Volkswagen up! vs Hyundai i30 Hatch
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Hatchbacks compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Volkswagen up!
Price TBC
Hatchback
Premium unleaded
3 cylinder inline petrol
55kW
4.9 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
251L
Hyundai i30 Hatch
From $36,000
Hatchback
Petrol
1.5 T-Gdi
117kW
5.6 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
395L
Volkswagen up!: we're still completing price, kerb weight, ground clearance and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch counters with Apple CarPlay and wireless charging. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Volkswagen up! uses a 3 cylinder inline petrol producing 55kW and 95Nm of torque, sent through a 5 speed manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 13.2 seconds.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch responds with a 1.5 T-Gdi making 117kW and 253Nm, paired to a 7-speed dct (dry clutch) driving the front wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 9.4 seconds.
The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the clear power advantage at 117kW vs 55kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Hyundai i30 Hatch is 3.8s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Volkswagen up! measures 3,540mm long on a 2,407mm wheelbase, 800mm shorter than the Hyundai i30 Hatch at 4,340mm (2,650mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Hyundai i30 Hatch generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 251L in the Volkswagen up! and 395L in the Hyundai i30 Hatch, giving the Hyundai i30 Hatch a 144L advantage. The Hyundai i30 Hatch seats 5 vs 4.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.8m to 10.6m
Based on 9.8m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 10.6m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,397/year for the Volkswagen up! and $1,596/year for the Hyundai i30 Hatch. That is a $199 annual difference in favour of the Volkswagen up!.
Warranty: 3 years (Volkswagen up!) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Hyundai i30 Hatch). The Hyundai i30 Hatch has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Volkswagen up! if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Volkswagen's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Hyundai i30 Hatch if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, value a longer warranty, or prefer Hyundai's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Hyundai i30 Hatch takes 4 of 5 key spec categories. The Volkswagen up! will save you roughly $199 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Hyundai i30 Hatch has a clear edge. The Hyundai i30 Hatch adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Volkswagen up! and Hyundai i30 Hatch?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch is the cheapest at $36,000 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Volkswagen up! uses the least fuel at 4.9L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Volkswagen up! and Hyundai i30 Hatch carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the most boot space?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the largest boot at 395L.
Which can tow the most?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the highest braked towing capacity at 1,000kg.
Which has the best warranty?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Hyundai i30 Hatch makes the most power at 117kW. The Hyundai i30 Hatch is quickest to 100km/h in 9.4s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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