Which is better kia ceed or hyundai i30. Rival twins: a comparison between the KIA Ceed and the Hyundai i30. More about ceed trim levels

Korean car manufacturers have already reached a completely new, high level, and are beginning to compete with each other. Today we will compare Kia Sid and Hyundai i30 - the flagship models of their concerns.

Kia Sid is a well-known Korean car, which according to European standards is classified into the C-segment, appeared on the world market in 2006. It was first presented at the Paris auto show, and representatives of the company immediately announced that the car was developed specifically for Europe.

By May 2006, more than 200,000 copies of the model had been produced. The car was in good demand, but most motorists were not happy with high cost Sid. By the way, in 2009 the model underwent restyling.

In 2012, the serial production of the second generation Sid started, which, by the way, was eventually recognized as one of the safest in the segment.

Hyundai i30 is a popular Korean compact car that is based on the same modular platform with its current counterpart. The debut of the model took place at the Geneva Motor Show. Initially, the car was assembled at the newly opened plant in the Czech Nosovice, later the production processes were partially moved to China. By the way, from the point of view of safety, the debut version of the Ay30 was seriously inferior to the Kia Sid.

In 2011 at car showroom took place in Frankfurt long-awaited premiere The second generation Ay30, which immediately became one of the best-selling models on the European market.

Hyundai i30 or Kia Ceed - which is better? Since none of the cars has yet won any significant awards, the most natural result at this point will be a draw.

Appearance

Purely visually, externally, both cars have a lot in common. But, in terms of style, they are made in different ways. The exterior of Sid shows dynamism and purposefulness, which are perfectly combined with Asian brevity and minimalism. The i30 has a fairly practical appearance, even more laconic than its counterpart, but at the same time noticeably more aggressive.

Now everything is in order. Appearance and layout windshield, as well as the hood, both models have almost the same, which cannot be said about the elements of the nose. If Sid has a compact grille and stylish oblong headlights, then the i30 is equipped with a huge false radiator grille and ax-shaped LED headlights.

The lower part of the bumper is also noticeably different for both cars. At Sid here you can see a trapezoidal air intake and huge fog lights, which contrasts strongly with the very narrow air intake of the i30 and the same fog lights.

From the side, the cars are similar, but the Ay30 has a more prominent profile part, and the wheel arches are more voluminous, compared to the opponent. At the back, with the exception of some nuances, the cars are also very similar.

Given the many general points in the exterior of cars, we will award a draw here.

Salon

In comparing the interiors of both cars, I would like to give the i30 an advantage. Why is that? Firstly, the designers of the Kia company decided to combine European and Asian traditions in the interior of the car, and, frankly, they did not succeed, but in the i30 everything looks harmonious and appropriate.

Secondly, the interior of the i30 used higher quality finishing materials and it seems more comfortable and spacious.

Specifications

To compare the "stuffing" of today's opponents, we chose the restyled versions of the 2017 models, the role of power units on which are performed by 1.4-liter gasoline engines. It should be noted right away that cars are very demanding on the fuel poured into them, so it is advisable to use 95th gasoline. Among other common points I would like to note the front-wheel drive "bogie" and a six-speed manual transmission.

As for the motors themselves, they produce the same power - 100 Horse power... However, due to the fact that Sid is 68 kg lighter than his opponent, he is more dynamic. For example, to accelerate a car from zero to a hundred, you need to spend - 12.7 s, which is half a second faster than a counterpart. However, in terms of the situation is almost equal - 6.1 l versus 6.2 l, in favor of the i30.

As for the dimensions, there are no big surprises here. The body of Sid is only 10 mm longer than its current competitor, but at the same time the height of both cars is the same - 1470 mm. The same situation is with the size of the wheelbase - 2650 mm and the ground clearance - 150 mm. Also, each of the cars is equipped with 15-inch wheels.

Price

The average cost of Hyundai Ay30 2017 in Russia is 850,000 rubles. , in turn, will cost 30 thousand rubles less. In principle, even at this point, one can state the permanent equality of both models.

Peugeot 308 has more modifications, but the specificity of the Ukrainian market is such that 5-door hatchbacks and SW station wagons are the most widespread in our country. The same choice is provided by the Hyundai i30. In today's article, we will compare the most popular versions of hatchbacks.

The strength of the "Frenchman"

Peugeot has the best corrosion resistance. The weak point of the "Korean" is the trunk lid: rust appears around the additional brake light and underneath rear window... There were also problems with the reflector of the additional brake light. At the same time, the long front overhang and low branded front mudguards make the 308 less practical.

An important advantage of these cars is their high safety: both have the maximum 5 stars according to the results of EuroNCAP crash tests.

If you can still argue about the exterior of our heroes, then the interior design of the Peugeot 308 is clearly more original (see photo). The "Frenchman" has fewer complaints about the operation of the equipment, and his salon is made more efficiently. But the "Korean" surpasses its competitor in space - it has more legroom rear passengers... Although the width of the interiors of these cars are the same.

We advise business motorists to take a closer look at the Peugeot 308 again: although its maximum volume luggage compartment at 1200 liters, 50 liters less than the Hyundai i30, but it is able to take on board 115 kg more, and the loading opening of its trunk is wider.

Benefits of the "Korean"

Domestic buyers of both models have a choice of petrol and diesel versions. Comparing the dynamic performance of the most common petrol variants with 1.6 liter engines and a manual gearbox, we found that they are practically the same: the "Frenchman" acceleration to a hundred is 10.8 seconds, and the "Korean" - 11 seconds. At the same time, all other versions of the Peugeot 308 are more dynamic. But as the operating experience has shown, in terms of reliability, its gasoline is noticeably inferior to similar engines of the Hyundai i30 (see "Results"). The solar units of these cars are praised by many owners for fuel efficiency and high-torque performance, although some weak spots in their turbodiesels have been identified.

It is worth praising the "Korean" for the higher reliability of the gearboxes. Unless the clutch can be disturbed in the manual gearbox, but after replacing the basket, problems do not arise. When buying a "Frenchman", it is advisable to choose only versions with manual gearboxes - all other gearboxes are capable of causing serious trouble (see "Results").

Everyone's weakness

The front suspensions of these cars are the same - McPherson, and the rear ones are different: the Hyundai i30 has a multi-link, and the Peugeot 308 has a simpler semi-independent beam.

Difficult rear Hyundai suspension i30 on our roads proved to be not the best way. Its weak points: floating silent blocks of transverse levers (become unusable with runs of 50 thousand km) and breakup traction (50-60 thousand km). With runs over 40 thousand km, shock absorbers often wear out. At the same time, the rest of the consumables rear suspension able to hold out more than 150 thousand km. The front suspension of the "Korean" serves for a long time: the silent blocks of the front levers can travel about 100 thousand km, and the ball ones - under 150 thousand km.

But at the Peugeot 308, it was the front suspension that let us down. Her vulnerabilities: ball joints (60-70 thousand km serve) and support pads of the front struts (about 80 thousand km). In this case, the silent blocks of the levers withstand about 150 thousand km, and the elastic bands of the rear beam are considered eternal.

The fastest wear out suspension consumables - struts and stabilizer bushings last a little longer for the Frenchman - 40-60 thousand and 100 thousand km versus 30-40 thousand and 60-80 thousand km for the “Korean”.

most cars are equipped with an amplifier. The Hyundai i30 is electric, while the Peugeot 308 is electro-hydraulic. Less durable steering "Korean" - with runs over 70 thousand km, wear of the rack bushings is noted. Although the rail is repairable, and there are no difficulties with replacing worn out bushings. The steering gear "Korean" has a greater resource - the rod ends can withstand more than 100 thousand km, and the rods themselves are even longer. The "Frenchman" has 60-80 thousand km of thrust, and the tips - about 100 thousand km.

Hyundai i30 2008-2012 from $ 8500 to $ 14,000

The i30's interior is less original. The plastic finish is quiet. For lateral maneuvers, the rear pillars limit the view. Problems have been reported with interior door handles, computer display, steering wheel trim and gearshift knob.

An important advantage of the i30 is that there is more legroom for the rear passengers than that of the Peugeot.

"I30 is a model that successfully combines important consumer qualities: car cost / equipment level / reliability"

Summary

I chose this model first of all for the optimal, in my opinion, ratio of cost and equipment. It has everything you need for a safe (six airbags, ABS, ESP) and quite comfortable ride (heated seats, outside mirrors, air conditioning, multifunction, radio, etc.). In addition, I like the turbodiesel engine - it is very economical even with an automatic gearbox (in the city, the consumption is about 7 liters per hundred, and on the highway - about 6 liters). Taking into account the current fuel prices, the second car in the family is idle, and we are driving a Hyundai. It is convenient on a long journey - you don't get tired behind the wheel, on the highway the car goes confidently even at speeds of 120–140 km / h. During the operation, there were no problems with the car.

I do not like

I can only criticize the i30 for a slightly stiff suspension and rather weak sound insulation (the sound of the engine is clearly audible in the cabin).

My rating is 5

CV "AC"
In our today's comparison, the Korean won with a slight advantage. Hyundai i30 is perfect for pragmatic motorists who are not going to overpay for a bigger name when buying a car. Only some minor defects, as well as the fragility of the steering and rear suspension, can disappoint in the i30.

Peugeot 308 2008-2013 from $ 8400 to $ 17,000

The interior of the 308 is very comfortable. There are no comments on the quality of the finish, its durability and visibility. Of the equipment, only the stove can bother - the heater radiator is clogged, and the interior does not warm up well.

The car galleries are the same - for three small people. At the same time, a protruding box interferes with the 308 feet of the average passenger.

"Peugeot 308 is a car that can successfully emphasize the delicate taste of its owner and its originality."

Summary

First of all, this car attracted me with its diesel engine... It is distinguished by soft operation, very good traction and high efficiency - even with an active driving style in the city cycle, it is possible to keep within 6 liters per hundred. I also note good handling, which are famous for Peugeot models: rulitsya 308 obediently, understandably, and actively ride it - a pleasure. The interior is comfortable, and the upholstery is highly durable - tested by more than 5 years of use by my three children.

I do not like

I drive this car a little - an average of 10 thousand km per year. During operation, I have already replaced the stabilizer struts, the front wheel bearing and battery. There were no more problems. From the comments - the loud operation of the rear suspension and a long and low front overhang (if you ride carelessly, you can easily damage the front bumper).

My rating is 4

CV "AC"
Mainly Peugeot 308 should be criticized for unreliable gasoline engines of the EP series, developed in conjunction with BMW, problematic "automatic" and "robot", a small resource of a number of front suspension parts. At the same time, the "Frenchman" is better in terms of the quality of performance, comfort and driving performance. If you like this model, choose more reliable versions of it.

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- cars are very similar and yet different, a modern example of how different cars can be made from the same ingredients.

The predecessors were adopted in different ways by us: if the i30 was in very limited demand due to high prices, then cee'd, thanks to a more successful combination of price and consumer qualities and an expanded list of proposed options, became quite widespread, and the version with a station wagon at one time became a leader in its class. By the way, in the new generation, both i30 and cee’d cars are offered in Russia, including with universal bodies.

Let's make a reservation right away that both cars that came to our test turned out to be in the maximum configurations Style for and Premium for, but they differ significantly in the set of possible options. Cars have gotten bigger, more spacious, and noticeably more attractive with stylish suits created by international design teams. Yes, both cars turned out to be very nice, and at the same time, different, as far as the common platform allows. Hyundai is showing a more Asian design, while Kia looks almost European - stricter and more elegant, just as it did with the compact and. The bodies, half made of high-strength steels, are 45% stiffer. But the differences are not only in the design, since the cars have original and side glazing patterns, and here the first nuances of ergonomic differences are already covered. The Sid, unlike the i30, has triangular glass "kerchiefs" in front of the front doors. No, they generally do not interfere with the view, but in damp and cold weather in this area, the windows begin to fog up from the inside, the air flow does not effectively blow through the corners. We have to resort to increasing the airflow intensity and turn on the fan harder than is usually necessary. But even this does not help immediately.

Absolutely similar stylistic differences in the cabin. They are both modern and cute, but the interior has more expression and Asian pretentiousness, and demonstrates almost German restraint and precise lines. In both cases, well-thought-out ergonomics, perfectly verified landing geometry, a wonderful optitronic instrument cluster, a solid front panel, good finishing materials, but more soft to the touch in Side. Steering- with mode settings is available on both cars, and steering wheel heating is available only in Side. As already mentioned, there were big differences in the equipment of the cars. Sid's arsenal includes a keyless entry system with a start button, a rear-view video camera, an automatic parking system, a roof with a panoramic view with a large sliding segment and even its electric shutter, as well as good navigation with a large touch screen. Navigation, by the way, is not only Russified, but also quite realistically capable of paving the way through Kazan, Tatarstan and other regions of Russia. The same monitor receives an image from a rear-view video camera. And already in the basic configuration, 6 airbags are installed!

How will he answer? Hyundai does not offer any of the above, except for airbags, there are six of them in the top version, and two in the base. And he can only oppose Sid with electrically adjustable front seats, in Kia they are mechanical, and only the lumbar support is equipped with an electric drive. The chairs themselves are similar and have a comfortable profile, dense padding, sufficient adjustment ranges and do not cause absolutely no complaints. As for the materials of the upholstery, in Kia they are more interesting - more textured to the touch, in two-tone colors and with contrasting stitching. The creators of the i30 cheated the rear passengers with a sliding armrest with cup holders. They are. There is plenty of room in the back and the geometry of the rear sofa is right, and the headlining does not press on, unlike the sloping roof of the Elantra sedan. The algorithm for transforming the rear seat on both cars is the same and simple: first you need to fold back the half-cushions, and then lay the backrest horizontally - an absolutely flat floor is obtained, convenient for placing luggage. Trunk volumes are similar and not very large, openings are similar in width and height of the thresholds, there are loops, straps and hooks for securing cargo, side boxes for small items, 12-volt sockets. But if in the i30 there is a full-size "spare wheel" under the floor, then in Side there is an organizer for small things, and already under it there is a "stowaway". In theory, if you remove the organizer, then a full-size spare wheel will fit in here too.

A new generation C-class platform with independent wheel suspension was used for the cars. At the rear, the hatchbacks have a multi-link suspension, in contrast to the single-platform sedan, where a semi-independent beam is installed. This should provide the machines with more advanced handling. Under the hood, there is a fresh range of motors from 90 to 135 hp. But on Russian cars installed engines with a reduced ecological class - Euro-4, instead of Euro-5, and with distributed fuel injection, instead of direct. The base 1.4-liter engine develops only 100 forces, which is even less than on the related unit of the models and, and the 1.6-liter engine, on the contrary, is slightly more powerful - 130 forces. They are paired with a new 6-speed manual transmission, and the 6-speed "automatic" is offered only with a more powerful engine. This is exactly the combination on test machines.

It is interesting that on the Korean couple there are floor gas pedals, and even with metal pads, this usually indicates the sporty nature of the cars. But not in this case, there is enough traction and nothing more, although the accelerator is not damped at all, as is often the case on modern cars. The cars behave in the same way, accelerate adequately to the power and confidently follow the pedal, but there is nothing sporty in character. Smooth engine traction at any speed, smooth and quick gear change, good acoustic comfort - normal family car that one, that another. The engine-transmission tandem works quite well on both cars, with the only difference that Sid also has gearshift paddles, which are more convenient to operate if there is a desire to manually tuck the steps. It is not bad to brake with the engine at the entrance to the turn, but in other cases there is not much sense in this, since the box itself goes into higher gears not even after reaching the maximum speed, but earlier.

The electric power steering is well tuned, but there is not enough feedback in the near-zero zone, but there are three modes: comfortable, normal and sport. In most cases, a comfortable one is suitable, providing ease of maneuvering in the parking lot and quite adequate effort when driving around the city, and only on profiled turns of Kazanring did the Sport mode come in handy, providing a more reliable connection with the car, albeit not devoid of "synthetics".

The cars were shod with the same winter studded tires. The suspension is soft, perhaps even too much. Comfort is at a height, but on the waves the tail shakes a little, which does not prevent the car in turns to accurately prescribe the trajectory and unquestioningly obey the steering wheel movements. When the speed is exceeded in a turn, the front axle starts to drift, but before that the car successfully resists slipping and skidding thanks to the multi-link rear suspension, which, with deep rolls, steered and took the car to a steeper trajectory. The stabilization system does not interfere with the process for the time being, and then it works quite sharply, but effectively, fueling the car into a turn.

The shoulder of a special profile on the Kazanring track is a rather tough test for the suspension, but even on this comb the passenger does not feel discomfort. However, such softness in the conditions of Russian roads is rather a plus, in any case, there will be much more people who appreciate the comfort on bumpy roads than those who condemn the deficiencies in Sid's handling. But on especially large potholes, the rear suspension can be locked on the limiters, swelling with iron relics. Energy intensity is still not enough. And on primers on our "Koreans" you need to move with caution at all - the clearance is clearly too small. For me, cars with ground clearance less than 150 mm are not suitable for use in Russian conditions. Agree, scratching the bottom, driving through some broken yard or along the icy ruts abounding on secondary winter paths, pleasure is below average. By the way, the Koreans promised to increase the ground clearance on the Sids intended for Russia to 150 mm, but in reality, it is still less, although it slightly exceeds the same indicator.

With regard to handling and driving performance, they are basically similar to the Sid, but there are differences. The i30 has a different suspension set up, it is stiffer, which is why the comfort almost did not suffer, but the handling has improved, the car stands more confidently on the arc, does not float on the road. Although the energy intensity of the rear suspension has remained unchanged, everything also leaves a lot to be desired. Surprisingly, usually of the two related cars, Kia, and not Hyundai, demonstrates the driver's character on the contrary. The brakes of both cars are good, and the Koreans also demonstrate excellent deceleration when braking while avoiding obstacles, which indicates an excellent setting of electronic active safety systems.

Judging by technical information, cars are equipped with advanced regenerative generators that reduce fuel consumption. Unfortunately, we did not have the opportunity to accurately measure fuel consumption, but according to rough estimates, it is really not high even in winter conditions. Although, in the cold, most likely, the efficiency of the regenerative generator decreases.

Summing up, we can say that, all other things being equal, it is slightly better in handling, and puts a colleague on both blades in terms of the level of equipment with options. Sid's level has grown noticeably compared to its predecessor, and the price is now comparable to the eminent rivals: our hatchback with a 130-horsepower 1.6-liter engine and a 6-speed "automatic" in the maximum and, as we have already noted, a very rich Premium package , costs 960,000 rubles. - that is, one step away from the psychological barrier of a million. And the prices for the new cee’d start from 600,000 rubles. for a car with a 100-horsepower 1.4 l engine with a 6-speed mechanical box... Cee'd is also offered with a station wagon, which is equipped only with a 1.6 liter engine and costs only 30,000 rubles. more expensive than a similar hatchback. Prices for the cargo-passenger version start at 680,000 rubles, and the most advanced version costs 990,000 rubles. A charged pro cee’d “three-door” will appear later.

As well as ours - in the maximum possible configuration, but, as it turned out, these are two significant differences. At a cost of 909,000 rubles, the i30 is 50 thousand cheaper than the top cee’d and it has electric drives driver's seat... But there are no such serious options as a communication system with navigation, rear-view cameras, transmission mode shift levers on the steering wheel, a panoramic roof with a sunroof, and even a retractable armrest with cup holders on the rear sofa. A basic car with "mechanics" and a 100-horsepower engine costs from 650,000 rubles, which is 50 thousand more expensive than a similar Sid. All other versions are already equipped with a 130-horsepower engine. A car with "mechanics" costs from 680,000 rubles, and with an "automatic" - from 730,000.

Specifications ()
(Manufacturer data)

• Body - 5-door, load-bearing, steel
• Number of seats - 5
• Dimensions, mm
• Length - 4300 (4310)
• Width - 1780 (1780)
• Height - 1470 (1470)
• Base - 2650 (2650)
• Ground clearance - 137 (141)
• Curb weight, kg - 1419 (1360)
• Full weight, kg - 1850 (1850)
• Trunk volume, l - 378/1316 (380/1318)
• Engine - gasoline
• Number and arrangement of cylinders - 4, in a row
• Volume, l - 1.6
• Power - 130 HP at 6300 rpm
• Torque - 157 Nm @ 4850 rpm
• Gearbox - 6-speed automatic
• Front-wheel drive
• Front suspension - independent, spring, McPherson
• Rear suspension - independent, spring, multi-link
• Maximum speed, km / h - 192
• Acceleration time from 0 to 100 km / h, s - 11.9 (11.5)
• Fuel consumption per 100 km, l
• Urban cycle - 9.5
• Country cycle - 5.2
• Mixed cycle - 6.8
• Fuel - AI-95 gasoline
• Tires - 205/55 R16 (225/45 R17)

(In brackets - different data car kia cee’d)

Before comparing straight lines Kia competitors Sid and Hyundai i30, some statistics and information for thought. It is interesting that the promotion and sale of these cars on Russian market are carried out by different companies. This underlines the real competition not only of models, but also of management. In this situation, the most important advantage of the Korean hatchback is that it is assembled at the Kaliningrad Avtotor, which undoubtedly gives a lot of advantages to pricing.

If we evaluate the statistics of the sale of the first "post-crisis" 2009, it can be noted, not without surprise, that almost four times more seeds were sold: Kia sold 18,943 copies against 4,774 from Hyundai. So let's compare these two apparently similar cars and try to find the reason why motorists have given such a clear preference to one of them.

First impression

To make the comparison as objective as possible, let's take the cars with the maximum configuration. For Hyundai i30 it is Style, for Kia cee'd Premium. The exterior of both cars is quite attractive. Despite the common platform, there are a number of differences that cannot be ignored. For example, with regard to the side glazing, the front door has a triangular section in front of the front door, which is prone to fogging in the cold season. This is not to say that this nuance strongly affects visibility, but it can cause some discomfort.

The interiors of both cars are made in modern style, have a nice look. It is immediately noticeable, if both cars are side by side, that the i30's interior has Asian touches, while the cee’d exhibits a certain European restraint. In both compared cars, ergonomics are at the level, excellent geometry of landing. The front panel is made of high quality materials, and the instrument cluster has an attractive appearance. The ability to adjust modes for steering is present in both cars, but only the LED can boast of a heated steering wheel.

Equipment

In terms of additional features, Kia Sid pleasantly surprises. This is a modern system that allows access to the car without a key, a start / stop button, a rear-view video camera and an automatic parking system. In addition, there is a wonderful panoramic roof with an electric blind. As a bonus - an excellent built-in navigation system with Russian language and a large display. Basic configuration there are six airbags.

All this, except for the same number of airbags, the i30 can not offer. In contrast, there is an electrically adjustable front seats (in Kia, the adjustment is only mechanical). Armrests with cup holders for rear passengers are also absent in Hyundai (they were not forgotten in Side).

Platform

Both cars are based on the modern C-class platform, which provides independent suspension... The rear axle is built on a multi-link suspension for better handling. Engines are offered in the range from 90 to 135 forces with distributed fuel injection, ensuring compliance with EURO-4 standards. Both cars have 6-speed gearboxes, both mechanics and automatic. To emphasize the sporty character of both cars can be the floor gas pedals, which Sid even have a metal trim. Despite this, one cannot say about the excessive aggressiveness of both cars. The movement is smooth, predictable, the cabin is comfortable in both cars. An additional advantage of Sid is the presence of paddle shifters, which can be used if you need to quickly switch to manual transmission control mode.

In comparison, Kia cee’d vs Hyundai i30, I would like to note the softer, one might even say, too soft suspension of Sid. This provides comfort on the highest level, but with waves, the stern begins to swing a little, which makes it difficult to accurately enter the turn. In addition, at high cornering speeds, the front axle can be skidded. With such a danger, the stabilization system is activated and levels the vehicle. In terms of driving performance and handling, the i30 is reminiscent of the cee’d. But his suspension is stiffer, although this has almost no effect on comfort. But the handling has improved a little, especially when entering a corner at high speed.

conclusions

In general, we can conclude that the i30's advantage is better handling. But a huge plus of cee’d is its rich equipment and saturation with various pleasant "buns". Moreover, prices for maximum configurations both cars are practically the same. What should buyers choose - comfort and equipment, or somewhat better handling, which will be appreciated by fans of high-speed driving, and even then not in all conditions? Surely the question belongs to the category of rhetorical, because the market votes with a wallet, and we see on whose side the majority of votes turned out to be.

For greater clarity, let's summarize the main specifications both cars in the comparison table

Today, no one needs to be told that the Hyundai i30 hatchback made its debut on the Russian market at the wrong time - just at the peak of the crisis. However, no crisis prevented the relative KIA cee’d from entering the top twenty best-selling passenger cars(13th place among all cars and 4th in the golf class) and far overtake its twin brother. Mainly because of the more affordable price, because the differences between these cars are minimal. Let's talk about them.

But before proceeding to a direct comparison, it is worth noting that independent dealerships are engaged in the sale and promotion of Hyundai and KIA brands in Russia. This means that in Russia both of these related models actually compete. KIA's main trump card is the local assembly established at the Kaliningrad Avtotor.

Russian registration is a good help in the struggle for a place in the sun, as evidenced by the sales statistics for 2009. If Hyundai30 sold 4,774 copies in total, Sidov sold 4 times more - 18,943 cars! This figure is better than that of Toyota Corolla, Mitsubishi Lancer or Mazda 3. But when in 2007 year KIA cee’d made its debut on the Russian market, it seemed that it would not be possible to bypass these promoted models.

However, in the case of the Hyundai i30, everything is also not so bad, especially when compared with the performance of the VW Golf, which is still at the rear of the class named after itself. Over the past year, only 3,211 have been sold (of which 1,519 are in the sixth generation). But the most popular Golfs (1.6, 102 hp) are assembled in Russia. Does not help!

What's new?

The updated KIA cee’d appeared in showrooms from March 1, 2010, almost a year after the debut of the i30 platform. While dealers and buyers are still swinging, trying to understand how this car differs from its predecessor. Let's try to figure it out.

Today the cee’d is only available in a five-door hatchback and a station wagon (known as cee’d_sw) and only with a 1.6-liter engine (126 hp), which has undergone upgrades to the exhaust system and fuel injection. The beloved three-door pro_cee’d hatchback will go on sale a little later. Probably, other engines will appear at the same time (1.4 l / 109 hp and 2.0 l / 143 hp).

From the aesthetic side, the facelift turned out to be successful. Having tweaked the car's muzzle in the Schreyer Line corporate style (see the radiator grille), the designers did not forget, as is customary today, to slightly change the contours of the rear and front optics, integrate the “turn” repeaters into the side mirrors, and add several new body colors. By the way, the foglights were made rectangular, while Mazda and Honda, updating their models, did exactly the opposite. In general, the modernized "Sid" has become a little fresher and more modern, although it is still easily recognizable.

The interior has changed more significantly. Firstly, the center console has been considerably redesigned - fortunately, for the better. It has become not only more convenient, but also more pleasing to the eye. Secondly, they installed a new, conventionally four-spoke steering wheel with an insert under the metal and special tides for a more comfortable grip - such, by the way, have long been put on the Civic. Third, for expensive versions the Supervision optitronic dashboard with a graphic display is now available, which shows information about the stock, average and instant fuel consumption, distance traveled and travel time, as well as average speed. And the standard dashboard no longer scares with vigorous orange illumination - as well as on others KIA models, it is now red, and even with improved graphics. Another innovation is that dual-zone climate control is now available as an option (lo and behold!).

Those who choose a car with a manual transmission will note that the gearshift lever has been modernized, eliminating one of the few "collective farms". Ring that previously had to be lifted to turn on reverse gear, replaced with a convenient key.

Actually, there are very few technical changes, although they are still there. Basically, these changes are in the line of comfort and, in particular, the suspension. Its working range was increased due to reinforced springs with a reduced lateral deformation and an increased pitch of turns, as well as new shock absorbers with a modified damping characteristic. Now additional comfort when driving on roads of variable quality is provided by silent blocks of a new design, which have reduced the transmission of vibration and shock to the body.

They also tightened up soundproofing. The acoustic comfort in the passenger compartment has made it possible to increase the additional noise insulation of the bulkhead of the engine compartment and wheel arches as well as new, quieter Silica tires.

As noted above, due to the modernization of the fuel system, the engine power slightly increased - from 122 to 126 hp. Unfortunately, as before, this unit is paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or an ancient and ineffective 4-speed automatic.

On the KIA website, you can read that the restyled car has received several new options, including: 1) an ingenious system that synchronizes the work of traction control and electric power steering, 2) a kick-down switch, 3) an assistance system when starting on an uphill, 4) automatic mode of the turning system. Perhaps, in the full sense of the term, only the "assistant on the rise" (for cars on the handle is an actual thing) and a new algorithm for the steering column switch can be considered as options. Those who have driven modern BMWs will immediately understand what this is about. One short touch is enough to start a series of three turn signal operations. At first, it is unusual and inconvenient, but when you get used to it, you will like it.

Comparison and evaluation

Generally speaking, this couple is like two sorts of beer - Czech and Slovak (cee’d for Europe is going just in Slovakia). Or like two ice hockey teams from the same countries. The body shape and dimensions are almost identical, but the i30 is surprisingly reminiscent of the BMW 1 Series. It seems that only the lazy didn’t hint about it - which means it really is! Therefore, perhaps, Hyundai looks a little better.

As for the interior, before this current redesign, "Sid" was losing on the inside. Well, really, you look inside - and a good impression of the car instantly dissipates. Now it’s not like that. Cee'd have been so ennobled that even the far from uniform quality of materials (this was the case before) is not so striking. And if you don’t skimp on the bundle! And if you also take the version with optitronic tidy and dual-zone climate! ..

By the way, for cee "d, despite all its European gloss, the Japanese card is played. Colored instruments a la Lexus, a Honda steering wheel in appearance and tactile sensations, a center console in the spirit of Nissan. On the contrary, the i30 gravitates towards the Germans - this is such a paraphrase of the previous Golf. Similar details - darkness. Here, at least, blue backlight, which was so scolded, Koreans like it. Or dashboard- two large and two small dials and excellent readability without any embellishments. The information display in the center of the console is arranged in the branded Volkswagen-Skoda style. Another example - to open the trunk, you need to pull the handle in the form of a branded emblem ...

But on the go, the Korean duo still falls short of neither the Japanese nor the Germans. Especially - in versions with an "automatic", which dulls at the right moment, and shoots when it is no longer needed. That is why, probably, an employee of the KIA in a private conversation when asked which cars they take more often - with mechanics or with an "automatic" - in response mumbled something unintelligible.

Of course, if the car is aimed at Europe, where only 10% of buyers choose versions with automatic transmission, Koreans should not strain themselves. But then there is no need to complain about the fact that some of the buyers were missing. After all, not a single person in their right mind will buy a Hyundai i30 or KIA cee’d on the machine.

The irony is that the cee’d is fine with this. Those who choose this car, lack of sane automatic transmission does not float at all. This car was originally made more sporty, driving. Well, like the previous Mazda 3. "Squeezed" suspension, stiff tires and unfinished noise insulation - this is, in a nutshell, the portrait of the previous "Sid".

The new cee’d has not lost many of these qualities. At a speed of 80, the steering wheel is still poured with weight and informative effort, it rolls less, but the joints are felt sharper. But the noise insulation has really tightened up - now it is no more noisy here than in Hyundai. And in general, updated KIA cee "d is closer to the i30 - primarily in terms of comfort.

I30 was originally conceived to be more subtle, intelligent and calm. The Hyundai / Kia concern tried to breed soplatform cars in different market niches: to address Hyundai to those who value comfort (that is, women and mature people), and Cee’d to leave “hotter” lovers. That is why you will not find a three-door i30 - here pro_cee’d’s main competitor was and remains Opel astra GTS. But Hyundai has a sane automatic transmission oh, how it is not enough ...

In conclusion, a few words about the trim levels.

Equipped cars in similar versions - about the same. Armrests, heated seats, ABS, 4 airbags, immobilizer and alarm, as well as a music system with 6 speakers and an integrated USB input are available in each of them.

The differences are in the nuances. So, since cee’d can be equipped with dual-zone climate control (it is in store for expensive configurations), in the Comfort version, only air conditioning is available, while in the i30 it is replaced by a full-fledged climate control, albeit not a dual-zone one. Sid was also missing in this version of the rear armrest, which the twin brother can boast of. But the KIA in the Comfort version has a turn signal repeater on the side mirrors and ESP in its arsenal.

The cost of the i30 with a 1.6 liter engine (1.6 5MT Comfort) will be 639,900, but cars of 2009 are now sold at a price of 589,900. A similar cee'd will cost 605,900. the market, its Korean brother-competitor again proved to be more expensive.

More about ceed trim levels

More on i30 trim levels

Comparison of main characteristics

** In the near future, buyers will be able to choose from 16 trim levels at a price of 525,900 rubles (with a 1.4 engine).