We’ve just got back from Frankfurt where we had the chance to check the new Hyundai i30 out, a model in our opinion set out on challenging Golf’s popularity and of key importance to consolidate the steady growth of the Hyundai brand. And just to remind you, the Koreans have become dangerous players able to rank in the top five makers with 3.6 m vehicles sold and an expansion of the 5% while the adverse economic climate was significantly and steadily shrinking the market. Breaking down the reasons of their success, we think that being able to radically improve the stylistic approach as well as the quality of the materials employed has played a big role.

The new-generation Hyundai i30 has been entirely developed in Europe and it’s clearly trying to meet European drivers’ needs, aiming high by bringing to the C-segment a model boasting some remarkable high-standard features. But let’s have a look: 378 l capacity (an increase of the 10% when compared to the previous version) TFT dashboard featuring high-visibility supervision clusters, 7 inches screen sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, panoramic roof, flex steer and security features that have granted this vehicle 5 Euroncap stars. The engines available are three petrols and three diesels ranging from 90 to 135 hp as well as an extra 1.6 petrol Blue Drive 128 hp that has promised to keep emission levels under the 100g CO2 mark.

At first glance the new generation Hyundai i30 looks quite appealing, with a sporty design that strikes without overdoing it featuring smooth details such as the two parallel lines running along the sides. The bonnett is quite similar to the i40’s, pointing towards the signature hexagonal-shaped front grille. Special mention has to go to the luxury lighting units featuring jewel-like headlamps at the front while at the rear we’ve noticed the lights have shifted to an horizontal position. The two-tones rims made with two different metals are also quite peculiar.

Mounting on the vehicle, its spaciousness is what strikes you the most and astonishingly with the driver seat completely pushed back, the 1.80 m tall driver wasn’t able to reach the pedals while at the same time the average height passenger sitting at the back could’t touch the drivers’ seat with his knees. Not bad at all. Talking about the interiors, the materials employed seem of good quality when touching them and the choice of colours looks appropriate. We complained about a couple of plastics but, we were assured, they will disappear in the vehicle’s final version.

In Frankfurt we also had the chance to spend some time with Tomas Burkle (Hyundai Motor Europe’s Chief Designer), the man behind the new Hyundai i30. According to him, this vehicle’s as well as all the last generation models’ design has been trying to recreate natural shapes, with flowing water, polished stone, wind and sand inspiring the concept behind the range’s fluid-sculpture effects. We asked Burkle how the new i30 was born, he replied:

“Initially we thought of developing a low, compact vehicle which had to be roomy as well. The current trend of downsizing though worked to our advantage and we eventually managed to come up with a shorter front section that still allows more room for the interior compartments. Every single person mounting on the i30 has been surprised to realize how roomy this car is, which has happened as well on the i40 since we applied a similar approach in terms of space management to it.

With the interiors our aim was to bring the i30 up to a level that could be defined as luxury, which has been then mirrored by the exterior as well through some fancy features such as the headlights’ jewel-like design. We also wanted to focus the attention on the wheels because we have to remind the public that despite the slick and sporty appearance, this is a muscle, energetic, well grounded vehicle”.

We also asked him, since we are used to Italian, French or German design, how would he define the European approach to design adopted by Hyundai. Here’s how he replied:

“European design means first of all that we need to pay special attention to proportions as well as taking in to consideration all the features that make this market different from the others. For instance, in Europe people tend to drive in a sporty manner due to the fact that speed limits are more relaxed than in the US, where ‘cruising’ is far more popular. In addition, our team members are designers from different countries, including Italy”.

We also managed to exchange few words with Allan Rushforth, Hyundai Motor Europe’s Vice President, who helped us understanding Hyundai’s future plans as well as the expectations surrounding the i30 and the i40.

“These two vehicles have been developed for European drivers, surprisingly though the i40 is witnessing a huge success in other countries as well. With Hyundai i30 and i40 we are trying to raise people’s perception of the brand, which until few years ago was identified with affordable, cheaper products. We don’t want people to purchase a Hyundai because it’s cheap, we want them to be interested in it and buy it because they like it, which is different.

In addition, we provide a 5 years warranty as well as other services with the aim of stay close to our customers, including those who have purchased second-hand Hyundai vehicles. Fuel Cell engines? They are quite important and we are taking this direction because the development of such technology allows us to work at the same time on the hybrid version as well. Nevertheless we think that there’s still quite a lot to be improved therefore it wouldn’t be fair to discuss it just yet”.