Hot on the heels of announcing its all-new i20 small hatchback, Hyundai’s generating even more appeal by facelifting its popular i30 family for 2020.
All three i30 bodystyles – the practical five-door Hatchback, the estate-bodied Tourer and the sleek Fastback all receive a reworked front end design complemented by an improved range of engines that promise better performance and efficiency.
What looks different about the new i30?
Virtually all of the visual interest surrounding the revised i30 models is around the front end, which is dominated by a broader, sharper-edged grille, flanked by a more aggressive headlamp design incorporating V-shaped LED day-running lights. Both are intended to give the Hyundai greater road presence.
Even more changes are offered with the sportier N Line trim level, which features a sportier grille mesh insert, a wider lower grille, and side vents which are claimed to offer aerodynamic advantages. Revised versions of the high performance i30 N are yet to be revealed, but are very much in the pipeline.
Tweaked LED tail lights also feature on many models, while the five-door i30 Hatchback also has a remodelled rear bumper, again said to offer better aerodynamics to improve fuel efficiency.
An updated range of diamond-cut alloy wheels and a trio of new paint colours – Dark Knight, Silky Bronze and Sunset Red – complete the visual overhaul.
Mild-hybrid additions to the engine range
Entry point engine-wise for the i30 remains the 120hp 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol, which will also be available with a seven-speed twin-clutch DCT automatic in addition to the six-speed manual.
Joining the range is a 48-volt mild-hybrid version of the same engine. It has the same power, but promises greater efficiency, partly due to the additional electrification, but also thanks to what Hyundai’s calling Intelligent Manual Transmission, or iMT for short.
When the driver completely lifts off the accelerator, the iMT disconnects the engine from the gearbox. Depending on speed and other conditions, this either stops the engine from revving above an idling speed, or turns it temporarily off to save even more fuel.
A seven-speed twin-clutch DCT auto is optionally available instead of iMT.
Also featuring the 48v mild-hybrid system is the 136hp 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, as well as an all-new 1.5-litre T-GDi petrol that produces 160hp. In the UK, this engine will only be available in conjunction with the N Line specification.
Both of these motors are available with the iMT and DCT gearboxes.
Enhanced equipment, improved safety
Inside, the i30’s been modified with a new Pewter Grey trim package for the dashboard, while the design itself has been modified with new air vents, a 7.0-inch digital instrument display and a 10.25-inch multimedia touchscreen.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will continue to be available, but from later in 2020 will work wirelessly with compatible smartphones.
In addition to remote control services using a Hyundai app called Bluelink to locate the car in unfamiliar locations and send points of interest direct to the sat-nav system, Hyundai has also bolstered the i30’s safety kit.
Joining the already extensive roster of equipment are Lane Following Assist (LFA) to keep you centred within the white lines, Rear Collision-avoidance Assist (RCA) to prevent impacts when in reverse gear and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert (LVDA) when the car ahead moves away from a stationary situation and you don’t react quickly. That last one sounds far too nannying to us.
What this means for you
Hyundai’s i30 line-up is a well-regarded, extensively equipped, attractive package backed up by an impressive five-year/unlimited mileage warranty.
With its suite of visual, efficiency and safety enhancements, its appeal will continue to shine, but it does face very stiff competition, not least from the omnipresent Ford Focus, but also the all-new SEAT Leon, Skoda Octavia and Volkswagen Golf, all of which will reach British showrooms during 2020.
Prices for the revised Hyundai i30 will be announced over the coming weeks.
Further reading:
>> How good is the Hyundai i30 Hatchback? Read our full review to find out
>> Fancy your i30 that bit sleeker? Check out the review of the Fastback
>> Estate of the art? Dig deep into our Hyundai i30 Tourer review
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