Hyundai i30 facelift revealed

Hyundai has given its Volkswagen Golf rival, the i30, a mid-cycle update. The 2020 i30 brings a redesigned exterior, more advanced safety and connectivity tech and new mild-hybrid engines.

The exterior has a wider grille with a new 3D pattern, slimmer headlamps with V-shaped LED elements and new bumpers for both, the five-door hatchback and Fastback model. The sportier N-Line variant is more distinct, too, with a different grille design, among a raft of alterations.

Coming to the cabin, there is new interior tech, including a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and larger 10.25-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging and a variety of Hyundai's connected-car functions. New safety kit includes Lane Following Assist, Rear Collision-Avoidance Assist and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, extending the existing tally of safety kit.

The 120hp 1.0-litre engine gets a 48V mild-hybrid option on both, the manual and a new 7-speed DCT auto gearbox, as does the 136hp 1.6-litre diesel. A new N-Line-only 160hp, 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol unit has also been added and it gets the efficiency-boosting 48V tech as well.

The updated i30 will go on sale in international markets in the months following the 2020 Geneva motor show. Expect the hot i30 N variants to have received the same round of updates by then, too.

Hyundai showcased the pre-facelift i30 Fastback N in India at the recently concluded Auto Expo 2020, alongside models such as the new Creta, Grand i10 Nios Turbo, Tucson facelift and more. The carmaker is considering launching its N performance brand in India, with the i30 Fastback N likely being the debut model.