Hyundai has launched its new-generation i30, an attractive hatchback with new levels of stylish design, in South Africa.

The i30 features a newly designed exterior body showing the lines of Hyundai's "fluidic sculpture" styling philosophy.

In South Africa, the new i30 range will initially consist of the 1.6 GLS and 1.8 GLS derivatives. Production of the new generation i30 five-door hatchback started last year in Europe at the Hyundai Motor Company's manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and in South Korea at the Ulsan plant.

Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: "When designing the new-generation i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic and exudes a sense of constant motion, even when stationary. We gave the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. Overall, the Hyundai design DNA is easy to recognise."

The new-generation i30 also bears Hyundai's signature frontal feature - the hexagonal-shaped grille.

"The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, and defines the i30 as a family member. The jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille add a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury," says Bürkle.

From the side, the i30 projects a dynamic body line with the lines of its fluidic sculpture promising high energy. The attractive alloys - 16-inch for the i30 1.6 and 17-inch for the i30 1.8 - add a sporty touch to the picture. The rear of the i30 features an aerodynamic design of stylish curvatures with a rear combination lamp that blends naturally into the wheel arches.

The new-generation i30 will be available with a choice of two petrol variants, with power and torque outputs ranging from 95kW and 157Nm for the 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine to 110kW and 178Nm for the 1.8-litre in the top-end derivative.

Buyers will be offered a choice between manual and automatic six-speed transmissions, with both units providing a refined driving experience and enhanced fuel efficiency. The 1.6 litre engine is matched to a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearbox with the choice of manual shifting, while the 1.8 derivative comes with a six-speed manual transmission.

The petrol engines with their lightweight aluminium construction and Continuous Variable Valve Timing (CVVT) from the double overhead camshafts offer a balance between performance and economy. They are powerful, yet frugal with a claimed fuel consumption of 6.4 and 6.8 litres per 100km for the 1.6 manual and automatic, and 6.5 litres per 100km for the 1.8.

Behind the wheel, for example, drivers benefit from Hyundai's new Flex Steer option. With three operating modes - Comfort, Normal and Sport - the system can be used to vary the level of steering assistance and feedback in order to suit driving conditions and make the journey more pleasurable.  

The generous equipment levels on the new-generation i30 will enhance the Hyundai experience for passengers too. Dual-zone climate control will ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants, and the driver's comfort is enhanced by an attractive four-spoke steering wheel with control buttons for the audio system, cruise control and Bluetooth.

The 1.6 GLS is available with luxury cloth seats as standard equipment, while the 1.8 GLS features black partial leather seat-covering. In the 1.8 GLS, the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals are fashioned from aluminium.

Both derivatives are equipped with a sound system that features four speakers and two tweeters, Bluetooth connection, and connecting sockets for auxiliary, iPod or USB input. The sound system also includes a radio and a CD player that can accept MP3 files.

Cargo capacity in the new-generation i30 is 378 litres with the rear seats upright - an increase of 10 percent compared to the original model.

Hyundai Automotive South Africa's five-year or 150 000km warranty, five-year or 150 000km roadside assistance, and five-years or 90 000km service plan are included in the purchasing price.

Pricing:
1.6 GLS manual: R229 900
1.6 GLS auto: R243 900
1.8 GLS manual: R249 900