Best Mid-Size Car Under $30,000

Hyundai was clearly not prepared to settle for just one Australia’s Best Cars trophy in the cabinet for the i30.

The company set about improvements to stay ahead of the competition, which wouldn’t have been easy considering it already punched above its weight in standard features and security.

Last year’s winning car had electronic stability control, dual front airbags, electronic brakeforce distribution and traction control, although it missed out on side and curtain airbags.

Through the advocacy of Australia’s Best Cars, the base model SX now has these additional airbags as standard, moving the entire range to a five-star ANCAP safety rating, while remaining at the budget end of the category.

This is a significant win for consumers and adds pressure to other manufacturers to lift their game.

The i30 is impressive all round. With a thumping 255 Nm of torque available in the meat of the rev range, hill climbing or highway cruising is always effortless. Handling dynamics are solid if not outstanding, while on the roughest of dirt roads, the ride for all passengers is above average.

It isn’t a big car externally, but a surprisingly spacious interior awaits driver and passengers. Controls are clear and straightforward and within easy reach of the driver.

Build quality continues to be high and, a couple of years on, both interior and exterior styling still look fresh.