Hyundai will add a third body-style to its i30 range when the Fastback launches internationally in early 2018 to rival the likes of the Audi A3 Saloon and Mazda 3 Fastback. The i30 Fastback sits above the Verna and below the Elantra in Hyundai’s global line-up.

Revealed alongside the i30 N hot hatch in Germany, the i30 Fastback has the rear of a coupé, a lower nose and sleeker roofline. 115mm longer and 5mm lower to the ground than its hatchback sibling, the Fastback’s slimmer glass-line helps lower its height by 30mm. Hyundai claims this has improved its aerodynamics while lowering the car’s centre of gravity.

The Fastback gets bespoke suspension settings with spring rates that are 15 percent stiffer, enhancing agility and on-road handling. As such, the car will be the sportiest variant of the regular i30 range.

Powetrain options include a choice of two turbocharged petrol engines – the three-cylinder 120hp 1.0-litre T-GDI, and the four-cylinder 140hp 1.4-litre T-GDI. The former comes exclusively with a six-speed manual, but a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic unit is offered on the larger motor.

The four-cylinder 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel will be available in two states of tune: 110hp and 136hp. Both get the option of the manual or dual-clutch gearboxes.

Hyundai will offer the same laundry list of technology with the Fastback as the rest of the i30 range, with a 5.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system including satnav and smartphone connectivity as part of the options list. The car will also get advanced cruise control and additional driver assist programmes such as rear cross traffic alert.

The previous-gen i30 was showcased at the last Auto Expo at New Delhi to gauge consumer interest. However there are no plans to introduce the model in India.