The Hyundai Motor Company has added another sharp arrow to its arsenal with the launch of the new-generation i30 – an attractive hathback with new levels of stylish design and a refined finish that has made the opposition take serious note.
With a newly designed exterior body showing the elegant lines of Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” styling philosophy, the new i30 fits in perfectly in the wide and versatile range of models in the Korean manufacturer’s line-up.
The new-generation i30 was given its striking good looks by the team at Hyundai Motor Europe Design Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany. The i30, which had its public unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, is a car that the company expects will build on the success of the original model thanks to enhanced design, quality, performance and efficiency.
In South Africa the new i30 range will initially consist of the 1.6 GLS and 1.8 GLS sderivative, both with advanced and powerful petrol engines.
Production of the new generation i30 five-door hatchback started last year in Europe at the Hyundai Motor Company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic, and in South Korea at the Ulsan plant.
Hyundai i30: Worthy successor to a best-seller
The original i30, designed with the European market in its sights, has defied the industry norm by recording increased annual sales with each passing year. Since its launch in 2007, the i30 has recorded over 360 000 European sales, including more than 115 000 units during 2010 – the highest-ever sales figure for an individual Hyundai model on sale in Europe in one year, putting the i30 at the sixth place in the C-segment rankings.
Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to maintain this growth trend, contributing to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai in world markets.
Hyundai i30: Style inspired by nature
Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” ethos utilises flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant three-dimensional presence to Hyundai vehicles. Since its introduction on the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, fluidic sculpture has been the form language for all new Hyundai models.
With the launch of the new-generation i30 this attractive new model has now also been fully integrated in the range of Hyundai passenger vehicles with its signature “fluidic sculpture” design theme.
Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: “When designing the new-generation i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic and exudes a sense of constant motion, even when stationary. We gave the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. Overall, the Hyundai design DNA is easy to recognise.”
The new-generation i30 also bears Hyundai’s signature frontal feature – the hexagonal-shaped grille.
“The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, and defines the i30 as a family member. The jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille add a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury,” says Bürkle.
Moreover, the all-new i30 is the latest example of how Hyundai is redefining the luxury compact and setting new standards in automobile design and functionality. With its sophisticated styling, spacious and innovative interior and advanced performance and convenience features, the i30 offers something for everyone. It has a sporty appearance that will appeal to young, progressive buyers who seek performance coupled with a stylish design.
From the side the i30 projects a dynamic body line with the lines of its fluidic sculpture promising high energy. The attractive alloys – 16 inch for the i30 1.6 and 17 inch for the i30 1.8 – add a sporty touch to the complete picture. The rear of the i30 features an aerodynamic design of stylish curvatures with a rear combination lamp that blends naturally into the wheel arches.
Hyundai i30: Powering the new generation
The new-generation i30 will be available with a choice of two petrol variants, with power and torque outputs ranging from 95 kW and 157 Nm for the 1,6 litre four-cylinder engine to 110 kW and 178 Nm for the 1,8 litre in the top-end derivative.
Buyers will be offered a choice between manual and automatic six-speed transmissions, with both units providing a refined driving experience and enhanced fuel efficiency. The 1,6 litre engine is matched to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with the choice of manual shifting, while the 1.8 derivative comes with a six-speed manual transmission.
The petrol engines with their lightweight aluminium construction and Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) from the double overhead camshafts offer a balance between performance and economy. They are powerful, yet frugal with fuel consumption of 6,4 and 6,8 litres/100 km for the 1.6 manual and automatic, and an exemplary 6,5 litres/100 km for the 1.8. (Read more about the engines and chassis engineering of the i30 in a separate release).
Hyundai i30: Top-class interior quality and equipment
Cabin refinement and specification on the new-generation i30 have been inspired by the high standards set in the rest of the Hyundai range, and true to the modern premium qualities of the brands range of vehicles. Behind the wheel, for example, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s new Flex Steer™ option. With three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport – the system can be used to vary the level of steering assistance and feedback in order to suit driving conditions and make the journey more pleasurable.
A large TFT Supervision cluster provides a wide range of essential information to the driver in high-resolution clarity. The details of the on-board computer, such as average fuel consumption, average speed, distance to empty fuel tank, driving time and a trip meter with two measurements are displayed in this cluster.
The generous equipment levels on the new-generation i30 will enhance the Hyundai experience for passengers too. Dual-zone climate control will ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants, and the driver’s comfort is enhanced by an attractive four-spoke steering wheel with control buttons for the audio system, cruise control and Bluetooth. There are also buttons for the Flex-steer system that allows the driver to choose between a Comfort, Normal or Sport setting for the steering.
The 1.6 GLS is available with luxury cloth seats as standard equipment, while the 1.8 GLS features black partial leather seat covering. In the 1.8 GLS the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals are from sporty aluminium.
Both derivatives are equipped with a sound system that features 4 speakers and 2 tweeters, Bluetooth connection to a cell phone, and connecting sockets for Aux, iPod or USB music input. The sound system also includes the radio and a CD player that can accept MP3 formatted music files.
Another standard feature which is very functional, are the fold-away side mirrors that are electrically operated. The mirrors can also be heated on a cold morning for better visibility. Two 12V power sockets in the centre console and another in the luggage compartment are included in the wide array of standard features.
Customers will benefit from the new-generation i30’s roomier interior compared to the previous model. The overall length (4 300 mm) and width (1 780 mm) have been increased, while the height has been reduced (1 470 mm), generating sportier exterior proportions without compromising functionality. Cargo capacity in the new-generation i30 is 378 litres with the rear seats upright – an increase of 10% compared to the original model.
Hyundai i30: Five-star safety features
The safety features available on the new-generation i30 reinforce Hyundai’s excellent record on safety, and the i30 has been awarded the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP’s impact assessment programme.
The all-new i30 features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (anti-lock braking system), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and Emergency Stop Signal. In terms of passive safety, the new-generation i30 will be fitted with six airbags as standard – front, side and curtain airbags.
The Vehicle Stability Management system helps the driver to maintain directional stability in an emergency in challenging road conditions. The Brake Assist System applies maximum braking power by sensing a sudden stopping in an emergency.
The use of ultra-high tensile steel not only enhances the safety of occupants in the cabin of the i30, but also ensures body rigidity, which leads to, a more secure stance and grip on the road. It also benefits the secure ride and handling of the i30. Front and rear fog lights also add to the safety features of the i30 when visibility on the road is poor in misty conditions.
Hyundai Automotive South Africa’s 5 year / 150 000 km warranty, 5 year / 150 000 km roadside assistance and a service plan for 5 years and 90 000 km adds extra value to the i30 motoring package.
