One of the more relevant releases at this year’s Frankfurt motorshow is the next-generation Hyundai i30, which will see the Korean brand revitalise the model that brought it into its current good fortune. More than 360 000 first-generation Hyundai i30s have been sold in Europe, and it’s proved popular locally too, so the success of the new model is paramount to the company’s ongoing growth.
From a design perspective Hyundai has stuck with its current ‘fluidic sculpture’ design DNA, which means the new i30 is now firmly in place amongst the ix35, the new Elantra and the i40 estate – which we don’t have here in SA. It’s also hard to miss the familiar hexagonal-shaped grille.
The 2012 Hyundai i30 comes with a completely new line-up of petrol and diesel engines. Hyundai’s petrol range for the 2012 i30 includes a 1.4-litre developing 73 kW and 137 Nm of torque; a 1.6-litre with 88 kW and 156 Nm of torque; and a 1.6-litre engine developing 99 kW and 164 Nm of torque. The 2012 i30 diesel range will include a 66 kW and 220 Nm 1.4-litre ; a 1.6-litre with 81 kW and 260 Nm of torque; and a more powerful 1.6-litre developing 94 kW and 260 Nm of torque. These engines will be mated to a choice of either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission, driving through the front wheels.
Measuring 4 300 mm in length, 1 780 mm in width, 1 470 mm in height and riding on a 2 650 mm wheelbase, the 2012 Hyundai i30 has increased in size, but also benefits from a slightly lower centre of gravity. This also means an increase in cargo capacity from 340-litres, to 378-litres.
The European delivered models will have the option of Hyundai’s new Flex Steer™ which provides three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport – to help fine-tune your driving experience. The system actively changes the level of steering assistance and feedback to allow for a more engaging drive (sport) when needed or for maximum usability when you’re stuck in traffic (comfort). A 7-inch touch-screen with Satelite Navigation will be available for European markets too.
Hyundai will fit all the expected active safety features (ESP, ABS, VSM) as well as Emergency Stop Signal and six airbags as standard kit. A driver’s knee airbag is available as an option. The Korean giant expects the new i30 to retain the same maximum five-star safety rating as the model it replaces.
