The facelifted 2020 Hyundai i30 has just premiered prior to the Geneva Motor Show kicking off next month.



As recent teasers indicated, the design changes made to the facelifted i30 Hatchback, Fastback, and Wagon are only subtle but do make the vehicle a touch more striking. At the front, the South Korean car includes a wider grille with a complex 3D mesh pattern while also sporting slimmer headlights with optional multifaceted reflector MFR LED technology. These lights are particularly eye-catching thanks to the presence of new V-shaped daytime running lights.

Spin around to the rear of the refreshed i30 and you’ll be greeted with a new bumper that’s been developed to improve aerodynamic performance. The taillights also offer a V-shape to mimic the front. Hyundai has also designed diamond-cut 16-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Alterations have also been made to the i30 N Line, available in both Hatchback and Fastback guises. In addition to featuring the same headlights and taillights as lesser models, the new N line trim includes a new lower and larger front grille, a re-designed rear diffuser, and distinctive 17- and 18-inch wheel designs. The N Line models also benefit from tuned suspension and steering systems.

Across the broader Hyundai i30 range, three new exterior colors are now available, dubbed Dark Knight, Silky Bronze, and Sunset Red. These colors join Polar White, Phantom Black, Engine Red, Stellar Blue, Platinum Silver, and Olivine Grey.

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Changes continue in the cabin. Most notably, the updated i30 benefits from a large 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system, significantly larger than the screen found in current models. Also found within is a 7-inch digital gauge cluster. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility comes standard and in the summer, wireless phone mirroring will be introduced. Wireless phone charging is also present.

Under the hood

On the powertrain side of things, Hyundai now offers the entry-level 1.0-liter T-GDI engine delivering 118 hp with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, in addition to the six-speed manual previously offered. Furthermore, the 1.0-liter T-GDI can be purchased in mild-hybrid guise with a 48-volt system and a new 6-speed manual transmission that can decouple the engine from the transmission after the driver releases the accelerator. Doing so enables two possible levels of coasting. In the first level, the engine will be left to idle while in the second level, the engine can temporarily shut off during coasting. A 7-speed dual-clutch auto ‘box is also available with this mild-hybrid engine.

The 2020 i30 can also be purchased with a 1.6-liter diesel engine with 48-volt mild-hybrid technology and producing 134 hp. Sitting at the top of the standard range is a 1.5-liter T-GDI with 157 hp, 48-volt mild-hybrid tech and the choice of a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch.

Finally, some new safety technologies have been introduced across the i30 range. These include Lane Following Assist, Rear Collision-avoidance Assist, and Leading vehicle Departure Alert, all of which operate alongside the existing Front Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian detection, Driver Attention Warning, High Beam Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, and Lane Keeping Assist systems.