Hyundai i30 and Kia Ceed
Although sold as different brands, and different models, Kia Cee’d and Hyundai i30 are basically the same car.
Kia and Hyundai are the same company (Kia is a part of Hyundai group), both cars are very similar under the hood, practically identical.
Difference is in the details, and that’s where Hyundai i30 wins the battle.
Engine characteristics are not breathtaking - average would be a proper description of the specs.i30 will surprise you with the level of interior details, much more sophisticated and polished than at many more luxurious cars, yet cheaper. In general, Hyundai is making big steps during the past few years, changing from simply cheap car maker (just remember the first Santa Fe) to the most promising Asian car brand. Attention to details is clearly visible in the i30, too.
It has a superior inside spaciosness - there’s plenty of headroom for above 6 feet tall driver, and still quite enough on the backseat to accomodate an adult.
The only thing I didn’t like at i30 is the instrument panel - it’s simply not visible enough unless lights are on. Then, and only then, it’s clearly visible. In fact, it’s beautiful. Still, there are better ways to make us keep the lights always on then this…Interior is cleverly packed with many features - many are cheap, yet more than welcome. One of such features would be a USB slot, or backseats seatbelt alarm, or on-wheel music system controls (not often seen in small city cars), etc.If you are after a hip small city car, then i30 is a car to add to the list of trendy small cars to choose from. Once a company many joked about, Hyundai has proven that they can be a worthy contender to Toyota, Mazda and other big guns of the trade.
To conclude, Hyundai i30 is targetting the same market Volkswagen Golf targetted years ago - average in everything, reasonably priced, with high level of interior details. Driving in i30 gives passengers an impression that they are in a more luxurious car.
On the other hand, Kia Cee’d has slightly less sophisticated exterior and much less sophisticated interior, but it’s cheaper.
So, it’s your choice.
