Hyundai has unveiled a preview rendering of the next-generation 2012 Hyundai i30 hatch ahead of the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany next month. From the looks of the in-house rendering, the new i30 will take on a much more fluidic character, in line with Hyundai’s current design language.
The 2012 Hyundai i30 has been designed and engineered at Hyundai’s development facilities in Russelsheim, Germany, and is tipped to rival the likes of the Volkswagen Golf in Europe upon its launch. This could indicate a focus on increased interior quality and further improvements to the fuel-efficient diesel engine variants planned for the new model.
Anticipating a potential increase in popularity, Hyundai is said to be planning a ramp up in production of the i30 from 200,000 to around 300,000 per year. Oliver Mann, Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s director of marketing recently spoke about the i30′s future:
“The next-generation i30 will play an important role in continuing the development of the Hyundai brand in Australia. We launched the current i30 in late 2007 and since then the car has been recognised with numerous awards, including an Australia’s ‘Best Small Car’ award for three years running.”
From the looks of the rendering, the new Hyundai i30 will showcase a higher quality design, presenting more detail and enthusiasm. Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, recently spoke about the new shape, saying,
“When designing the all-new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary.
“From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions.
“In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models.”
As for the new model variants and powertrain options, we’ll have to wait until the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show for the full official details. The show starts September 13. Stay tuned.