Hyundai’s i30 Gets A Makeover Along With Mild-Hybrid Tech

• Updated exterior includes new wheels, revamped bumpers, wider grille, and slimmer headlamps.
• Interior features a digital instrument cluster, a larger touchscreen wireless charging, and Blue Link connected car tech.
• Powered by turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol, a new 1.5-litre turbo-petrol, and 1.2-litre diesel engines with mild-hybrid options.
• It will take on the Volkswagen Golf when launched in international markets.

Hyundai Motors has continued its recent unveiling spree by taking the wraps off the facelifted i30 hatchback. It is offered in standard, N Line, wagon, and fastback body styles. The mid-life refresh gives the i30 a revamped exterior, updated tech, as well as a rejigged powertrain lineup. 

On the outside, changes come in the form of slimmer headlamps with V-shaped LED DRLs and a wider grille with a 3D pattern. It also gets new diamond-cut alloy wheels ranging from 16 to 18 inch and new bumpers. The N Line variant sports a different grille and a more aggressive set of front and rear bumpers among other subtle tweaks.

Head inside, and you’ll find that the cabin is largely similar aside from tweaked air vents and new garnish options: Pewter Gray, Ebony Brown and Charcoal Gray. You’re also treated to eight upholstery combinations. The main change, however, is the tech that’s on offer. Highlights include a 7-inch digital instrument cluster, a larger 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and BlueLink connected car tech. It also comes with safety tech like lane following assist, leading vehicle departure alert, rear collision-avoidance assist, and blindspot collision-avoidance assist.

Under the hood, the i30 is powered by two petrol engines and one diesel engine. The first petrol option is a 1.0-litre T-GDi mill producing 120PS. It is available with an optional 48V mild-hybrid setup. The other petrol engine is the new N Line exclusive 1.5-litre T-GDi motor that makes 160PS of power and gets the 48V mild-hybrid as standard. The diesel option is a 1.2-litre mill that makes 136PS and also has a 48V mild-hybrid as an option. Transmission duties are taken care of by a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed DCT for all three engine options.

The facelifted i30 hatchback will rekindle its rivalry with the Volkswagen Golf in international markets. While it is unlikely to arrive on Indian shores anytime soon, we did get to see the pre-facelift i30 at Auto Expo 2020.