Prior to its official unveil at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, Hyundai has unwrapped the third-generation i30 hatch, which will be the first ever high performance model from the Korean automaker to be launched under the 'N' brand. The hatch will make it to European showrooms by early 2017.
The i30 maintains all the design attributes that one may find in latest Hyundais. That said, it gets sharper and edgier styling courtesy Hyundai's new Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language.
At the front, it gets the same cascading grille as seen in the second-generation i10 aka Grand i10.
Offered with all-LED lighting (for both high and low beam), the headlight boasts three-projector setup, fog lamps, vertically placed daytime running LEDs (DRLs) with projector fog lamps, along with an array of alloy wheel options - 15, 16, 17 inches.
Inside the cabin, the i30 boasts symmetric layout for the dashboard with a five/eight inch touchscreen infotainment system.
Carrying a massive boot space of 395 litres, the Hyundai hatch also gets electronically adjustable driver's seat with memory settings, inductive wireless charging for smartphones, Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto.
In terms of protective equipment, the Hyundai i30 is packed with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Driver Attention Alert (DAA), Blind Spot Detector (BSD), Rear-Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS), High Beam Assist (HBA) and seven airbags including a knee airbag.
As for the mechanicals, it is expected to be propelled by a powerful 1.4-litre T-GDi turbocharged petrol motor, which pumps out 140PS of top power and 242Nm of max torque. This engine is likely to be paired with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed DCT (dual-clutch automatic) transmission. Moreover, Hyundai might add other engine options as well - a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated petrol, 1.0-litre T-GDi three -cylinder turbo petrol and the bigger 1.6-litre CRDi diesel.
With features loaded up to the brim, the Hyundai i30 will definitely cost a premium. If it makes it to Indian territory, it is likely to carry a price tag of around Rs 14 to 16 lakh.