2023, this sporty small car proves to handle and drive well, looks great and keeps you and the family safe regardless of the model you choose.
Available as a hatchback or sedan, with a 2.0L base model through to the Hyundai i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition 2.0L model, there are a total 22 variants on offer - with both auto and manual transmissions available - for those after a truly responsive experience. With so many variants on offer, there’s a Hyundai i30 for every budget and preference.
How Much Does It Cost to Buy a Hyundai i30?
With long wait times for the N-variants, getting into a new Hyundai i30 can be a bit complicated. If you’re willing to wait and buy direct from the dealer, you’ll be looking at forking out anywhere from $23,720 (plus on roads) for the base Hyundai i30 2.0L FWD Hatch, right up to $56,200 for the Hyundai i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition 2.0L Hatchback FWD.
Used models are easier to come by, however there can be risk involved with purchasing any used car. Be sure to do your research, know the car’s history, get a full mechanical check and take the car for a test drive if you’re keen to get into a Hyundai i30 straight away.
How Much Does It Cost to Finance a Hyundai i30?
Many of us prefer to lease or finance a vehicle rather than buying outright. This can assist with breaking down the overall cost that buying a new vehicle can present. Be sure to assess your options fully - it’s all about making the right choice for you, right now.
With finance, you can expect to pay the price of the vehicle plus interest (usually ranging between 6% and 20%, depending on your individual circumstances). This means that the top-of-the-range Hyundai i30 N Drive-N Limited Edition 2.0L Hatchback priced at $56,200 today, financed over 5 years at 9.5% interest (with no ‘balloon’ or residual payment), will set you back approximately $270 a week (plus fees), or $70,818 over the course of your loan (ex. government fees and charges). See how it can add up?
With most banks and lending institutions, you’ll also need to consider added monthly, lender, broker and ‘break’ fees if you’re wanting to pay off your loan early. These can add up to thousands of extra dollars, depending on your loan term and lender.
That’s why when it comes to finance, it’s a great idea to consider all your options. Online car loan comparison platforms like CarClarity can help you find the finance arrangement that works best for you.
Just remember – when financing or buying a car outright, you’ll need to factor in additional running costs including insurance, registration, depreciation, servicing and other maintenance costs. Currently, the running costs of a Hyundai i30 will come in around $100 per week.
Another alternative is a vehicle lease. You won’t own the car, but the cost of use, maintenance, insurance and registration is rolled into one easy regular payment, and you’ll need less money up front to get into a new vehicle. There are many pros and cons to both leasing and finance, so take some time to consider whether these options are right for you.
How Much Does It Cost to Subscribe to a Hyundai i30?
We’ve covered the usual options, but we have some good news - there’s another.
A carbar car subscription service offers the best of both worlds. Similar to a lease, you can get into a new fully-maintained and comprehensively insured Toyota RAV4 for a simple weekly subscription cost. This is one of the most flexible and easiest ways to get into a Hyundai i30 today - from as little as $219 per week.
There are minimum costs, but no minimum terms - unlike a lease. Just give two weeks’ notice and you can swap or stop your subscription at any time.
If you love your subscription Hyundai i30 and want to own it, you can also now purchase your beloved subscription car when it works for you.
Unlike any other car retailers in Australia, carbar customers can retain weekly payments and seamlessly switch their carbar subscription to a loan arrangement thanks to our latest partnership with car loan comparison platform, CarClarity.
The best part? You don’t even need to decide straight away. A car is a big purchase, so we allow our subscribers to switch to finance once they’re ready. Taking some time to try before you buy could save you money, time and hassle in the long run.
We’re adding new cars to our fleet every week, with a number of vehicles in the Hyundai i30 range to choose from (and hundreds more) – whether you choose to subscribe, finance or buy.
The choice is always yours.
Browse our latest selection of cars today.
1https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/vfacts-january-2023-top-10-best-selling-cars-australia
2https://www.carsguide.com.au/car-news/2022-hyundai-i30-poised-to-steal-passenger-sales-crown-from-toyota-corolla-86646
