The I30 performs well whether it's in heavy metropolitan traffic, on mountain passes or long, undulating desert roads. We drove the new I30 in the heavy traffic of Southern California and Washington, D.C. Threading our way through the hills east of Newport Beach and into the desert beyond, we found the I30 offers comfort, elegance and style.The 227-horsepower V6 engine performs well in acceleration from stops as well as in passing maneuvers on long mountain ascents. Indeed, this is one of the best V6 engines available. Horsepower and torque have been increased in the 2000 I30 to compensate for an increase in overall weight of 250 pounds.
The transmission shifts smoothly when cruising, yet is always ready to downshift quickly for quick bursts of acceleration. We recommend the optional electronic traction control system ($300), which minimizes wheelspin when accelerating over slippery surfaces.
As we powered through tight curves on mountain roads, we quickly noticed the advantage of the taut springs and shocks of the Touring Sedan. Though the standard I30 worked fine, the Touring equipment raised the I30t's abilities a notch. The long waves of the roller coaster desert roads put extra demands on a suspension system with peaks and valleys that compress then quickly unload the suspension. These transitions can throw a lesser vehicle out of sorts, but the I30t always maintained its composure. At high speeds, the I30 is smooth and stable as a rock. It feels as solid as a rock when driving though fast-moving heavy traffic.