Hyundai’s halo effect
HYUNDAI has added a sleek coupe-style version of its i30 family model to the line-up, which should be here by the middle of next month.
The company says that the newcomer will be the final addition to the range, which already includes hatchback and estate versions.
Although this new so-called Fastback version is unlikely to be the biggest seller, its stylish looks create an aspirational halo effect for the range as a whole.
With this week’s sales figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showing a dramatic reduction in demand for diesels, Hyundai is offering only petrol engines in this new Fastback range.
Looks-wise, there is a lowered roofline that tapers towards the rear spoiler, which creates the illusion of making the vehicle appear wider, and there are more striking alloy wheel designs.
At the front, the height of the signature cascading grille has been reduced to give a wider stance, to emphasise the bonnet. Redesigned LED daytime running lights mounted in the new front bumper and headlamps with a dark surround also set it apart from the other two models in the range.
The i30 Fastback is available in three trim levels, comprising SE Nav, Premium and Premium SE, with specifications mirroring the i30 Hatchback and Tourer models.
The 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines are also carried across from the i30 Hatchback and Tourer, with the i30 Fastback introducing the 1.0-litre to the Premium and Premium SE trim levels for the first time.
The i30 Fastback is priced from £20,300 for the SE Nav 120bhp 1.0-litre six-speed manual, which comes with integrated satellite navigation and an 8in touchscreen, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth with voice recognition and wireless phone charging, rear parking assist and a rear-view camera.
Externally, the SE Nav has distinctive 17in alloy wheels, front fog lamps and halogen headlamps with smart high beam function.
Three engine and transmission combinations are available, comprising the 1.0-litre and 1.4-litre manual models, plus a 1.4-litre seven-speed automatic.
Priced from £22,100 the Premium adds dual-zone climate control, electronic parking brake with auto hold function, privacy glass and heated front seats with artificial leather/ cloth seat facings. Drivers also get an electrically adjustable seat, a supervision instrument cluster with 4.2in display, front and rear parking assist system, LED front headlights and rear combination lights.
The Premium SE version costs from £23,400 and adds panoramic sunroof, leather seat facings and a heated steering wheel to the Premium specification. The new i30 Fastback shares the same level of safety equipment as the rest of the range, with lane departure warning system, forward collision warning system, lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking and hill start assist control. In addition, blind spot detection and rear-cross traffic alert are also standard on Premium and Premium SE models.