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At the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA), Hyundai has unveiled its next-generation i30, a vehicle the company expects will build on the success of the original model thanks to enhanced design, quality, performance and efficiency.
Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the next-generation i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’ – the company’s distinctive design DNA – and in Europe will offer a choice of four engines with a total of six power options and CO2 emissions below 100 g/km thanks to an upgraded, super-efficient 1.6-litre diesel unit.
The next-generation i30 will go on sale in Europe early in 2012 as a five-door hatchback. The newcomer will be produced in Europe at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic.
The next-generation i30 is expected to arrive in Australia in mid 2012. Pricing and specification details will be released closer to the launch.
A worthy successor to Hyundai’s best-seller
The original i30 has defied the industry norm by recording increased annual sales with each passing year. Since launch in 2007, the i30 has recorded over 360.000 European sales, including more than 115,000 units during 2010 – the highest-ever sales figure for an individual Hyundai model on sale in Europe in one year, putting the i30 at six in the C-segment rankings. In Australia, the i30 has sold more than 82,900 units up to mid-2011.
Hyundai expects the next-generation i30 to maintain this growth trend, contributing to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among consumers.
In Europe, Hyundai is planning to sell on average over 120,000 units of the new i30 per year during the car’s lifecycle, capturing a larger market share of around 5% and challenging established competitors.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said. “We expect the next-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.”
Style inspired by nature
The ‘fluidic sculpture’ ethos utilises flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant three-dimensional presence to Hyundai vehicles. Since its introduction on the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, fluidic sculpture has been the form language for all new Hyundai models designed for the European market in mind.
Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: “When designing the next-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 recognise on these models.”
The next-generation i30 also bears Hyundai’s signature frontal feature – the hexagonal-shaped grille.
“The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, and defines the i30 as a family member. The jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille add a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury,” Thomas Bürkle added.
Powering the new generation
In Europe, the next-generation i30 will be available with a choice of three petrol and three diesel variants, with power outputs ranging from 66 kW to 99 kW. Both fuel types play a significant role in the European C-segment, with diesel representing 52% and petrol 43% of total sales. Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 50:50 split between diesel- and petrol-powered i30 sales.
Hyundai believes that its highly-efficient 1.6-litre variable geometry turbo (kW) ‘U-II’ diesel unit will be the most popular choice in Europe. Generating 94 kW at 4,000 rpm, the upgraded engine will accelerate the next-generation i30 from standstill to 100 kph in 10.9 seconds, with a top speed of 197 kph.
The petrol engines, too, offer a balance between performance and economy. For example, the next-generation i30 can be specified in Europe with Hyundai’s 1.6-liter ‘Gamma’ GDI (petrol direct injection), a 1591 cc unit that generates 99 kW and 164 Nm of torque.
Low emissions and real-world efficiency
In the European market, the addition of technologies developed under the company’s Blue DriveTM sub-brand optimises efficiency and lowers emissions for the next-generation i30. These include Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low-rolling resistance tyres and an alternator management system. With CO2 emissions below 100 g/km and an engine delivery of 94 kW, the 1.6-litre diesel Blue Drive i30 will feature a best-in-class power to efficiency ratio.
Buyers will be offered a choice between manual and automatic six-speed transmissions, with both units providing a refined driving experience and enhanced fuel efficiency.
Interior quality and equipment from the class above
Cabin refinement and specification on the next-generation i30 have been inspired by the high standards of the all-new i40 Tourer. In the European market, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s new Flex SteerTM option. With three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport – the system can be used to vary the level of steering assistance and feedback in order to suit driving conditions and make the journey more pleasurable. A large TFT Supervision cluster is available in the same quality as the i40 Tourer – providing a wide range of essential information to the driver in high-resolution clarity. Located in the centre console, the navigation system is displayed via a 7-inch touch-screen.
Generous equipment levels on the next-generation i30 will enhance the Hyundai experience for passengers too. Dual-zone climate control will ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The panoramic sunroof has been designed to open fully or tilt open, offering passengers flexibility and functionality.
Customers will benefit from the next-generation i30’s roomier interior compared to the previous model. The overall length (4300 mm) and width (1780 mm) have been increased, while the height has been reduced (1470 mm), generating sportier exterior proportions without compromising functionality. Cargo capacity in the next-generation i30 is 378 litres with the rear seats upright – an increase of 10% compared to the original model.
Five-star safety features
The next-generation i30 features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (anti-lock braking system), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and Emergency Stop Signal. In terms of passive safety, the next-generation i30 will be fitted with six airbags as standard – front, side and curtain - while a driver’s knee airbag is optional.
The safety features available on the next-generation i30 reinforce Hyundai’s excellent record on safety, and the company anticipates the new car will follow the outgoing model in attaining the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP’s impact assessment programme.
Driving fleet growth
Since going on sale in 2007, the original i30 has played an important role in expanding Hyundai’s sales and reputation in Europe’s fleet sector. Hyundai expects the next-generation i30 to be even more popular with fleet managers and company car drivers than its predecessor.
Targeting sales of over 120,000 units in Europe during a full year for the next-generation i30, Hyundai forecasts approximately 50% of sales to come from the fleet sector.
Compared to the original i30, total cost of ownership for the new-generation model will be reduced, helped by improved fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and a lower insurance classification.
Technical specifications - New-generation Hyundai i30
All figures are tentative – final figures will be confirmed at time of launch
Diesel engines
1.4-litre 66.0 kW
Type / capacity U-II, WGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 66.0 kW @ 4000 rpm / 220 Nm @1500~2750 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 75 x 79
Compression ratio 17.0
1.6-litre 81.0 kW
Type / capacity U-II, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc
Power / torque 81.0 kW @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900~2750 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77.2 x 84.5
Compression ratio 17.3
New 1.6-litre 94.0 kW
Type / capacity U-II, VGT, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1582 cc
Power / torque 94.0 kW @ 4000 rpm / 260 Nm @ 1900~2750 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77.2 x 84.5
Compression ratio 17.3
Petrol engines
1.4-litre 73.2 kW
Type / capacity Gamma 1.4, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1396 cc
Power / torque 73.2 kW @ 5500 rpm / 137 Nm @ 4200 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77 x 74.99
Compression ratio 10.5
1.6-litre 88 kW
Type / capacity Gamma 1.6 MPI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc
Power / torque 88 kW @ 6300 rpm / 156Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77 x 85.44
Compression ratio 10.5
1.6-litre 99 kW
Type / capacity Gamma GDI, four-cylinder, DOHC 16-valve / 1591 cc
Power / torque 99 kW @ 6300 rpm / 164 Nm @ 4850 rpm
Bore x Stroke (mm) 77x85.44
Compression ratio 11
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Transmissions |
Diesel |
Petrol |
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1,4 / 66.0 kW |
1,6 / 81.0 – 94 kW |
1,4 / 81.0 kW |
1,6 / 88 - 99kW |
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Manual |
6-speed |
6-speed |
6-speed |
6-speed |
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Automatic |
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6-speed |
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6-speed |
Suspension and damping
Front Fully independent subframe-mounted MacPherson struts, with coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers. Anti-roll stabiliser bar.
Rear Fully independent subframe-mounted multi-links, coil springs and gas-filled shock absorbers.
Steering
Type Motor-driven power steering, with Flex SteerTM
Steering wheel turn 2.85 Turning circle 10.6 metres
Brakes
Front 15 / 16 inch ventilated discs
Rear 14 inch solid discs
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Wheels and tyres |
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Standard |
15 inch steel / 15 inch alloy |
195 / 65 R15 tyres |
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16 inch alloy |
205 / 55 R16 tyres |
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17 inch alloy |
225 / 45 R17 tyres |
Dimensions (mm)
Exterior
Overall length 4300
Overall width 1780 (excluding door mirrors)
Overall height 1470
Wheelbase 2650
Front overhang 880
Rear overhang 770
Interior Front Rear
Leg room 1067 880
Head room 1018 963
Shoulder room 1420 1395
Capacities (litres)
Fuel tank 53 litre
Luggage 378 with rear seats upright
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