The facelifted 2020 Hyundai i30 has just
premiered prior to the Geneva Motor Show kicking off next month. As recent
teasers indicated, the design changes made to the facelifted i30 Hatchback,
Fastback, and Wagon are only subtle but do make the vehicle a touch more
striking. At the front, the South Korean car includes a wider grille with a
complex 3D mesh pattern while also sporting slimmer headlights with optional
multifaceted reflector MFR LED technology. These lights are particularly eye-catching
thanks to the presence of new V-shaped daytime running lights.
Spin around to the rear of the refreshed
i30 and you’ll be greeted with a new bumper that’s been developed to improve
aerodynamic performance. The taillights also offer a V-shape to mimic the
front. Hyundai has also designed diamond-cut 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Alterations have also been made to the i30
N Line, available in both Hatchback and Fastback guises. In addition to
featuring the same headlights and taillights as lesser models, the new N line
trim includes a new lower and larger front grille, a re-designed rear diffuser,
and distinctive 17- and 18-inch wheel designs. The N Line models also benefit
from tuned suspension and steering systems.
Across the broader Hyundai i30 range,
three new exterior colors are now available, dubbed Dark Knight, Silky Bronze,
and Sunset Red. These colors join Polar White, Phantom Black, Engine Red,
Stellar Blue, Platinum Silver, and Olivine Grey.
Changes continue in the cabin. The updated i30 benefits from a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment
system, significantly larger than the screen found in current models. Also
found within is a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay
compatibility comes standard and in the summer, wireless phone mirroring will
be introduced. Wireless phone charging is also present.
On the powertrain, Hyundai
now offers the entry-level 1.0-liter T-GDI engine delivering 118 hp with a
seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, in addition to the six-speed manual
previously offered. Furthermore, the 1.0-liter T-GDI can be purchased in
mild-hybrid guise with a 48-volt system and a new 6-speed manual transmission
that can decouple the engine from the transmission after the driver releases
the accelerator. Doing so enables two possible levels of coasting. In the first
level, the engine will be left to idle while in the second level, the engine
can temporarily shut off during coasting. A 7-speed dual-clutch auto ‘box is also
available with this mild-hybrid engine.
The 2020 i30 can also be purchased with a
1.6-liter diesel engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and producing 134
hp. Sitting at the top of the standard range is a 1.5-liter T-GDI with 157 hp,
48-volt mild-hybrid tech and the choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed
dual-clutch.
Finally, some new safety technologies have
been introduced across the i30 range. These include Lane Following Assist, Rear
Collision-avoidance Assist, and Leading vehicle Departure Alert, all of which
operate alongside the existing Front Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian
detection, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit
Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist systems.