2017 Hyundai i30 will spawn a whole new family comprising of N performance hatchback, four-door coupe similar to i40 sedan and an estate version of i30
Hyundai has fully revealed the third-generation i30 ahead of the world premiere at the Paris Motor Show and it will go on sale in Europe next year. The five-door hatchback has been redefined says Hyundai as it draws practical design cues with ease of accessibility on the inside. It will give birth to the N performance hot-hatch version alongside a supposed crossover sitting below Tucson, an estate version of i30 among other products.
The much touted i30 N hatchback will be the first vehicle to be developed from Hyundai’s technical centre in Nurburgring. The all-new standard i30 will feature fresh exterior and stylish interior. Peter Schreyer, who was responsible for the revival of Hyundai’s Kia Motors subsidiary, is now at the helm of i30’s design team and oversees the project. His influence has been palpable as up-front the new i30 comprises of ‘Cascading Grille’ to stand in line with upcoming entry-level i10 to premium Santa Fe.
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Developed in Europe and built on a completely overhauled architecture of the existing platform, the new i30 utilises MacPherson struts at the front and multi-link suspension at rear as standard fitment besides a set of performance-orientated dampers. It is claimed to have agile and responsive handling in addition to provide dynamic ride. The steering response has become faster as the directness increased by 10 percent while the brakes have also been revised for better performance.
The body-shell is made of 53 percent advanced high-strength steel manufactured by Hyundai and as a result it weighs 28 kilograms lighter than the outgoing model with rigidity increased by 22 percent. It measures 4,340 mm long, 1,795 mm wide and 1,455mm tall with wheelbase of 2,650mm. Comparatively, it is slightly longer and wider than the current model but also sitting lower with identical wheelbase and almost similar kerb weight.
Also Read: New Generation Hyundai i30 to Make World Premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show
The petrol range has entry-level non-turbo 99 bhp 1.4 petrol and a turbocharged 118 bhp 1.0 three-cylinder unit besides a range-topping 138 bhp 1.4 turbo petrol. The 1.6 turbo diesel will be available in three states of tunes: 94 bhp, 108 bhp and 131 bhp. Transmission options include standard six-speed manual, and an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The turbo 1.4 petrol can do 0-100 kmph in 8.9 seconds and can top out 210 kmph.
In late next year, the i30 N or more likely RN30 will be introduced with WRC-derived 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine making 260 bhp with a top speed of 250 kmph. Optional eight-inch floating touchscreen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for smartphone integration, wireless charging, TomTom navigation system, optional panoramic sunroof, 395 litres bootspace that can be expanded to 1,301 litres when rear seats folded, autonomous emergency braking, radar cruise control systems, etc are some of the important features.
