Teaser: 2012 Hyundai i30

Hyundai Europe has dropped the first teaser image of the upcoming i30 hatchback, ahead of its premier at the 2011 IAA motor show. Expectedly, the i30 is designed and engineered for the European market at the firm's technical centre at Russelsheim, Germany.

With dimensions similar to the outgoing model and using major mechanicals, the new i30, according to insiders is getting closer to showing a settled Hyundai design language that the current model.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer, Hyundai Motor Europe commented: “When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary. From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models.”

Hyundai's plant is 90 miles from Kia’s plant in Slovakia.
While the current i30 looks like its sister car,
the Kia Cee'd, the sketch suggests the new model will
look like the Vauxhall/Opel Astra

The newcomer utilises Hyundai's signature fascia with its hexagonal front grille, LED daytime running lights housed by the front fog lights, and striking headlights.

“The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, with the jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury,” Thomas Bürkle added.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle’s position as our best-seller in Europe. Since 2007, the name ‘i30’ has become synonymous with ‘quality’, ‘reliability’ and ‘low emissions’ in Europe, and we hope that, amongst others, the term ‘emotional appeal and style’ will be added to the list with the introduction of this dynamic new model.

“Under our brand slogan ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’, our European team of designers have sculpted a car which truly looks at home on European roads thanks to its bold and confident appearance. We are very excited about revealing the car for the first time in Frankfurt next month.”

The company anticipates to sell 500,000 units by 2013. The Czech Republic factory that produces the i30, amongst other models, is expected to increase initial volume to around 300,000 units per annum, up from 200,000 units.

We expect equipment such as panoramic sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, heated leather seats, and 18” alloy wheels to be standard on plusher trims.