Hyundai's first 'made for Europe' C-segment three-door extends New Generation i30 family
09/27/2012
Hyundai
The New Generation i30 provides the best evidence yet of Hyundai's commitment to producing cars in Europe, for Europe - combining the design and engineering expertise of the team at the European R&D centre with the proven manufacturing excellence of the company's Czech factory.
The arrival of the company's first ever 'made for Europe' three-door in the segment will further extend the appeal of the i30 range, joining the five-door and wagon versions when it makes its global debut at the Paris Motor Show in September this year.
Conceived solely for Europe, the New Generation i30 three-door strengthens Hyundai's presence in one of Europe's most competitive vehicle segments - the segment in which the brand has seen its greatest success since 2007. The new bodystyle will contribute to increased sales and, just as important, greater brand awareness and enhanced consumer perceptions of Hyundai in Europe.
Visually, the styling differences between the five-door model and the new three-door are immediately apparent. While both cars bear the influence of the 'fluidic sculpture' form language that has been inspiring the design of all new Hyundai production vehicles since the ix35 was introduced in 2009, clear contrasts in the front, side and rear aspects mark out the three-door from its better-known sibling.
New grille, fog lamps and lower bumper at the front are echoed at the rear, while the profile is noticeably more sporty thanks to a sharply-raked beltline, more angular glasshouse silhouette and longer front doors. In addition to the existing 17-inch alloy wheels, the New Generation i30 three-door also offers exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels and a new orange colourway for the interior trim - including contrasting orange stitching on the steering wheel, gear shift knob, upper dashboard and door armrest - complete the visual transformation for the three-door model.
The longer front doors - 170 mm longer than the five-door's - not only generate an impression of sportiness, they also provide a wider aperture ahead of the B-pillar, making access to the front seats even easier. Rear seat passengers in the New Generation i30 three-door enjoy plentiful space, with 38 mm more hip room than the five-door and only 21 mm less shoulder room. Other external and internal dimensions are the same as for the five-door model.
Dynamically and in terms of specification, powertrain options and efficiency, the three-door retains the positive characteristics of the five-door, engaging the driver with Europe-tuned ride and handling, and providing quality, equipment and comfort to make travelling in and owning an i30 a true pleasure.
The highlight of the powertrain range remains the U-II 1,6-litre diesel engine, generating 128 ps while emitting only 97 g/km of CO2 with the Blue Drive package. Together, these figures make for the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.
The in-house developed technologies known from the five-door are also all available, including Hyundai's own six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and its FLEX STEER system with three settings for variable steering assistance depending on driver preference and prevailing conditions.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "The three-door bodystyle is a valuable addition to the New Generation i30 family, extending the appeal of this truly European model for its European target audience. We expect to attract more consumers from a wider demographic range to Hyundai, including younger buyers drawn to the more dynamic styling and the three-door proposition."
Demonstrating its confidence in the durability and quality of its products, Hyundai offers customers of all newly-launched products in Europe the industry-best, fully-transparent Five Year Triple Care. This award-winning package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks, and is fully transferable between owners.
The New Generation i30 three-door will be unveiled to the world at the Hyundai press conference during the 2012 Paris Motor Show. The conference will take place at 17:00 CET on Thursday 27th September on the Hyundai booth.
2. STYLING & DESIGN
Fluidic sculpture inspires three-door's more dynamic design
As with its five-door and wagon siblings, the styling of the New Generation i30 three-door was inspired by Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design ethos. This philosophy takes its influences from the flowing lines of nature and modern architecture, and it drives the Hyundai design team to create impactful sculptural vehicles with a shared visual identity.
In the case of the three-door model, Hyundai has introduced an added dimension of dynamism and a greater sportiness to the New Generation i30, with clear visual distinctions between this and the five-door version.
Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: "We conceived all three bodystyles simultaneously to ensure that, whether viewed individually or as a family, these cars have coherent design and share a harmonious character. The three-door model evokes the most emotional response through its more dynamic appearance, making it stand out as the sportiest of the trio. It was our aim to create a successful design for the three-door that - from every angle - displayed clear points of difference between it and the five-door car."
At the front, the most striking difference is the new treatment applied to the mesh insert surrounding the central bar in the middle of Hyundai's signature hexagonal grille. Both the bar and the mesh are finished in black, accentuating the body-coloured hexagon shape. A new finish for the lower bumper includes a body-coloured section which meets the newly-profiled lower edge of the grille. Sited on either side are new-design fog lamps - sportier in concept than the five-door's, with round spots connected to LED daytime running light strips, encased in an angular housing and backed by the same new mesh as is embedded in the grille.
From the side, the already athletic profile of the five-door is enhanced on the three-door by a more sharply-raked beltline that creates a more distinctive glasshouse silhouette. The line rises gradually from the wing mirror then cuts up noticeably in line with the leading edge of the rear wheelarch. With just as angular a treatment for the top edge of the glasshouse, the three-door presents a sportier look despite retaining the same overall dimensions as the five-door.
The rear's lower bumper area has been remodelled, and includes a new horizontal, sculpted design of fog lamps, contrasting with the upright units of the five-door. Embedded in a more angular-shaped housing, these contribute to the impression of a wider, sportier rear - and this sense is completed by a new black insert at the bottom of the bumper.
With further exclusive styling features, buyers will be able to mark out their three-door cars from its siblings. These include specifying a unique new design of 16-inch alloy wheel only available on the three-door. And in the cabin there will be a new orange trim option that fits with the more sporty image of the three-door, bringing orange colour stitching on the steering wheel, gear shift knob and door armrest.
3. FLEET
Driving fleet growth to a 50% share
Since going on sale in 2007, the original i30 has played an important role in expanding Hyundai's sales and reputation in Europe's fleet sector. In its first months on sale, the New Generation i30 has already proven to be popular with fleet managers and company car drivers, and the introduction of the three-door model will extend the appeal of the range.
From the sales target of 120.000 units per year, Hyundai forecasts a 50:50 split between the fleet and private sectors.
Hyundai's Five Year Triple Care will continue to be a valuable point of differentiation for New Generation i30 in a highly competitive class. The five-year warranty has no mileage limit, roadside assistance is included for five years, and vehicle health checks are performed annually, providing peace of mind for fleet buyers, fleet operators, company car drivers and private motorists.
Compared to the original i30, total cost of ownership for the New Generation i30 model are reduced, helped by improved fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions and a lower insurance classification, making the i30 family a rational choice for fleets as well as an emotional one.
4. COMFORT & CONVENIENCE
Generous high-quality equipment 'from the class above'
The quality and generosity of standard specification on the New Generation i30 have been inspired by the high standards established by Hyundai's all-new i40, demonstrating the company's desire to make its technology available to all European motorists. One such example is the heated steering wheel, which debuts on the New Generation i30 three-door and is being introduced to the rest of the New Generation i30 range. The three-door is available with the same standard and optional equipment as the rest of the i30 range.
Features that will appeal to New Generation i30 drivers include 10-way powered driver's seat adjustment, heated front seats, an electric parking brake, a Smart Key with engine start/stop button, and cruise control with speed limiter function. Enhanced instrumentation with a TFT Supervision Cluster (executed to the same high quality as found on i40) provides a wide range of additional information to the driver in high-resolution clarity.
Located atop the centre stack, the optional navigation system is displayed via a
7-inch touch-screen. The system is a highly sophisticated and convenient GPS tool, offering real-time information, multi-media support and speech recognition in 10 European languages.
New features that enhance the New Generation i30 experience for passengers include dual-zone climate control with automatic defogging function, twin ventilation and heating ducts for rear seat occupants, and a truly panoramic glass sunroof which allows greatly increased natural light to flood the cabin. The sunroof has been designed to open fully or tilt open, offering flexibility and functionality, together with an adjustable full-length shade. Heat-reflecting solar glass is an option for the front, side and rear windows.
New Generation i30's standard equipment also offers buyers LED daytime running lights, front fog lamps, 6-speed manual transmission, 60:40 split folding rear seat, front power windows with driver auto down, four-speaker audio system and a multi-mode trip computer.
Please note: Some markets may select particular powertrains and levels of equipment to suit the preferences of their local consumers - perhaps offering some 'options' as standard on New Generation i30 in their country. Please check the final technical specification and model-by-model equipment details with your national Hyundai PR staff.
5. ENGINES
Choice of six engines to power New Generation i30
Depending on individual market preferences, the New Generation i30 is available with a choice of six engines - three diesel and three gasoline units - with a broader range of power outputs, from 90 to 135 ps.
New, more powerful engines top both the diesel and gasoline line-ups delivering 128 ps and 135 ps respectively.
The upgraded diesel engine - the highly-efficient 1,6-litre variable geometry turbo (VGT) 'U-II' unit - is among the most popular powertrains in the line-up. Generating 110 ps at 4.000 rpm and 260 Nm from 1.900 rpm, the upgraded 1.582 cc engine accelerates the New Generation i30 from standstill to 100 km/h in under 11,5 seconds, and goes on to reach a top speed of 185 km/h- yet consumes just 4,0 l/100 km on the official combined cycle or 3,7 l/100 km in cars fitted with the Blue Drive package.
The gasoline engines also offer an excellent balance between performance and economy. The New Generation 1,6-litre 'Gamma' GDI engine features technically advanced 'gasoline direct injection' to maximize power and torque generation while minimizing fuel consumption and emissions. This 1.591 cc unit produces 135 ps at 6.300 rpm and 164 Nm of torque at 4.850 rpm. With this engine, i30 accelerates to 100 km/h in only 9,9 seconds and records consumption of 5,7 l/100 km (combined cycle) or 5,0 l/100 km on models equipped with the Blue Drive package.
Both diesel and gasoline engine types play a significant role in the European
C-segment, with diesel representing 58% and gasoline 39% of total sales*. Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 50:50 split between sales of diesel- and gasoline-powered variants of New Generation i30 models.
* Jan-June 2012 - Source: JATO
Low emissions and real-world efficiency
The addition of Hyundai technologies developed under the company's Blue Drive(TM) sub-brand optimizes efficiency and lowers emissions for the New Generation i30. These technologies, which are available on both diesel and gasoline models with manual transmission, include Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low-rolling resistance tyres and an alternator management system (AMS). With CO2 emissions from just
97 g/km, combined with an engine delivering 128 ps, the new 1,6-litre diesel i30 features a best-in-class power-to-efficiency ratio.
Together with a generous 53-litre fuel tank, drivers of the new model should comfortably achieve a range of 1.400 kilometres between fill-ups. In other words, a New Generation i30 owner could drive from the car's production home in Nošovice, Czech Republic to the Paris Motor Show in France on a single tank of fuel.
Six-speed transmissions for every model
Buyers of New Generation i30 have a choice between manual and automatic
six-speed transmissions, depending on model, with both units providing a refined driving experience. The automatic transmission is an option on all 1,6-litre engines, while the 1,4-litre units will be available exclusively with a manual gearbox.
6. RUNNING GEAR
Enhanced handling and variable power steering
As part of its improved dynamics package, New Generation i30 offers C-segment car buyers the new option of Hyundai's innovative FLEX STEER system. This introduces three operating modes - Comfort, Normal and Sport - and allows the driver to vary the level of steering support to best suit the driving conditions.
The Comfort mode gives greater electrical assistance, offering a 'lighter' steering wheel and minimal effort to reach full steering lock. The improved manoeuvrability makes city driving and pulling in and out of a parking space easier than ever.
Normal mode is intended to be used most frequently. Offering the best experience across all road types, its flexibility offers a relaxed, yet engaging drive.
Finally, Sport mode offers drivers the most engaging drive with reduced electrical assistance. The steering feels more weighted and best suits highway routes.
The steering system employs electric power-assistance and requires 2,85 turns lock-to-lock for a 10,6-metre turning circle.
Fully-independent all round, New Generation i30's suspension features subframe-mounted MacPherson struts at the front and a multi-link set up at the rear - both with optimized geometry to exploit the wider track of the new model for enhanced handling and improved road holding.
7. REFINEMENT
Generous cabin space and minimised interior noise
The 2.650 mm wheelbase is carried over from the original i30 for New Generation i30 in all three bodystyles, but an increase in overall length and width has been exploited to create more cabin space for occupants and more cargo space for luggage.
In the three-door and five-door, front seats occupants can enjoy 30 mm more headroom, 11 mm more legroom and 14 mm of additional shoulder room than in the original i30. Rear passengers enjoy improved access across the rear seats, thanks to the floor's central tunnel being lowered by 59% (from 133 mm to just 54 mm).
In the hatchback models, trunk capacity is boosted by 11% to 378 litres (up 38 litres) compared to the original i30, the dashboard glovebox is enlarged by 47% to 8,5 litres (up from 5,8), bottle storage in the front door trims is doubled in size to 1,5-litres and new 0,75-litre storage pockets are provided in the rear doors.
In terms of cabin refinement and NVH, Hyundai's New Generation i30 engineering team targeted the segment leaders, and was determined to achieve significant improvements over the previous i30 model.
Measures adopted to improve NVH include vibration damping engine mounts, fitting hollow drive shafts, stronger bodyshell joints between the sills and B-pillars, double-layer door seals, increased foam-filling in the A-pillars and re-shaped exterior door handles.
8. SAFETY
Class-leading safety features
Safety is a top priority for Hyundai and the New Generation i30 features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants and other road users. Active safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Programme), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), ABS (anti-lock braking system), BAS (emergency Brake Assist System), HAC (Hill Assist Control) to prevent roll-back and ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) which flashes the brake lights when an emergency stop is detected.
Good visibility is a key factor in safe driving and New Generation i30 features LED daytime running lights - fitted as standard in Europe - to ensure it is seen, plus HID (High-Intensity Discharge) headlamps with AFLS (Adaptive Front Light System) to optimize the driver's night vision. To maximize safety when reversing, a wide angle rear view camera is available, mounted in the tailgate badge (three-door and five-door only) and showing a clear view of obstructions behind the car.
Personal security is also enhanced with New Generation i30 by the 'welcome lighting' package which features puddle lamps beneath the door mirrors and illuminated door handles - triggered by the proximity of the Smart key as the owner approaches the parked car.
In terms of passive safety, the New Generation i30's bodyshell structure employs a high percentage of ultra high tensile steel and features three new cross-members which link to the front or rear suspension mounts for maximized rigidity. The front door anti-intrusion beams have been strengthened, the joint between the B-pillar and roof is enlarged and the inner and outer side sill panels are manufactured in high tensile steel.
Each New Generation i30 is fitted with six airbags as standard - front, front side and full length curtain - while an innovative driver's knee airbag is optional.
The safety features available on the New Generation i30 reinforce Hyundai's excellent record on safety, and in May 2012 the five-door model was awarded the maximum five-star rating in Euro NCAP's impact assessment programme, including a class-leading 90% score in the 'child occupant' category. It was the seventh consecutive Hyundai model to attain the top rating. In September 2012 the New Generation i30 wagon also received a maximum five-star Euro NCAP impact assessment programme rating.