The third generation i30 is
about to go through its mid-cycle refresh, three years after production
started, with Hyundai focusing on the design and adding new technological
features. The prototypes snapped on camera by Carscoops spy photographers in the
sub-freezing temperatures of Northern Europe continue to hide their changes,
with the camouflage being applied to most body panels. We expect
the Korean automaker to revise the bumpers, lighting units – with distinctive
LED DRLs, and grille, and perhaps wrap everything up with new colors and
wheels.
More camo is found on the
inside, covering up parts of the dashboard, center console, door panels and
steering wheel. However, the overall design seems to have been retained, so the
stickers are likely there to make it harder to spot the changes, like the
expected new trim options, the new infotainment system with the larger
touchscreen display and a new digital instrument cluster.
Every other feature, such as
the air vents, air-con controls, multi-function steering wheel, gearshift lever
and electronic handbrake, as well as the cubbies, looks the same with the
current model. Things get kind of blurry when it comes to the engine lineup,
but the facelifted i30 should retain most powertrains, including the latest
1.6-liter diesel available in three states of tune that range between 95 and
134 horsepower.
The mid-life refresh might
bring to Hyundai’s compact hatch new electrified powertrains as well, like the
one found in the PHEV variants of the Kia XCeed and Ceed Sportswagon, which
combines the 1.6-liter petrol with an electric motor and an 8.9 kWh battery,
for a total output of 139 hp and 265 Nm of torque. Expect it to travel on electric power alone for around 60 km.
