This mid-cycle update includes mild-hybrid technology and additional safety equipment.
Instead of waiting for the 2020 Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai will unveil the facelifted i30 today. It is available in three body styles: the hatchback, Fastback and the wagon. We get to see the N Line trim, which is new for the long-roof model. These are not the regular compact models. We would choose the i30 Wagon N Line as our pick.
Mid-cycle refresh has brought a sharper front fascia design to Hyundai’s Volkswagen Golf competitor. Now with slimmer LED headlights featuring an “V” theme for daytime running lights, the Hyundai rival now features slimmer LED headlights. The grille has been extended and features a fancy 3-D pattern, giving the i30 an elegant look from the front.
The side profile is unchanged as you would expect with a facelift. However, there are new alloy wheels available in sizes from 16 to 18 inches and with diamond-cut looks. Hyundai’s designers tweaked the bumper and graphics on the taillights to make a similar V shape that mimics the headlights. Three fresh coats of paint were applied to the exterior, which are called Dark Night, Sunset Red and Silky Bronze.
The cabin has been updated with new air vents. However, it’s likely that you won’t be able to immediately identify the changes. There are eight options for covering the seats: leather, cloth, or a combination of both.
The most important changes include a seven-inch digital driver’s screen and a 10.25 inch touchscreen with Android Auto integration and Apple CarPlay integration. This summer, support for wireless connections will be available. The 2021 Hyundai I30 features new safety features such as lane following, rear collision avoidance assist, blind-spot collision avoidance assist, and leading vehicle departure alert.
Engineers have made some modifications under the hood. The turbocharged 1.0-liter three pot is now rated at 118 horsepower (172 Newton-meters), and the torque output of 127 poundfeet (127 Newton-meters). It can be used with or without a 48V mild-hybrid system. The engine can be used with either a 6-speed manual gearbox, or a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.
The new 1.5-liter turbocharged 1.4 liter gasoline engine has been replaced by a unit that produces 158 HP and 187 lb.ft (253Nm). You can choose from one of the two transmissions.
Hyundai can sell you a diesel i30. It has a 1.6-liter engine that produces 113 horsepower and 207 lbft (280 Nm) when it is connected to the manual gearbox. The i30 also features 113 HP and 221 Lb-ft (399 Nm) when connected via the DCT. A 1.6-liter with more power and torque will produce 134 horsepower and 206 Lb-ft (280 Nm), or 236 Lb-ft (312 Nm), depending upon the gearbox.
You can choose an N Line hatchback, or Fastback car. The car will get suspension and steering tweaks that allow for sharper handling. However, these updates are only available with the 1.5-liter gasoline engine and the more powerful diesel specification.
Next week, the 2021 Hyundai i30 facelift is going to be shown in Geneva. It should be followed by the N model in the coming months. This will include the long-awaited DCT.