With one of the longest wheelbases in its class, the i30 can offer passengers a large interior space with generous, easy access luggage capacity.

The i30 will come with a choice of three gasoline and three diesel engines, combined with manual or automatic transmission.

It will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show together with the HED 4 Crossover Utility Vehicle (CUV), a concept developed in partnership with GE Plastics.

Design

The i30’s styling is a continuation of the “wave-like and sculpted” design of the Arnejs concept car, shown at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. 

Flowing curves, emphasised by strong character lines, highlight the purposeful stance and long wheelbase of the car.

Thomas Bürkle, Hyundai European Chief Designer, said: “The i30 offers dynamic and sporty styling, whilst retaining the chic and elegant touch of the Arnejs concept car.”

The i30 will go on sale across Europe in summer 2007. Initially available as a 5-door hatchback and later as an estate car, the i30 opens a new chapter for Hyundai in Europe, as it is the Korean manufacturer’s first dedicated European C-segment vehicle.

Market strategies

The launch of i30 marks the start of a new global naming strategy for Hyundai models going forward.  While in the past, names have been chosen to express the values inherent in, or associated with, individual Hyundai models, Hyundai is now taking a more holistic approach to its nomenclature.

The new alpha numeric names will display a clearer technology-orientation and be closely linked to Hyundai’s brand promise of ‘Quality, Self-assurance, and Inspiring’.

(Source: Hyundai)