Hyundai i30
Three years after the European launch of the second-generation Hyundai i30 five-door and Tourer, Hyundai is introducing a New i30 model range.
The New i30 range features three body styles (three-door, five-door and Tourer), enhanced styling, improved engine efficiency, a new transmission, new safety and convenience features - plus the addition of a new 186 PS high performance model - the i30 Turbo.With the new C-segment model range, fuel economy can be as high as 78 mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 94 g/km.
New i30 is an example of Hyundai's commitment to its regionalisation product strategy. New i30 has been designed and engineered at Hyundai Motor's Design Centre Europe in Rüsselsheim, Germany and will be built in the region, at the company's plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic.
Surveys of existing owners and potential buyers of i30 confirm that the Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy is greatly admired. It mirrors nature's flowing lines, giving Hyundai vehicles an impactful three-dimensional presence. The second-generation i30 was regarded as being "stylish and modern", "eye catching" and "conveying elegance and dynamism", becoming a landmark for the brand when customers rated design as the number one purchase reason.
The exterior and interior design has been refreshed for the New i30. At the front there is a new accentuated hexagonal grille, while the profile is refreshed by newly-designed wheel trims (15-inch) and alloy wheels (16-,17-,18-inch).
Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor's Design Centre Europe, Thomas Bürkle, commented, "When designing the second-generation i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car that 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.
"The newly designed hexagonal grille's appearance is a unique identifier for our brand and defines the New i30 as a Hyundai family member. The jewel-like front headlamps that flank the grille add a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury."
The New i30 is available in Europe in a range of 12 exterior colours - including three new colours: Polar White, Orange Caramel and, exclusive to i30 Turbo, Jet Black. Inside, the seat and cabin trim is available in a choice of three colours - black, beige and blue - in cloth, cloth and leather or full leather variations.
Responding to the changing requirements of customers, New i30 expands the already comprehensive list of available active and passive safety equipment by introducing three new technologies.
Apart from newly added features, the New i30 range will carry-over the generous equipment list, which includes: 10-way powered driver's seat adjustment, heated front seats, an electric parking brake, a Smart Key with engine start/stop button, cruise control with speed limiter, navigation system with 7-inch touch-screen, dual-zone climate control, RDS radio/CD with MP3, iPod, Aux and USB support, six-speaker audio system.
Available active safety features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), ABS (anti-lock braking system), BAS (emergency Brake Assist System), HAC (Hill Assist Control) to prevent roll-back and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal), which flashes the brake lights when an emergency stop is detected.
In terms of passive safety, every New i30 in Europe is fitted with six airbags - front, side and full length curtain as standard - while an innovative driver's knee airbag is optional. The second-generation i30 was awarded the maximum five-star safety rating in Euro NCAP's impact assessment programme and the New i30 features the same structural integrity.
The New i30 carries over the key dimensions of the original, with a generous wheelbase (2650 mm) and overall width (1780 mm excluding door mirrors), which create a cabin with impressive roominess. Space for front seat occupants is among the best-in-class with generous head (1021 mm), leg (1067 mm) and shoulder (1420 mm) room. Cargo capacity remains highly competitive - 378 litres (hatch) and 528 litres (Tourer) with the rear seats upright.
Improved engines, plus a new 7-speed DCT transmission
The New i30 is available with an expanded choice of five diesel or petrol power units - all Euro6-compliant -with power outputs ranging from 100 PS to 186 PS and CO2 emissions from as low as 94 g/km.
Buyers will have a choice of two diesel engines: a 1.6-litre unit available with two power outputs of 110 PS and 136 PS.
Customers who prefer petrol can select from three naturally aspirated power units, delivering from 100 PS to 120 PS, or the new 186 PS Turbo-GDI engine fitted to the new i30 Turbo.
For the New i30, the 100 PS 1.4-litre Gamma engine is replaced by a newly developed four-cylinder Kappa unit. This 1368 cc engine is significantly lighter than its predecessor, the Gamma 1.4-litre engine. At only 87 kg, the engine's base weight has been reduced by 14 kg, resulting in lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions of50 mpg andof 129 g/km CO2 respectively.
The two 1.6-litre diesels are available with the new seven-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission). This option replaces the previous compact, conventional six-speed torque-converter automatic. The new 7-speed DCT offers drivers fully automatic operation (ideal for town driving) or sequential manual gear changes for greater driver involvement.
In terms of fuel saving technologies, the New i30 features: Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres, an alternator management system (AMS).
Hyundai's chassis engineering team for the New i30 was asked to find ways of improving on the original model's already highly competent ride/handling balance, while also enhancing the car's refinement.
The cabin of the New i30 is now even quieter with improved NVH levels to deliver higher comfort for all passengers. The permanently-magnetised Brushless Alternating Current motor-driven power steering system has been upgraded for more precise steering and improved handling characteristics.
The robust bodyshell, long wheelbase (2650 mm) and wide track (up to 1571 mm) were unchanged as they provide an excellent foundation for the operation of the fully independent suspension, by MacPherson Struts at the front and a multi-link system at the rear. The electric rack and pinion power steering with its responsive 2.85 turns from lock-to-lock and the option of Hyundai's innovative FLEX STEER system (with three operating modes, Comfort, Normal and Sport) is also still on board.
The all-disc braking system, with 280 or 300 mm ventilated front discs and 262 or 284 mm solid rear discs provide reassuring stopping capabilities.
Like all new Hyundai models, the New i30 for 2015 is backed up by Hyundai's unique, Europe-only, Five Year Unlimited Mileage Warranty package. This care programme provides customers with a five-year warranty with no mileage limit, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
