The first-generation Hyundai i30 didn't make much on an impact when it was launched in Malaysia in 2009. Not many knew of its existence then, much less remember the car today, but it stood out for this writer, and not just because it was my first ever review for paultan.org after making the switch from printed matter.
I remember being impressed by the VW Golf-rival - here was a Hyundai that didn't annoy in any way, and while it didn't provide much in the form of driving excitement, there was a sense of integrity and quality that stood out in a Korean car. Bear in mind that this was back in 2009, where most were still amazed at their power to surprise. No one is shocked anymore these days, so perhaps that tagline should be retired.
It was a breath of fresh air. The i30, more than small sibling i10, was conceived to win over the Europeans, to convince the Continent that cars from South Korea are worthy of their euros. The i30 was a "European Hyundai", a completely different animal from the Elantra and Sonata of the same vintage.
Much has changed in the years seperating the original i30 and its successor (just look at them!), but after driving the new GD, we were surprised to find that little has changed in the big picture.
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