Hyundai used the 2016 Paris Motor Show to debut their all-new i30 model. The compact hatchback is a definition in the automotive world and one of the brand’s best-selling models. Despite the fact that SUVs are the most popular type of car nowadays, smaller hatchbacks sell much better due to their lower price. The 2017 Hyundai i30 has been revealed, and it appears to be more compact than its predecessor. On top of a redesigned dash and seats, the interior includes many great features to improve our driving experience and safety on the road.
Finally, the upcoming 2018 Hyundai i30 N, Hyundai’s first powered up hot hatch, deserves a mention. Of course, we’ve all heard of racing editions of cars like the VW Polo or the sportier and more modern Renault Megane RS, but an i30? That has never happened before. We’re excited to see how Hyundai handles this segment and to add another small but feisty vehicle to our list of cars to test.
Exterior design
The i30‘s exterior was completely redesigned in accordance with Hyundai’s most recent design language, which we first saw on the i10 and 2017 i20. Only the i30 excels at this. The i30 is obviously one step larger than the i20, and all of its design cues, surprisingly, come out much better as a result. In addition, the 2017 Hyundai i30 has a more sporty appearance than the other two models. There are twelve exterior colors to choose from!
First and foremost, the frog-eyed headlights were replaced by more streamlined units. These new headlights are similar to Honda’s, which is also Hyundai’s main competitor on the American mainland.
The car is wider, which results in a more relaxed front view. The grille has been shrunk slightly and has a completely different shape and grille pattern. The chrome outline has been kept, and the logo in the center has only been slightly altered. The lower air vent is centralized and appears more sporty than the previous one. Also new are the left and right air vents, as well as the Daytime Running Lights.
Side and rear
On to the side of the i30 that has been straightened. There is still a long crease from the front wheel to the rear fender, but it is now straight and free of bends. Also, the side windows now follow a straighter line and do not rise diagonally. The side windows now have a chrome outline.
The back of the car has also undergone some modifications. The entire rear begins by being lower to the ground. Then there are the expected newly shaped taillights, as well as a more vertical rear window. Together with the longer wheelbase, this results in more interior and trunk space, which is always a plus. Finally, the air vents have been incorporated into the lower bumper, and the hatch door has been creased further.
Interior design
We’ve only just came from all of the exterior changes, but the interior of the car will undoubtedly astound us. We don’t know where to begin because everything is different. It’s difficult to find any hints in the old interior.
To begin with, the most eye-catching feature is a much larger infotainment screen. Instead of being incorporated into the center stack, it now stands on top of it. Fortunately, the odd silver-coloured stack pillars beside it vanished, leaving a uniform dashboard. The majority of the center stack buttons have been removed, leaving only the infotainment screen, radio, and gear shifting stick visible.
The steering wheel is completely new, with no silver accents and a more ergonomic and robust appearance.
The dashboard of the 2017 Hyundai i30 appears to be made entirely of one piece. This creates a calm and modern atmosphere in the interior. The aluminium racing pedals are a nice touch.
To keep the price low, standard upholstery comes in a cloth execution. Leather upgrades, on the other hand, are optional, with a blue/black colour combination being leather only. Other colour options include all black or grey/black, both in cloth or leather.
Engine specs
European buyers of the i30 have a choice of four engines. The standard engine is the familiar 1.4 liter four cylinder from the 2016 model. The engine produces 99 horsepower and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission.
The next engine is a 1.0-liter three-cylinder that we’ve already seen on the contemporary hatchback, the 2017 Hyundai i20 Turbo Edition. There is also a six-speed manual transmission, and the engine produces 118 horsepower more than the standard engine.
Then there’s a turbocharged 1.4 liter four-cylinder engine with 138 horsepower. This engine is brand new and has never been used in another vehicle. The transmission options are a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. The engine features direct injection to improve fuel efficiency.
Finally, there’s the obligatory diesel engine, which comes in three variants. The base engine is a 1.6 liter turbodiesel engine with 94, 108, or 131 horsepower depending on the tuning layout. That’s not bad for a diesel! There is also the option of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission. We believe there is enough variety for all potential drivers.
Tech specs
Let’s start with the best technological features of the 2017 Hyundai i30. When the driver opts for the optional 8-inch infotainment screen, he or she receives a seven-year subscription to TomTom LIVE, 3D maps, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
For those who prefer semi-autonomous driving features, the 2017 i30 has the most active safety features of any Hyundai model to date. Autonomous Emergency Braking with Front Collision Warning and Intelligent Cruise Control are among the many available safety features. Blind Spot Detection, Speed Limit Information, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Lane Keeping Assist, and High Beam Assist are also included. Finally, Driver Attention Alert is a new feature for Hyundai.
Other incredible technological features include a dynamic rear-view camera, a wireless charging station for your phone, Bluetooth, and multiple USB-ports.
Price and release date
The 2017 Hyundai i30 starts at £16,995 for the base S model with a 1.0-litre manual transmission. That’s a £4,000 premium over the previous model, but the price increase is partially justified by the massive upgrades that come with the new third-generation model.
The i30, or as it is known in the US, the Hyundai Elantra GT, is available there. Prices start at $19,800 with only one 2.0-liter gasoline engine.