Refreshed i30 – what we’re missing

HYUNDAI has digitally-revealed its refreshed i30 model range due to the ill-fated Geneva Motor Show.

The i30 has been given a make-over to give it a better chance against the Volkswagen Golf 8, which is currently being rolled out, and the South Korean contender comes to the party with a sharper design, new connectivity features and a 48-volt mild hybrid option.

While the first two Hyundai i30 generations were sold in South Africa, the local importer has skipped on the third-generation due to pricing pressures. It doesn’t look too likely that the regular i30 models will make a comeback any time soon, but never say never.

So what are we missing out on for now? The i30 Hatchback, Fastback and Wagon models all receive a more daring “wide mouth” design upfront, and the sporty “N Line” trim grade takes things further with a honeycomb grille and racy aprons front and rear.

Things have been thoroughly digitised inside, where buyers will find a new 18cm digital instrument cluster and 26cm touch-screen, which will also soon offer wireless phone mirroring. There’s also a new range of Connected Car Services linked to Hyundai’s Bluelink technology, which, among other things, enables real-time traffic and parking information, cloud-based voice recognition and remote control of some of the car’s functions.

Driver assistance gadgets include Lane Following Assist, which can automatically adjust the steering to help keep the car centred in its lane, and Rear Collision-avoidance Assist, which can apply the brakes automatically when the car is in reverse.

The face-lifted i30 also ushers in a new flagship engine, which is a mild hybrid 1.5-litre direct injection turbo-petrol unit that produces 118kW. The mainstay of the range, however, is the carry over 1-litre turbo-petrol unit with 88kW, and this unit is now optionally available with a 48-volt mild hybrid system, and buyers also have the option of a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel unit with 100kW.

The 1.0 petrol and 1.6 diesel engines can be mated to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automated transmission.

If you want to buy this car, it’s best you start sending your emails through to Hyundai SA to petition for the company to bring it to local shores. VISIT www.drive360.co.za to buy a highquality Hyundai today.