While Hyundai presents one after another freak design elsewhere in the world, we still have to take some cautious steps in Europe. One of those steps is the i30, which recently got a considerably sharper nose.
Call us crazy, but we’re a fan of that new Hyundai Elantra. The compact sedan that is to conquer the North American market is different from the rest and distinguishes itself with a particularly sharp, elongated carriage full of unusual details. In its own unique way, the new Grandeur is also a real eye-catcher, but we should not expect that sedan in Europe either.
Is Hyundai’s new dose of guts not coming to our regions at all? Anyway. The new i20 is there and the i30 after the facelift is clearly a bit sharper than before. As usual with a facelift, the news is especially visible at the front. Here, almost all rounded corners have been replaced by sharp points, which is further accentuated in the headlamps by the arrow-shaped daytime running lights. These lamps were initially included as separate elements in the bumper, but they make way for larger and bolder air intakes. The grille is a lot wider, so that the fence is now partly under the headlights.
The differences are barely visible at the rear, but the interior will be allocated a larger and more modern infotainment screen in addition to other ventilation grilles. Hyundai and Kia spread this system step by step across the range. The central 10.25-inch screen is complemented by a digital instrument with a diameter of 7 inches.
Incidentally, the i30 presented in 2016 has been changed before, although that round was given the name “model year update”. The hatchback and SW versions then got the tighter front bumper of the slightly younger and hip Fastback variant. In addition to slightly differently shaped daytime running lights, the bumper also had an air inlet spread over the entire width. And a somewhat deeper front spoiler. If you don’t like that front either, since last year you can also opt for an N-line variant, a sporty dressed version that will remain available even after the facelift.
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In addition to the sliding plate above, the different versions of the Hyundai i30 can also be compared in the photo gallery. It always starts with the new, followed by the original variant.