2017 Hyundai i30 unveiled, to pit squarely against the VW Golf [+Video]



Top selling European small family hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus may have dodged the Korean bullet twice. Perhaps third is not quite the charm after Hyundai unveiled the all-new third generation Hyundai i30 ahead of the Paris Motor Show.

Just like its predecessors, the i30 is designed to cater specifically to European customers. As seen in its teaser not too long ago, the i30 displays a new hexagonal front grille. Known as the “Cascading Grille“, it will represent a new signature identity in future Hyundai cars. The new car is slightly longer and wider than the old model, although the wheelbase remains the same at 2,650mm. Boot space gets a slight bump at 395 litres, 27 litres more than before.2017-hyundai-i30-third-gen-4

Safety wise, the new i30 possess autonomous emergency braking and radar cruise control systems to complement the hatchback’s seven airbags setup.

Powering the i30 is an all-new 1.4 T-GDI turbocharged four-cylinder engine that churns 138 hp and 242 Nm of torque. Joining this new engine is a 1.0 T-GDI turbocharged three-cylinder engine that produces 118 hp and 171 Nm, as well as a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel option. There is also a 99 hp 1.4-litre naturally aspirated unit.

Gearbox options can be specced with either the standard six-speed manual transmission or Hyundai’s seven-speed double clutch transmission (DCT). The DCT is claimed to improve fuel consumption up to 20 percent compared to its predecessor’s six-speed automatic. At the same time, acceleration is quicker by 10 percent.

As far as variants go, there will be the N Performance i30 which is much like the Golf GTI and the Focus ST. Hyundai says the hotter i30 will pack around 250 horsepower and has been extensively developed at the Nurburgring. Right now the i30 is available strictly as a five-door hatch, but expect to see the estate and crossover variants sometime in the near future.


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