The Hyundai i30 (better known as the Elantra GT), just received a small update in Europe. Hyundai made it compliant with the features shown on the i30 Fastback, introduced new versions of its diesel engine and granted a bit more equipment for one of the most important cars it has ever introduced on the old continent. The new Hyundai i30 does not differ a lot from the last year’s car.

Exterior

One would be hard pressed to notice any meaningful changes on the 2019 Hyundai i30 compared with the model of before. Luckily, the front lights still seem to be angry enough to counteract any unintentional smiling. Obviously, cutesy smiling hatchbacks aren’t that popular. Although slightly redesigned, the bumper isn’t exactly the biggest change one may imagine - Hyundai did it only to near the i30 hatch to the i30 Fastback.

One visiting the saloon and picking up this model has more finish options (Stellar Blue and Olivine Grey) than before.

Interior

The changes inside are almost non-existent. Save for the new eight-inch Display Audio infotainment system. The rest of the interior remained the same as before. As before, the car comes with a comprehensive set of SmartSense safety features which make it one of the safest hatchbacks on the market.

Drivetrain

With the introduction of the Euro 6d emission regulations, Hyundai had to refresh its diesel line-up. While the least powerful diesel is available only with a manual, the higher-powered engines can be optionally equipped with the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission as well.

The most frugal version of them is the least powerful one, of course. If driven just right, this Hyundai i30 will return magnificent 60+ mpg.

Conclusion

Hyundai released a slightly refreshed hatchback, Wagon, and that i30 N-Line I wrote about a month or so ago. Of course, SUVs such as the new Kona, the Tucson and the Santa Fe are golden on the market, but the thing is that the existence of such a competitive i30 proves to hatch-loving Europeans that Hyundai is there to make a stand. This comment by Vice President Marketing & Product at Hyundai Europe will demonstrate Hyundai’s intentions the best.

“The i30 range is a stronghold for our success in Europe,” Andreas-Christoph Hofmann, Vice President Marketing & Product at Hyundai Europe, comments. “To become the number one Asian car brand by 2021, we not only invest in cutting-edge technologies like with our Kona Electric or All-New Nexo, but we also seek to constantly improve our best-selling models to meet our customer’s needs in terms of fuel efficiency and appealing design.”

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 N.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30 Fastback.

Read our full review on the 2018 Hyundai i30.

Read more Hyundai news.