Frankfurt Show: Hyundai to present new i30

The i30 has been the odd-one out in Hyundai’s range. The Korean company’s C-segment contender may have been keenly priced and with decent driving dynamics, but its styling looked old-fashioned next to its newest siblings. Now Hyundai plans to correct this by unveiling the second generation of the i30 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

The new i30 was developed by Hyundai’s engineering center in Russelsheim, Germany and is designed exclusively for Europe. So far, we have only seen a sketch, but even from that it is obvious that the i30 embraces the new, “fluid” design language of the company.

Its front will resemble the new i40, which will also be present at Frankfurt, with Hyundai’s new hexagonal grille and its bodywork will be much more contemporary than its predecessor. The same stands true for the all-new interior which will feature more upmarket materials and a design similar to that of the i40.

The platform will be an updated version of the current one, with McPherson struts up front and a multi-link set-up at the rear, but tuned for a more sporty drive. Though Hyundai hasn’t revealed anything about the drivetrains the new i30, which will go on sale in 2012, will more than likely feature the ix35’s new 140HP 1.6 direct-injection engine.