The Hyundai i30 range will expand to comprise four models by the end of this year, with a Fastback coupe and track-tuned i30N hot hatch injecting some style and performance into the otherwise rational family car range.
Planned growth will see the new hatchback first spawn a more practical i30 Tourer estate variant – due for launch at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Design boss Thomas Buerkle says it’ll be considerably sleeker than the car it replaces with: “less sheet metal” at the back, to rid the Tourer of the frumpy rear often associated with function-led estate cars.
It’ll likely use the same range of three and four-cylinder engines, including the new 1.0-litre turbo, as well as an identical specifications from basic S to the tech-laden Premium SE. Boot space is expected to increase over the current Tourer’s 1,642-litre maximum capacity, though exact numbers will be released closer to the new car’s launch in the spring.
Next up is the eagerly anticipated i30N hot hatch, which is thought to arrive with up to 375bhp and 450Nm of torque from a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Four-wheel drive is also expected to feature, along with a dual-clutch automatic gearbox.
The car was teased last year by the RN30 concept, boasting an aggressive bodykit and huge rear wing. The production car will no doubt be significantly less ostentatious, but certain design elements are expected to remain. The i30N will arrive ahead of its public debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, before going on sale shortly after.
The final variant in Hyundai’s fresh i30 range will be an all-new Fastback model. It’ll fill the void left by the outgoing three-door hatch, representing a sleeker coupe-style two door to challenge cars like the upmarket Audi TT and BMW 2 Series Coupe. The sloping roofline will restrict space in the back, but as Buerkle reminded us, there’s a huge market of younger buyers who “don’t need so much practicality”.
There’s no word on engines or specs for the i30 Fastback, but there’s a chance Hyundai will chose to ditch the smallest engines and entry-level trims for its sportier model. The 138bhp 1.4-litre Turbo is almost certain to feature, though, while a more powerful iteration of the current 1.6-litre CRDi diesel may appeal to those looking for a compromise between performance and running costs. In Europe, Hyundai already fits a 134bhp version of that engine to the i30, meaning this powertrain is a possibility.
Bosses wouldn’t comment on the feasibility of a sister car to the recently-revealed Kia Stinger, though Buerkle did show his excitement for the idea. He remained tight-lipped on any in-house development, simply laughing when we challenged him on the V6-engined four-door coupe.
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