South Korean carmaker Hyundai has launched its New Generation i30 in the Middle East, a stylish and refined compact-size car with enhanced quality, performance and efficiency compared to the previous model.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Germany, the New Generation i30 will build on the success of its predecessor, which was the first ‘i’ product in Hyundai’s range.

The New Generation i30, which comes to the Middle East in two models, the GL and GLS, is the latest expression of Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design ethos.

This visual philosophy utilises flowing lines to give a constantly impactful three-dimensional presence to Hyundai vehicles. On the road, its visual impact is also raised by the LED daytime running lights which are standard on all models.  The New Generation i30 also bears Hyundai’s signature frontal feature – the hexagonal-shaped grille.

Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, said: “When designing New Generation i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car that looks athletic and exudes a sense of constant motion, even when stationary.”

“We gave the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions.  The strength of Hyundai’s design DNA is easy for people to recognise.”

Buyers of the New Generation i30 have a choice of two petrol engines - a 1.6 D-CVVT unit, returning 130 PS or a 150 PS 1.8 litre powerplant.

They are available with a choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions, with both units providing a refined driving experience and improved fuel efficiency.  To boost refinement, lower engine revs at cruising speeds and reduce fuel consumption, high top gear ratios are fitted on all transmissions.

Real-world fuel efficiency, together with a generous 53-litre fuel tank, means that i30 drivers could comfortably achieve a range of up to 1400 km between fill-ups – the equivalent of driving from Dubai to Riyadh and still having fuel left in the tank.

CEO of Hyundai Middle East Tom Lee said: “The i30 has proven extremely successful in Europe, and we believe that Middle East customers will be equally attracted by the New Generation’s stylish looks, refined performance and class-leading standards of quality and safety, all of which make it an ideal car for city driving.”

Safety features include ESP (electronic stability program), VSM (vehicle stability management) and ABS (anti-lock braking system). Dependent on model, the customer can also benefit from EPB (electric parking brake) and a raft of airbags, including side, curtain and knee airbags. – TradeArabia News Service