Hyundai i30: the lowdown
The Koreans are continuing to assault the mainstream European market – and Hyundai’s new Golf rival is its latest effort. The unusually named i30 is the production interpretation of the Arnejs concept car shown at Paris last autumn. It heralds a new nomenclature for Hyundai’s models, which have previously relied on straightforward names. The i30 is the small family hatch (30 = C-segment); logic suggests that the i40 will be the family car (40 = D-segment) and i20 the supermini (20 = B-segment). You get the idea.
Confusing name aside, what are the i30’s highlights?
Details are pretty scarce today, but Hyundai has said that i30 buyers will be able to pick between three petrol and three diesel engines, and a choice of manual and auto gearboxes. It certainly looks a world better than the ageing Accent and Elantra. Hyundai claims the i30 has one of the longest wheelbases in the class, so it should be roomy. It’s based on the same mechanical package as partner firm Kia’s Cee’d, and we expect it to be a slick – if uninspiring – drive.
When can I buy one?
The i30 goes on sale this summer as a five-door hatchback; a bigger estate model will arrive later, and CAR Online understands there are plans to build a mini-MPV and a coupe-convertible, too. All will eventually be built at Hyundai’s new European factory in the Czech Republic; it was due to open next year, but that’s now been pushed back to 2009.