Don’t get me wrong, I like the i30 overall, but the Blue Drive 1.6 CRDi engine and I?in particular don’t get on.
Nothing personal, it’s just its low tax-chasing long gearing doesn’t suit my city driving profile, its official combined 76.3mpg will likely remain a pipe dream for almost all drivers – except perhaps those whose commute involves mainly rolling roads at a perfect 56mph in ambient temperatures with the A/C off – and because in Active trim, you pay £17,995 for the privilege.
Seeking respite, a quick rifle through the i30 price list revealed I could save £3395 with a 1.4 petrol Classic – at £14,600 – and only lose a shiny chrome gear knob (see picture), rear parking sensors and a few other small details. So I tried one.
Sure, it has a little less poke (100hp vs 110hp) and I’ve only managed 32mpg in a week of city driving (vs. mid-40s mpg with the CRDi) but oh the simple joy of changing up to third gear at 20mph, coasting in fourth at 30mph and generally avoiding the head rattles and cabin shake when I foolishly tried the same in the Blue Drive.
