The Hyundai i30->ke2753, or the Hyundai Elantra GT->ke1391 as it’s called on U.S. shores, is entering its third generation for the 2017 model year, and it appears that testing for the new car in well underway at Hyundai’s European test center in Germany. Our photographers spotted this test mule recently, and though its wearing several layers of camo, there appears to be a fully realized car under it all.

Overall, the next i30 appears to have a more upright stance than the current model. Its new nose appears to be more blunt, and the new horizontally situated headlamps are dramatically different from the current ones. The creased accent line just below the side windows appears to be toned down as well. Like the current car, the next i30 will be available in several body styles, including a five-door (pictured here), sedan and possibly three-door and coupe configurations too.

The engine lineup will consist of an updated range of turbocharged, four-cylinder, gasoline and diesel engines. Current rumors also suggest the 2017 i30 will be the first car to get some sporty upgrades from Hyundai’s->ke201 newly created N performance division. The i30 N variant should get more power (over 200 horsepower seems likely), firmer suspension and some visual tweaks to differentiate it from normal i30s.

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Why it matters

Aside from the N variant, Hyundai seems to be taking the i30 in a more practical, utilitarian direction. It’s not quite a crossover, but it definitely looks taller than the car it replaces, which should make it an even more capable commuter. Or, maybe all that body cladding is playing tricks on my eyes (like it’s supposed to). We should learn more when the next i30 is officially unveiled in a few months.

2012 Hyundai i30

Read our full review of the current i30 here.