Test drive I30 Kombi against Mégane Grandtour and Leon ST: Hyundai in attack

Will the new Korean be able to dominate the two popular compact models in the compact class?

The i30 hatchback version has already proven that Hyundai is capable of more than extended warranties. For an additional 1000 euros, the model is now also available as a station wagon with significantly more roominess. However, will this bring him superiority over the established ones? Renault This test will be shown by Mégane Grandtour and Seat Leon ST.

Typically, the comparative tests in which Hyundai is involved are as follows: in assessing quality, the Korean does not admit significant flaws, shines with practical details and receives a lot of praise in the style of "There is nothing more to demand from the car." However, the corresponding model is best evaluated on the last straight line, where, with the help of low prices and long guarantees, it manages to overtake one or another rival.

However, this time it is different. In the current test, the i30 Kombi has the highest price, and in the 1.4 T-GDI Premium it is more than 2000 euros more expensive than the Seat Leon ST 1.4 TSI Xcellence, and almost 4000 euros more than the Renault Ménage Grandtour TCe 130 Intens (at prices in Germany). Okay, I'm not going to talk more about prices as such, but you need to know not only how much, but what they are paying for. Compared to the i30 Kombi hatchback proposed in January, it is 25 centimeters longer, which is mainly in favor of cargo space. With a volume of 602 liters, it is not only the most extensive in this comparison test, but also one of the largest in its class.

Hyundai i30 Kombi with a cargo compartment as in the middle class

When folded, the Hyundai is very close to upper mid-range models such as the Audi A6 Avant. It is also easy to use thanks to its wide loading opening and almost flat floor; a stable railing system with partitions for flexible distribution of space and space for small items ensures order. Given the love of detail, it is almost surprising that the designers retained the rear seat remote folding and lack of a suitable slot for a removable roll lid above the trunk.

But the pilot and the passenger next to him have more room for little things. In the box in front of the gear lever, Qi-compatible mobile phones can even be charged wirelessly. The infotainment system with a large and high-positioned touchscreen is easy to operate with direct selection buttons covering basic functions. However, in the event of real-time traffic jams, the mobile phone must act as a modem that is already outdated. However, with the Apple Carplay and Android Auto interface, smartphones can be easily connected and controlled safely.

In addition, Hyundai protects its passengers with a host of assistants: the base version rolls off the assembly line with city emergency braking and lane keeping systems. In the Premium version being tested, Blind Spot Assist and Cross-Traffic Assist operate quietly in low visibility conditions. The seats, the feeling of spaciousness and the quality of the materials are average for its class. But although everything looks practical and solid, the i30 is perceived as surprisingly meek and unobtrusive. The wild design of the predecessor remains "calm" - even if a little more than necessary.

Renault Mégane and the desire to be different

And that everything can be accompanied by even more brilliance, is demonstrated by the one-year-old Mégane, which stands out with its head-up display, digital controls and adjustable ambient lighting. The seats, upholstered in a combination of smooth leather and 70s suede, are something we can find in several cars around the world. However, it would be just as difficult to find a less manageable infotainment system. The R-Link 2 has no buttons, and even for frequently used media and air conditioning settings, you have to dive into a phlegmatically responsive touchscreen menu that becomes almost illegible when the sun shines.

However, the lid of the roll above the trunk reacts far from phlegmatic, which, with one touch of a finger, disappears into its cassette and can be easily removed and stowed under the bottom of the trunk if more space is required. Since the space in the two front seats is enough for larger people, we can swallow the fact that the Grandtour can carry less luggage with it than its competitors. However, the mediocre look and low opening of the tailgate can be annoying in everyday life.

The discreetly refreshed Seat in January also falls short of Hyundai's transport capabilities. However, the bottom of its trunk can be attached at two different levels. If you have to fold the backrests frequently, you will appreciate the smart mechanism that prevents the belt from pinching behind the backrest after you lift it. The dashboard and controls also look well thought out; Sports seats with dense padding and good lateral support keep you comfortable even on long journeys.

Seat Leon ST as a sports station wagon

Leon, however, is more than thoughtful and comfortable - everything is just going great. Its 1,4-litre four-cylinder engine starts at the foot of a spinning rock, climbs the hill quickly and without vibration, and accelerates the ST in less than nine seconds to 100 km/h. Disabling some cylinders also helps the ST show the lowest consumption and also has the best dynamic characteristics.

The transmission pairs very well with the rack and pinion steering, which, together with adaptive dampers, is part of the 800 euro dynamic package (in Germany). Armed with it, the Leon can be precisely piloted through tight corners, remaining neutral for extended periods of time as speed increases, and near-limit traction assists in corners with little rearward feed. Between 18 meter slalom poles it accelerates to almost 65 km/h – very good value for money, not only for this class. Despite the tight settings, the suspension skillfully absorbs deep holes without subsequent sway.

You appreciate it especially well after switching to the Renault model. In general, the Mégane has a softer suspension which is very suitable for uneven asphalt. However, on long waves on the sidewalk, the body bounces and hides a good overall impression of comfort. What's more, a low-torque 1,2-liter engine is tricky when it should give the Grandtur some good driving dynamics. Only in the upper rev range does the four-cylinder unit work more inspired. The fact that you prefer to drive in a relaxed way is also due to the not very precise gearbox, as well as the unsightly steering system, which does not become more agile in Sport mode, but only with a heavier stroke and even stiffer. in quick maneuvers.

i30 with better brakes

What about the i30? Indeed, compared to the previous model, he made progress, but still could not overtake Leon. And since the light steering does not provide enough bounce on the road, the i30 feels more agile than decisive. In addition, the ESP, tuned for maximum safety, mercilessly “turns off the lights” as soon as it detects that the driver is too far into a corner. For greater comfort, the shock absorbers must respond better to short bumps in the road.

In turn, the best brakes in the test bring a sense of safety: regardless of speed and load, the i30 always stops with an idea earlier than the competition. Equally convincing is the newly developed 1,4-liter direct injection unit with a wide operating speed range and a smooth, quiet ride. Almost nothing is heard locally about the four-cylinder engine, for which it costs 900 euros more than the noisier and only slightly more economical three-cylinder engine with 120 hp.

So, speaking of Hyundai, back to the topic of money. Yes, it's the most expensive, but in return it offers the best standard equipment, which, from LED lights and a rearview camera to a heated steering wheel, includes all the good things that cost a lot of money. ... The complete set is missing only the navigation system, which is paid additionally. However, with all this, the i30 cannot overtake any of the competitors, because in terms of quality it is already ahead of Mégane, and Leon is simply too far ahead.

Text: Dirk Gulde

Photo: Hans-Dieter Zeifert

Evaluation

1. Seat Leon ST 1.4 TSI ACT - 433 points

The Leon is perfectly motorized with its powerful and fuel efficient TSI, and moves surprisingly quickly and comfortably. However, the standard equipment could easily have been richer.

2. Hyundai i30 Kombi 1.4 T-GDI - 419 points

The spacious i30 has the widest array of assistants, a great bike and the best brakes. However, there is still room for improvement in road handling and comfort.

3. Renault Mégane Grandtour TCe 130 – 394 points

The comfortable Mégane has many practical features and a stylish interior. However, the infotainment system takes time to learn and get used to, the engine takes patience, and the steering takes indulgence.

technical details

1. Sitting Leon ST 1.4 TSI ACT	2. Hyundai i30 Estate 1.4 T-GDI	3. Renault Megane Grandtour TCe 130
Working volume	1395 cc cm	1353 cc cm	1197 cc cm
Power	150 k.s. (110 kW) at 5000 rpm	140 k.s. (103 kW) at 6000 rpm	132 k.s. (97 kW) at 5500 rpm
Maximum torque	250 Nm at 1500 rpm	242 Nm at 1500 rpm	205 Nm at 2000 rpm
Acceleration 0-100 km / h	8,9 with	9,6 with	10,5 with
Braking distances at a speed of 100 km / h	37,2 m	34,6 m	35,9 m
full speed	215 km / h	208 km / h	198 km / h
Average consumption fuel in the test	7,2 l / 100 km	7,9 l / 100 km	7,9 l / 100 km
Base Price	25 710 EUR (in Germany)	27 750 EUR (in Germany)	23 790 EUR (in Germany)

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