Hyundai i30 (2013)

Hyundai i30

At the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Hyundai has unveiled its new-generation i30, a vehicle the company expects will build on the success of the original model thanks to enhanced design, quality, performance and efficiency.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new-generation Hyundai i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, 'fluidic sculpture' - the company's distinctive design DNA - and offers a choice of four engines with a total of six power options and CO2emissions below 100 g/km thanks to an upgraded, super-efficient 1,6-litre diesel unit.

The new-generation Hyundai i30 will go on sale in Europe early in 2012 as a five-door hatchback. The newcomer will be produced in Europe at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

Every new-generation Hyundai i30 will be backed by the industry-best, fully-transparent Five Year Triple Care warranty from Hyundai. This award-winning package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

A worthy successor to Hyundai's best-seller

The original Hyundai i30 has defied the industry norm by recording increased annual sales with each passing year. Since 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 Hyundai i30 at six 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 among European consumers.

The fortunes of the new-generation Hyundai i30 will also be helped by a recovering market. Industry analysts forecast the mainstream C-segment will grow by 7% over the next three years, reaching sales of 2,4 million vehicles per year by 2014. Hyundai is planning to sell on average over 120.000 units of the new i30 per year during the car's lifecycle, capturing a larger market share of around 5% and challenging established competitors.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "We expect the new-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our sales and brand image in Europe, taking on the leading vehicles in the C-segment and joining the all-new i40 as a brand ambassador and quality benchmark for Hyundai."

Style inspired by nature

The '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 launched in Europe.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at 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. In this way, the car is very close to the all-new i40, and the Hyundai design DNA is easy to recognise on these models."

The new-generation Hyundai 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," Thomas Bürkle added.

Powering the new generation

The new i30 will be available with a choice of three gasoline and three diesel variants, with power outputs ranging from 90 to 135 ps. Both fuel types play a significant role in the European C-segment, with diesel representing 52% and gasoline 43% of total sales. Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 50:50 split between diesel- and gasoline-powered Hyundai i30 sales.

Hyundai believes that its highly-efficient 1,6-liter variable geometry turbo (VGT) 'U-II' diesel unit will be the most popular engine in the range. Generating 128 ps at 4.000 rpm, the upgraded engine will accelerate the new-generation i30 from standstill to 100 kph in 10.9 seconds, with a top speed of 197 kph.

The petrol engines, too, offer a balance between performance and economy. For example, the new-generation Hyundai i30 can be specified with Hyundai's 1,6-liter 'Gamma' GDI (gasoline direct injection), a 1.591 cc unit that generates 135 ps and 164 Nm of torque.

Low emissions and real-world efficiency

The addition of technologies developed under the company's Blue Drive™ sub-brand optimizes efficiency and lowers emissions for the new-generation i30. These include: Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low-rolling resistance tyres and an alternator management system. With CO2emissions below 100 g/km and an engine delivery of 128 ps, the 1,6-litre diesel new Hyundai i30 will feature a best-in-class power to efficiency ratio.

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.

Interior quality and equipment from the class above

Cabin refinement and specification on the new i30 have been inspired by the high standards of the all-new i40. 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 is available in the same quality found on i40 - providing a wide range of essential information to the driver in high-resolution clarity. Located in the centre console, the navigation system is displayed via a 7-inch touch-screen.

The generous equipment levels on the new-generation Hyundai i30 will enhance the Hyundai experience for passengers too. Dual-zone climate control will ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The panoramic sunroof has been designed to open fully or tilt open, offering passengers flexibility and functionality.

Customers will benefit from the new-generation i30's roomier interior compared to the previous model. The overall length (4300 mm) and width (1780 mm) have been increased, while the height has been reduced (1470 mm), generating sportier exterior proportions without compromising functionality. Cargo capacity in the new-generation Hyundai i30 is 378 liters with the rear seats upright - an increase of 10% compared to the original model.

Five-star safety features

The new-generation 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 Hyundai i30 will be fitted with six airbags as standard - front, side and curtain - while a driver's knee airbag is optional.

The safety features available on the new-generation i30 reinforce Hyundai's excellent record on safety, and the company anticipates the new car will follow the outgoing model in attaining the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP's impact assessment programme.

Driving fleet growth

Since going on sale in 2007, the original Hyundai i30 has played an important role in expanding Hyundai's sales and reputation in Europe's fleet sector. Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to be even more popular with fleet managers and company car drivers than its predecessor.

Targeting sales of over 120.000 units in Europe during a full year for the new i30, Hyundai forecasts approximately 50% of sales to come from the fleet sector.

Five Year Triple Care will be a valuable point of differentiation for the new-generation Hyundai i30 in a highly competitive class. The five-year warranty has no mileage limit, roadside assistance is included for five years, and vehicle health checks are performed annually, providing peace of mind for fleet buyers and operators.

Compared to the original i30, total cost of ownership for the new-generation model will be reduced, helped by improved fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and a lower insurance classification.