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By Carsales Staff
Big changes are coming for Hyundai’s popular small i30 hatchback.
The South Korean car maker has revealed details of a facelift for the five-door ahead of its arrival in Australian showrooms later this year.
In what is the second major update for one of the country’s top-selling cars, the revisions are more than skin deep as it will herald a significant switch in production source for the Australian market with the new model set to be shipped from Hyundai’s Czech Republic factory rather than Korea.
The changeover has created a gap in availability for the i30 locally as production of the outgoing model has already been wrapped-up. But the waiting will be worth the time as the updated model will likely bring new technologies, including the potential for more fuel-efficient engine options and improved safety systems.
As the images highlight, the subtle facelift borrows design cues from the high-performance i30 N to sharpen its aesthetic, including more aggressive front and rear bumpers, revised (and now LED) headlights, N-style DRLs and a new black grille finish.
The standard range of alloy wheels has also been refreshed, along with the tail-light graphics.
Cabin revisions include new dash and centre console trim, plus a larger 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for high-end variants.
Over-the-air (OTA) update capability has been added to variants offering sat-nav, while all grades score lane following assist, intelligent speed limit assist and the rear occupant alert.
Many of the updates will also apply to the i30 N hot hatch, which has been spotted testing in Europe and Korea and is expected to be revealed soon and go on-sale shortly after the regular models arrive around mid-year.
Full local details of the Australian i30 line-up are yet to be announced, but Hyundai is expected to continue with the familiar array of i30, Active, Elite, N-Line and N-Line Premium model grades. However, the switch to European sourcing – and additional features – are likely to see prices increased over existing models.
Entry-level versions are likely to feature a new, fuel efficient 1.5-litre turbo petrol four cylinder while higher grade models will feature the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol powertrain from the current N-Line. Mild-hybrid tech is also being introduced in Europe.
The current range starts from $24,000 plus on-road costs and tops out at $37,300 for the i30 N-Line Premium DCT – or $53,700 plus ORCs if you include the i30 N portfolio, which will likely be shown in updated form in the coming weeks, followed by a revised version of the pint-sized i20 N hot hatch.
Disclaimer: Images supplied by Hyundai.
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