A forbidden fruit this generation, the Hyundai i30 has been practically unchanged since 2016,
so a bit of housekeeping is in order to keep this C-segment hatchback looking
fresh. And that’s exactly what it will receive, as the facelift will bow out at
the upcoming Geneva Motor Show next month.
This teaser sketch hints of a fairly
substantial makeover, including a much larger grille lifted from the new
Sonata, along with new LED headlights with arrow-shaped daytime running lights.
The sizeable front air intakes and black L-shaped corner fins are hallmarks of
the N Line package that is shown here, and one can also expect a redesigned
rear bumper, new tail lights and a revised range of 16-, 17- and 18-inch
wheels.
Hyundai also says there will be changes on
the inside, such as a digital instrument display and a larger 10.25-inch centre
display that has already appeared in other Hyundai and Kia models. The facelift
will also see the arrival of the N Line trim on the Tourer wagon, making it
available on all body styles for the first time.
Beyond that, the changes should be fairly
minor, with the i30 expected to soldier on with 1.0 litre and 1.4 litre
naturally-aspirated and turbocharged petrol engines, along with the latest 1.6
litre Smartstream turbodiesel. Hatchback and Fastback models top out with the
i30 N, which comes with a 2.0 litre turbo petrol mill that currently produces
275 PS and 353 Nm with the Performance Package equipped.
