Hyundai has revealed its new i30 hatchback ahead of the vehicle’s world debut later this month at the 2016 Paris auto show.
The car is the Korean automaker’s rival to the Ford Motor Company [NYSE:F] Focus and Volkswagen Golf. It’s also the successor to our Elantra GT, although it’s yet to be confirmed for sale in the United States.
The European-designed car is closely related to the latest Elantra sedan but gets a few unique visual treatments. Apart from its hatchback body, the biggest departure from the Elantra is the new grille. It’s called a Cascading grille and is said to be the latest evolution of Hyundai’s corporate grille design.
2017 Hyundai i30
Small gasoline and diesel engines will be on offer for customers in Europe, where the i30 will first go on sale. On offer will be 1.4- and 1.6-liter gasoline engines and a 1.6-liter diesel unit. All are inline-4 units featuring direct fuel injection and turbocharging. Eventually, a turbocharged 1.0-liter inline-3 will be added to the lineup. Transmission options will include 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch units.
In terms of dynamic qualities, Hyundai says its new i30 has benefited from extensive testing on the Nürburgring. The vehicle also has a rigid body that’s 53 percent high-strength steel.
Inside, the dash is lined in soft-touch materials and features a clean, uncluttered look. Lower-spec models feature a 5.0-inch touchscreen display in the center of the dash to control the infotainment system while higher-spec models get an 8.0-in unit.
2018 Hyundai i30 N spy shots - Image via S. Baldauf/SB-Medien
Numerous technologies are fitted either as standard or available. The list includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration, wireless charging, automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, and blind spot warning.
Hyundai has also confirmed that the i30 will serve as the basis of the first model from the N performance division. Prototypes of this GTI and Focus ST rival (shown above) have been spotted in the wild. The car is confirmed for a debut in 2017.
The Paris auto show starts September 29. For more of our coverage on the event, head to our dedicated hub.
