New-gen i30 imminent

Four years old, and a consistent top 10 seller in Australia, the Hyundai i30 will enter its second generation next month, with the all-new model to debut at the Frankfurt motor show in early September.

Hyundai has just released this teaser sketch, which indicates that the next i30 will take on the appearance of the company’s i40 mid-sized sedan and wagon. A hexagonal front grille, pulled-back headlights and a bold side character crease are common to both Russelsheim-penned Hyundais.

Obvious engines for the next i30 include Hyundai’s new breed of GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) naturally-aspirated and turbocharged four-pots. The 103kW 1.6-litre DI engine from the Veloster will likely be the entry-level engine, with a 122kW 2.0-litre available on higher grades. The hugely-popular 1.6-litre turbo-diesel is expected to be retained.

Hyundai is unashamedly targeting European favourites like Golf and Focus with its all-new i30. In one of the most competitive market segments, the i30 will need a solid dynamic boost and first-rate interior quality and refinement to push the Korean small hatch into the thick of the action.

Following its debut at Frankfurt, the all-new i30 will arrive in Australia in early 2012.