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.

For 2000, the I30 also benefits from bigger brakes. The front and rear brake rotors are larger diameter and the front brake calipers are bigger as well. We found that the I30 stops in an even and true manner. This remained true following numerous hard braking maneuvers; the brakes performed consistently no matter how we abused them.

The steering seemed to be just a bit vague in the I30, but felt much tighter in the I30t. The I30 is easier to maneuver in tight parking garages, however, because it offers tighter turning circle (35.4 feet curb-to-curb versus 40.0 feet).