New Hyundai i30 Aims Straight For The Top Of The Segment

Hyundai debuted the third generation of the i30 hatchback at the Paris Motor Show, perhaps one of the most commercially important models for the Korean company.

The new Hyundai i30 is also the first generation which will spawn a family of vehicles, including a crossover and the i30 N hot-hatch derivative.

Measuring 4,340mm (170.8 in.) long, 1,795mm (70.7 in.) wide, 1,455mm tall and with a 2,650mm (57.3 in.) wheelbase, the new i30 may be 15mm (0.2 in.) shorter than its predecessor but Hyundai claims it now offers the most spacious cabin in the segment, including a 395lt boot capacity.

The engine range includes three petrol and three diesel units; base models get a naturally aspirated 1.4-litre petrol with 100PS (99hp) & 134Nm (99lb-ft) of torque. Next up we got a turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol with 120PS (118hp) and 170Nm (125lb-ft) of torque while the range-topping petrol version is powered by the brand’s new turbocharged 1.4-litre T-GDI with 140PS (138hp) and 242Nm (178lb-ft) of torque.

Those who prefer a diesel powertrain better, can choose from a 1.6-litre unit available in three states of tune: 95PS (94hp) & 280Nm (207lb-ft) of torque, 110PS (108hp) & 280Nm (207lb-ft) of torque and 136PS (134hp) with up to 300Nm (221lb-ft) of torque. All engines, both petrol and diesel ones come with a six-speed manual gearbox as standard, while the 1.4 T-GDI and the two most powerful diesel versions can also be paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as an option.

The new Hyundai i30 also comes with a wide range of active safety systems, including Autonomous Emergency Braking with Front Collision Warning System, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist System, Speed Limit Information Function and High Beam Assist.

Inside there is a new standard 5-inch touchscreen for the infotainment system which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with customers offered the option of an eight-inch touchscreen.

The new generation of the Hyundai i30 will become available from early 2017 in the European market.