New Generation Hyundai i30 hatchback will derive design cues and interiors from the sixth-gen Elantra sold globally
The existing generation of the Hyundai i30 hatchback was revealed half a decade back at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany. In the foreign markets, it has received good response and thus the South Korean company is looking to keep its momentum going by introducing a new version. It is not an upgrade but an all-new generation model waiting to be uncovered at the 2016 edition of Paris Motor Show.
Some markets know the i30 by a different name like in North American markets it is known as Elantra GT. To not get messed around with the name change, Hyundai will be sticking by the same nomenclature in both those markets. The new i30, positioned a notch above i20, is nothing but basically the sixth-gen Hyundai Elantra offered globally in the form of a hatchback. The cosmetic changes and the interior revisions will be based on the Elantra as well.
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It comes in multiple avatars such as a coupe, five-door hatch and a four-door estate for the European marketplace but in US and Canada it will be sold in as a five-door hatchback only. While Hyundai shelved the plans for a three-door i30 due to woeful sales, the mechanical bits are more likely to be derived from the Hyundai Elantra. It will surely have an N performance version for the like-minded enthusiasts.
The Hyundai i30 N will be the first road-going car from the N performance division and will be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-pod petrol engine with technologies implemented directly from the i20 WRC programme. The i30 is an attractive proposition for India but, despite showcasing it at the Auto Expo 2016, Hyundai’s plans for any possible launch is still left numb.
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If the VW Golf gets launched in India, its more direct rival the i30 could see the green light as well which will open up a new hatchback segment below the luxury hatchbacks. So far, Hyundai has confirmed to be entering the new Elantra and Tucson premium SUV during the course of this year.
(Above pictures are of current gen i30)