Just four years after its first unveiling, the Hyundai i30->ke2753 has entered its second generation with its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The i30 shares its platform with the Kia C'eed->ke1899 and the new generation benefits from Hyundai->ke201's latest "fluidic sculpture" – the company’s distinctive design DNA.

Ever since its debut in 2007, there has been over 360,000 i30 units sold in Europe - making the i30 one of the most successful models on the market, but Hyundai hopes to improve upon that number with the new generation.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "We expect the new-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our sales and brand image in Europe, taking on the leading vehicles in the C-segment and joining the all-new i40 as a brand ambassador and quality benchmark for Hyundai."

Hit the jump to read more about the new Hyundai i30.

2012 Hyundai i30 (Elantra Touring)

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Hyundai i30 (Elantra Touring)
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

The new i30 features Hyundai's latest ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language which utilizes flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture. This design theme was first used on the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show and has been used on every model since then.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center, commented: "When designing the new-generation i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic and 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. In this way, the car is very close to the all-new i40, and the Hyundai design DNA is easy to recognize on these models."

The interior was inspired by the i30's bigger brother - the i40 - and features all of the latest technologies offered by Hyundai, including the new Flex Steer option. This option can be used to vary the level of steering assistance and feedback in order to suit driving conditions and make the journey more pleasurable.

Engine

The new Hyundai i30 will be offered with a choice of three gasoline and three diesel engines, with power outputs ranging from 90 to 135 HP. Hyundai is expecting that the best sold engine will be the highly-efficient 1.6-liter variable geometry turbo (VGT) ‘U-II’ diesel unit that delivers a total of 126 HP at 4,000 rpm and 192 lb-ft of torque. Equipped with this engine, the i30 will sprint from 0 to 62mph in 10.9 seconds and top speed of 122mph. The top of the line petrol variant will be the 1.6 liter Gamma DGI engine producing 133 hp and 121 lb-ft of torque.

Prices

The new-generation i30 will go on sale in Europe in early 2012 as a five-door hatchback. Prices will be announced at a later date.

Competition

The i30 is a very successful model in Europe, but over in the States it will have to face big competition with the Ford Fiesta. The new generation Fiesta features an improved exterior design that makes it even more attractive. It is offered with a wide range of petrol and diesel engines: 1.25-liter (60 and 80 HP) and 1.4-liter (91 HP) Duratec petrol engines, and 1.4-liter (68 HP) and 1.6-liter (90 HP) diesel engines.