The new Hyundai i30 will go on sale in Europe early in 2012 as a five-door hatchback. The newcomer will be produced in Europe at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

Every Hyundai i30 will be backed by the industry-best, fully-transparent Five Year Triple Care warranty from Hyundai. This award-winning package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

The new Hyundai i30 will be available with a choice of three gasoline and three diesel variants, with power outputs ranging from 90 to 135 PS. Both fuel types play a significant role in the European C-segment, with diesel representing 52 per cent and petrol 43 per cent of total sales. Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 50:50 split between diesel- and gasoline-powered i30 sales.

Hyundai believes that its highly-efficient 1.6-litre variable geometry turbo (VGT) ‘U-II’ diesel unit will be the most popular engine in the range. Generating 128PS at 4,000 rpm, the upgraded engine will accelerate the new Hyundai i30 from standstill to 62mph in 10.9 seconds, with a top speed of 122mph.

The petrol engines, too, offer a balance between performance and economy. For example, the new Hyundai i30 can be specified with Hyundai’s 1.6-litre ‘Gamma’ GDI (gasoline direct injection), a 1,591 cc unit that generates 135 PS and 164 Nm of torque.

The addition of technologies developed under the company’s Blue Drive™ sub-brand optimizes efficiency and lowers emissions for the Hyundai i30. These include: Integrated Stop & Go (ISG), low-rolling resistance tyres and an alternator management system. With CO2 emissions below 100 g/km and an engine delivery of 128 PS, the 1.6-litre diesel Hyundai i30 will feature a best-in-class power to efficiency ratio.

Cabin refinement and specification on the Hyundai i30 have been inspired by the high standards of the all-new i40. Behind the wheel, for example, drivers benefit from Hyundai’s new Flex Steer™ option. With three operating modes – Comfort, Normal and Sport – the system can be used to vary the level of steering assistance and feedback in order to suit driving conditions and make the journey more pleasurable. A large TFT Supervision cluster is available in the same quality found on i40 – providing a wide range of essential information to the driver in high-resolution clarity. Located in the centre console, the navigation system is displayed via a 7-inch touch-screen.

The generous equipment levels on the Hyundai i30 will enhance the Hyundai experience for passengers too. Dual-zone climate control will ensure a comfortable environment for all occupants during long journeys, and the addition of a panoramic sunroof provides increased natural light within the cabin. The panoramic sunroof has been designed to open fully or tilt open, offering passengers flexibility and functionality.

The overall length (4300 mm) and width (1780 mm) have been increased, while the height has been reduced (1470 mm), generating sportier exterior proportions without compromising functionality. Cargo capacity in the Hyundai i30 is 378 litres with the rear seats upright – an increase of 10 per cent compared to the original model.

The new Hyundai i30 features the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (anti-lock braking system), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management) and Emergency Stop Signal. In terms of passive safety, the new-generation i30 will be fitted with six airbags as standard – front, side and curtain – while a driver’s knee airbag is optional.

The safety features available on the new Hyundai i30 reinforce Hyundai’s excellent record on safety, and the company anticipates the new car will follow the outgoing model in attaining the maximum five-star score in Euro NCAP’s impact assessment program.