Discussion
Never thought I’d be saying that my first ever brand new car is a Hyundai...
After going back to uni to do my teacher training last year, and having been offered a permanent post at my school in March, decided to take the plunge and buy a new car. Had test driven a few options but knew that I definitely wanted back into a hot hatch. Focus ST/Leon Cupra were good fun but couldn’t get on with the interiors in either, Golf GTi/R/Audi S3 are everywhere in Aberdeen and don’t do much for me, and Type R was hilarious to drive but just too much to comfortably afford. At a loose end one weekend, having read the online reviews I thought I’d test drive the Hyundai, and I’m bloody glad I did - it really is as good as has been said.
Went for the Performance model (+25bhp, e-LSD, active exhaust, better brakes) in no cost Polar White with the optional Winter pack (heated seats and wheel). Impressed at the level of standard equipment for the price too - although it doesn’t necessarily look cheaper than the competition, comparing when equipped to same spec shows some stark differences.
The various driving modes make all the difference, personally. I can have it in eco mode and get 36-38mpg on my commute, and then have it in N Custom mode and go flying along backroads making an antisocial noise to my heart’s content. The Custom mode is also excellent as it means you can keep the dampers set to Normal - given the state of the roads up here, anything stiffer than that is ill advised.
Won’t be making any changes, but I’ll keep this updated as the ownership process continues.
After going back to uni to do my teacher training last year, and having been offered a permanent post at my school in March, decided to take the plunge and buy a new car. Had test driven a few options but knew that I definitely wanted back into a hot hatch. Focus ST/Leon Cupra were good fun but couldn’t get on with the interiors in either, Golf GTi/R/Audi S3 are everywhere in Aberdeen and don’t do much for me, and Type R was hilarious to drive but just too much to comfortably afford. At a loose end one weekend, having read the online reviews I thought I’d test drive the Hyundai, and I’m bloody glad I did - it really is as good as has been said.
Went for the Performance model (+25bhp, e-LSD, active exhaust, better brakes) in no cost Polar White with the optional Winter pack (heated seats and wheel). Impressed at the level of standard equipment for the price too - although it doesn’t necessarily look cheaper than the competition, comparing when equipped to same spec shows some stark differences.
The various driving modes make all the difference, personally. I can have it in eco mode and get 36-38mpg on my commute, and then have it in N Custom mode and go flying along backroads making an antisocial noise to my heart’s content. The Custom mode is also excellent as it means you can keep the dampers set to Normal - given the state of the roads up here, anything stiffer than that is ill advised.
Won’t be making any changes, but I’ll keep this updated as the ownership process continues.
Now 4000 miles in.
Love for the car still grows. It’s fitted into my life perfectly. Still great fun to drive and very comfortable. Also manages to be decently economical, as in 36+ mpg, when doing the average speed camera slog between Aberdeen and Dundee when visiting my parents.
Couple of points to note:
Eco mode is pointless - tested back to back with Normal mode, seems to make no difference to economy while making the throttle ineffective.
Fuel consumption - on that note, averaging roughly 31 mpg - I spend quite a bit of time in city traffic so I’m ok with this (my previous Subaru averaged 21.5..!)
Strut brace - I was concerned it would be quite an annoyance when moving large loads (I’m currently moving house) but it really doesn’t get in the way too much. I’ve just been careful to keep it covered with dustsheets to make sure it doesn’t get too scratched.
To answer a query from earlier, 10% off list through Carwow when I bought.
Next task is to buy winter wheels and tyres, and also I’ve got a notion to debadge the rear, while having no idea how to debadge anything - I’m not a practical sort. Tips welcomed.
Love for the car still grows. It’s fitted into my life perfectly. Still great fun to drive and very comfortable. Also manages to be decently economical, as in 36+ mpg, when doing the average speed camera slog between Aberdeen and Dundee when visiting my parents.
Couple of points to note:
Eco mode is pointless - tested back to back with Normal mode, seems to make no difference to economy while making the throttle ineffective.
Fuel consumption - on that note, averaging roughly 31 mpg - I spend quite a bit of time in city traffic so I’m ok with this (my previous Subaru averaged 21.5..!)
Strut brace - I was concerned it would be quite an annoyance when moving large loads (I’m currently moving house) but it really doesn’t get in the way too much. I’ve just been careful to keep it covered with dustsheets to make sure it doesn’t get too scratched.
To answer a query from earlier, 10% off list through Carwow when I bought.
Next task is to buy winter wheels and tyres, and also I’ve got a notion to debadge the rear, while having no idea how to debadge anything - I’m not a practical sort. Tips welcomed.
rm89 said:
Now 4000 miles in.
Love for the car still grows. It’s fitted into my life perfectly. Still great fun to drive and very comfortable. Also manages to be decently economical, as in 36+ mpg, when doing the average speed camera slog between Aberdeen and Dundee when visiting my parents.
Couple of points to note:
Eco mode is pointless - tested back to back with Normal mode, seems to make no difference to economy while making the throttle ineffective.
Fuel consumption - on that note, averaging roughly 31 mpg - I spend quite a bit of time in city traffic so I’m ok with this (my previous Subaru averaged 21.5..!)
Strut brace - I was concerned it would be quite an annoyance when moving large loads (I’m currently moving house) but it really doesn’t get in the way too much. I’ve just been careful to keep it covered with dustsheets to make sure it doesn’t get too scratched.
To answer a query from earlier, 10% off list through Carwow when I bought.
Next task is to buy winter wheels and tyres, and also I’ve got a notion to debadge the rear, while having no idea how to debadge anything - I’m not a practical sort. Tips welcomed.
Could you post how much winter wheels and tyres would be when you sort it? I’ve just been on the Nth degree experience today and really like the car. Just not sure of the running costs so far, it’s a big step up from my current Fabia. Winters were dead cheap for that but the I30N has pretty big wheels and tyres.Love for the car still grows. It’s fitted into my life perfectly. Still great fun to drive and very comfortable. Also manages to be decently economical, as in 36+ mpg, when doing the average speed camera slog between Aberdeen and Dundee when visiting my parents.
Couple of points to note:
Eco mode is pointless - tested back to back with Normal mode, seems to make no difference to economy while making the throttle ineffective.
Fuel consumption - on that note, averaging roughly 31 mpg - I spend quite a bit of time in city traffic so I’m ok with this (my previous Subaru averaged 21.5..!)
Strut brace - I was concerned it would be quite an annoyance when moving large loads (I’m currently moving house) but it really doesn’t get in the way too much. I’ve just been careful to keep it covered with dustsheets to make sure it doesn’t get too scratched.
To answer a query from earlier, 10% off list through Carwow when I bought.
Next task is to buy winter wheels and tyres, and also I’ve got a notion to debadge the rear, while having no idea how to debadge anything - I’m not a practical sort. Tips welcomed.
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