With plenty of discussion to be had over the pros and cons of petrol and electric vehicles, Hyundai has entered the arena with a vehicle that blends the best of both worlds.


The SE Voice was recently given the opportunity to be the first to pop behind the wheel of the all-new hybrid powered Hyundai i30 sedan which had just arrived at Mount Gambier’s Barry Maney Hyundai to take it for a whirl around the region.


The innovative and sleek modern design of the i30 definitely stands out from the crowd, with it’s low slung nose and geometric body lines flowing around the entire vehicle from the stylish LED headlights right through to the ‘duckbill’ style rear spoiler.


Stylish 16-inch alloy wheels also enhance the exterior aesthetics with Kuhmo Ecowing ES31 tyres helping keep each drive smooth when traversing the country.


Merging the familiarity of an internal combustion engine with modern electric tech to form a hybrid power package, Hyundai has created a vehicle that is more efficient than ever which really impressed in a real world environment.


The manufacturer claims a combined fuel consumption of 3.9 litres per hundred kilometres can be achieved with the i30 hybrid sedan, and it was impressive to see just how well vehicle went about its work even in the 30-degree windy conditions we experienced on the drive day.


From leaving the dealership and driving around town, hitting the open roads on the outskirts of town and parking up overlooking the Blue Lake, the i30 returned an efficiency of just 3L/100km and was even more impressive crossing town to the Blue Lake Sports Park where it achieved numbers as low as 2.1L/100km.


In fact, over the entire time of driving when we returned the i30 to the dealership it sat at a combined 4.4L/100km – impressively closed to quoted figures in tough summery conditions.


The drive itself was also a talking point, with the sedan firmly planted on the road surface at highway speeds despite the windy conditions, while steering was light and direct and road noise was minimal.


Equally as impressive as the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid’s fuel figures is the amount of technology you have packed into the drive modes and interior and safety features.


While there may not be any high-end leather seating or full-glass sunroof in the hybrid package, you really do get a lot for the price tag – which starts at a mere $35,990 driveaway.


That isn’t a typo – for under $36,000 you can sit yourself in a brand new hybrid sedan with sports-inspired styling, Hyundai SmartSense technology, spacious cabin with plenty of rear occupant room and a host of creature comforts, and for just a smidge extra you can personalise it with a range of different paint colourways.


Atlas White is included as standard while Abyss Black, Ultimate Red, Ecotronic Grey and Intense Blue can reflect a touch of personality to the i30 sedan styling.


In the way of tech the vehicle is packed with a fully digital display to give you all your engine and journey vitals, wireless phone charging paired with a host of USB-C charging ports, 8-inch multimedia touch screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, electronic park brake with auto hold and a fully digital climate control. For an entry level vehicle the stereo equipment is also pretty impressive.


Ensuring you and your passengers are housed safely inside the cabin is Hyundai SmartSense, which includes forward collision avoidance and intelligent speed limit assistance, driver attention warning, high beam assistance, lane following and keeping assistance and rear occupant alert as well as a high-quality reverse camera for those tricky parking situations.


The Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid is also sold with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty with lifetime service plans available for buyers to ensure there are no surprises and no fuss when it comes to vehicle servicing.


This stylish hybrid vehicle is currently on display at Barry Maney Hyundai and ready and waiting for you to experience the drive for yourself.


Pop in and see the team at 43 Percy Street or contact the dealership on 8721 3400 for more information.