Hyundai Motor unveils new i30 hatchback

By Jhoo Dong-chan

Hyundai Motor has unveiled its new i30 hatchback, seeking to expand its presence in the segment where the model’s rival, the Volkswagen Golf, is banned from sales for the company’s emissions-cheating scandal.

Kwak Jin, Vice President of the Domestic Sales Division at Hyundai Motor, said during an unveiling event at Some Sevit in Seocho-gu, southern Seoul, Wednesday, that the new i30 hatchback features Hyundai Motor’s latest driving technologies.

“The model is Hyundai Motor’s premium hatchback boasting best-in-class energy efficiency and driving performance,” he said.

“We believe young motorists are expected to be our major customers, aiming to sell 250,000 cars by the end of this year, including 15,000 units in domestic sales.”

Under the slogan “inspiring, intelligence, innovation and I,” the new i30 hatchback comes with three different engine choices ― a Kappa 1.4-liter gasoline T-GDI engine, a Gamma 1.6-liter gasoline T-GDI or a U2 1.6-liter diesel e-VGT.

The model with the 1.4-liter gasoline T-GDI features a seven-speed dual clutch transmission (DCT), producing a maximum 140 horsepower with 24.7 kgf.m torque. It has a mileage of 13 kilometers per liter.

The 1.6-liter gasoline T-GDI engine model also with a seven-speed DCT produces a maximum 204 horsepower with 27.0 kgf.m torque, up by 19 percent in output compared to the previous i30 version.

The model with the U2 1.6-liter diesel e-VGT engine has great mileage of 17.3 kilometers per liter while producing maximum 136 horsepower with 30.6 kgf.m torque.

An official said the hatchback has enhanced safety due to its Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), a steel plate that is 10-percent lighter and double the strength of conventional steel plates.

All models also feature a seven-way advanced airbag system to protect not only the driver but also passengers in the rear seats.

The new i30 is equipped with the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) system, which maintains vehicle balance during sharp turns. The Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC) system prevents the vehicle from rolling backwards on hills while the Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) turns on emergency lights in the event of sudden braking.

Thanks to a number of such safety devices, the new i30 is expected to get the highest scores on safety tests from the Korea New Car Assessment Program (KNCAP) and the U.S. Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), an official said.

The new hatchback model is priced for 19.1 million won to 26.15 million won, depending on accessories and engine type.