Hyundai’s plans for a NEW next-generation i30 are well underway, with the new model expecting to arrive in the UK in 2017! Read more here...
Hyundai’s plans for a NEW next-generation hatchback are well underway! The new i30 is expected to be released in 2017, and this time it will be sporting a fresh new look and use the latest repackaged EV powertrains. The new i30 will make a great contender for the hybrid market.
Auto Express have captured some secret spy shots of the car on a test before it debuts next year. The new model is expected to take the top seat in Hyundai’s range alongside the new Ioniq hybrid launching in October this year.
The new i30 is expected to be the most likely model to benefit from the Ioniq’s first electrified powertrain. Other upcoming models will be receiving hybrid and plug-in hybrid power plant versions, as the Korean car manufacturer is on track to meeting tough new EU emissions regulations which will arrive 2020.
Even though the car in the images released by Auto Express show the i30 underneath a very heavy disguise, you can still see the similarities it has with the Ioniq on its front-end design. Hyundai said that with the 2017 i30 we can also expect an evolutionary style, but inside will receive a revamp with a boost in cabin quality and technology so it's on par with other new models such as the Tucson and Ioniq.
It’s been predicted that the next generation i30 hatchback will be the first car to receive the hybrid technology. This is because of its position in the very competitive c-segment market, and it will rival other hybrid cars like the Toyota Auris.
The Ioniq was revealed at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in both its hybrid and fully electric form. With this model Hyundai broke new grounds by offering 3 different powertrains available in one body shell. At the moment the 3 Ioniq models and the ix35 SUV hydrogen fuel-cell SUV don't help Hyundai enough to meet the car brands average CO2 emissions set out in EU 2021 targets alone. But by 2021, the average CO2 figure to apply for all car manufacturers to be 9hg/km, which is exactly why Hyundai are rolling out their new hybrid technology across other models.
This works well for Hyundai, who are wanting to offer the new eco-friendly technology in more mainstream models to appeal to more customers. Dennis Elsweier, Product Marketing Manager at Hyundai Motor Europe told Auto Express “We need to look to 2020 to 2021 to have the right powertrain line-up for our cars. We now have with Ioniq three electrified powertrains and with ix35 we also have fuel-cell technology. There is a toolbox to use for future developments.”
Ioniq using Hydrogen power is a possibility
Looking a few years into the future towards the 2021 target, the Korean car brand might even add the hydrogen fuel-cell technology that's used in the ix35 SUV to the Ioniq adding a 4th powertrain to the range. Elsweier discussed that Hyundai’s future developments in the electric market all depend on the growth and consumer's recognition for greener cars.
He went on to say “When you look at the fuel cell technology, the infrastructure needs to be there – just like it was and is with electric vehicles,’ he said. “At the moment it (lack of infrastructure) is too limiting but we need to look at it from a customer point of view, the benefits of applying fuel cell technology to the broader range.”
Keep a lookout on our Facebook and Twitter for the latest news on this upcoming model. We will be posting images and news about the release of the hybrid i30 hatchback to keep you updated!
Image credits:
Darren Brode / Shutterstock.com
lev radin / Shutterstock.com