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Korean auto giants, Hyundai Motor Company, has unveiled its new flagship hatchback, the new-generation i30, which comes with improved dynamics, fresh styling and a new range of engines.
Designed at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the third generation i30, produced in the Czech Republic as well as in South Korea, aims to continue the success of the two previous generations of i30 that have sold more than 800, 000 cars in Europe since 2008.
Described as more than just one model, the new i30 is set to become a family of unique products united by a timeless and balanced design coherent for every body type, with the family offering the right car for everyone – for the ones looking for elegance, or the ones looking for exhilaration.
Expected to be at dealerships across South Africa about mid-2017, the all-new i30, is expected to form the main attraction at the Hyundai Motor Company’s exhibition stand at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, which starts on September 29.
Flaunted as Hyundai’s European “DNA car”, representing the core of the brand in that part of the world, the new i30 provides an answer to changing contemporary values and customer preferences toward technology driven solutions, individuality in style and flexibility. Moreover, the new hatchback is a car that is designed and built to deliver great value to single people, families, and young and old.
Designed in Europe, and tested on the Nürburgring’s Nordschleife to fine-tune its efficient and dynamic ride, the all-new i30, undoubtedly, promises to be a smart and rewarding choice – not only for those who seek appealing exterior lines and a comfortable and very safe cabin, but also a car that gives the driver great satisfaction on the road.
The new-generation i30 family will also feature the first high performance model under Hyundai Motor’s N brand going into production in 2017. This high-performance model is likely to get is power from a high-output 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine.
“Our designers are driven by passion and enthusiasm bringing pride and joy to Hyundai owners. You see and feel this new spirit in the New Generation i30 – it is a proud statement,” president and chief design officer at the Hyundai Motor Group, Peter Schreyer, was quoted in a statement as saying.
He also stressed: “With the New Generation i30, we are introducing our newly-developed front grille: we call it the Cascading Grille. It will become the new identity of Hyundai.”
This is as vice president, marketing, at Hyundai Motor Europe, Jochen Sengpiehl, said Hyundai has “listened closely to customer needs, redefining our offer to create a car for everyone. The new-generation i30 is our DNA car in Europe: accessible, appealing in design with innovative technology and great to drive.”
The new i30 weaves and matches technology with connectivity features such as Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and wireless charging to enhance smartphone operation and functionality while driving. Some of the latest active safety features such as Autonomous Emergency Braking, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Keeping Assist System, Driver Attention Alert and Blind Spot Detection increase passenger comfort even more.
With design being the most important buying reason for Hyundai customers, the new i30 further evolves Hyundai’s styling language with precise and tensed lines, refined rich surfaces and a sculpted body to create a confident appearance.
The development engineers of Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre in Germany enhanced the driving dynamics of the new i30 in a rigorous testing programme throughout Europe and on the famous Nürburgring Nordschleife. The new i30 now also features a fully-independent multi-link rear suspension system, which adds to the dynamic driving characteristics of the car.
The highly rigid and light body with 53% Advanced High Strength Steel delivers the base for good ride and handling characteristics and, combined with 10% more direct steering and the newly developed chassis, the driver can enjoy the i30’s dynamic driving abilities without compromising high comfort levels.
New range of engines
The new i30 is powered by a range of small-displacement turbocharged petrol and diesel engines delivering a dynamic and efficient driving experience.
There are three petrol engines and one diesel engine. They are the new 1.4 T-GDI turbocharged 4-cylinder petrol engine; the 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged 3-cylinder petrol engine; or the 1.4 MPI 4-cylinder petrol engine, as well as one diesel engine: the 1.6-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder, available with three power outputs. Customers’ engine choice will depend on the range offered in a specific country and where the i30 is imported from.
CO2 emissions start from as low as 89g/km (target value) for the 3-cylinder 1.0 T-GDI engine.
Mated to the engines is either a six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai’s efficient and direct-responding seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (7DCT).
