2016 HYUNDAI i30 1.4L T-GDI 7AT FWD (140 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Hyundai chose the 2016 Paris Motor Show to unveil the third generation of its compact-sized contender, the i30, after only five years on the market for its predecessor.

Changing generations that soon was a strategy used by the Japanese carmakers in the late ’80s-early ’90s proved effective. Moreover, the Korean carmaker seemed like it learned that lesson and successfully applied it to its range. Thus, in just nine years, Hyundai launched three generations of its compact vehicle, and the improvements brought were obvious.

With this third generation, the i30 looked like it was already a mature vehicle with a clear design language. It already showed the angular styling of the headlights, with swept-back sides but with less rounded lines than its predecessor. The grille, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom, covered the center of the front fascia and was flanked by two side scoops that hosted the DRLs. Its profile kept the third window behind the rear doors, but it offered an increased glass area. Last but not least, the tailgate received, depending on the options, a roof spoiler.

Inside, the evolution was impressive. Even though it somehow resembled other German cars, it showed a decent level of craftsmanship and above-average materials. As an option, the carmaker added the infotainment system atop the center stack, in a way already seen on other vehicles, such as the Mercedes-Benz A-Class. The i30 featured a split-folding bench at the back that expanded the trunk from 391 liters (13.8 cu-ft) to 1,301 liters (45.9 cu-ft).

Under the hood, Hyundai introduced a new generation of turbocharged, direct fuel-injected engines that developed up to 140 PS (138 hp) paired either with a six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic transmission.