Essentially an Elantra GT three-door for Europe, the new i30 is part of the Korean automaker’s ‘Made for Europe’ C-segment range. Buyers in Europe will be able to select from six different engines, including a 1.6-liter diesel that claims to have the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.
The rakish hatchback has a more angular glasshouse than the five-door hatch and Tourer estate. It has a revised grille, fog lamps, daytime running strips and a reshaped lower bumper.
The i30 three-door will be offered in Europe with a choice of six engines, together with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Hyundai hasn't announced any plans to bring the three-door i30 to the U.S.
Press Release
NEW GENERATION i30 THREE-DOOR TO DEBUT AT 2012 PARIS MOTOR SHOW
- Third member of New Generation i30 family to broaden range's appeal
- Dynamic styling incorporates new front, side and rear design features
- Designed, engineered and manufactured in Europe, for Europe
High Wycombe, 14 September 2012 - Ahead of its world debut at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, the New Generation i30 three-door has today been revealed. The third member of the New Generation i30 family, the three-door joins the five-door hatchback and the Tourer to extend the broad appeal of Hyundai's ‘made for Europe' C-segment range to an even wider audience.
Central to the appeal of the three-door is its distinctive, sporty styling. Incorporating Hyundai's ‘fluidic sculpture' form language, the new model's sharply-raked beltline, more angular glasshouse silhouette and longer front doors provide it with a more dynamic profile, and the effect is enhanced by changes to front and rear styling.
A new, black-finished mesh insert and central bar accentuate Hyundai's hexagonal grille, which is flanked by new, sportier fog lamp clusters consisting of round spots connected to LED daytime running light strips. The mesh treatment is continued in the clusters, and the front-end design is completed by a newly-profiled lower bumper.
At the rear, the remodelled lower bumper area includes new horizontal, sculpted fog lamps that contrast with the upright units of the five-door. These lights and a new black insert at the bottom of the bumper create the impression of a wider, sportier rear design. Exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels complete the exterior transformation.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: "The New Generation i30 three-door has been conceived solely for Europe, and will strengthen Hyundai's presence further in the segment where we have seen our greatest success since 2007. Just as important, its sporty looks - offering a fresh interpretation of fluidic sculpture - will generate greater brand awareness and enhance consumer perceptions of Hyundai in Europe."
New Generation i30 three-door retains the positive characteristics of the five-door, providing high standards of quality, equipment and comfort. Drivers will experience Europe-tuned ride and handling, and can alter the settings of the FLEX STEER system to change steering assistance depending on their preference and prevailing conditions.
The New Generation i30 is offered with a choice of four engines and five power outputs, together with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. The highlight of the powertrain range is the ‘U-II' 1.6-litre diesel engine, generating 128PS yet emitting only 97g/km of CO2. Together, these figures deliver the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.
The New Generation i30 provides the best evidence yet of Hyundai's commitment to producing cars in Europe, for Europe - combining the design and engineering expertise of the team at Hyundai's European R&D Centre in Germany with the proven manufacturing excellence of the company's Czech factory.
Buyers of the New Generation i30 will benefit from 5 Year Triple Care, comprising a five-year unlimited warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.
The New Generation i30 three-door will be officially unveiled at the 2012 Paris Motor Show during the company's press conference at 17:00 (CET) on Thursday 27 September 2012, on the Hyundai booth.