07 Mar 07
The letter 'I' stands for inspiration, intelligence and innovation, which is, apparently, why it'll serve as the prefix for all upcoming small Hyundais. Gone will be the Getz, Atoz, Amica and Accent, in will come the i10 (the next city car), the i20 (the next supermini, to replace the Getz) and, first of all, the i30.
It's the first time Hyundai has had an appropriate hatchback with the potential to tap into the all-important small family car market and so the Czech-built i30's absolutely crucial if the Korean firm is to realise its ambitions. 'It is the most important car we have launched in Europe in years and years,' said a spokesman in Geneva. 'It demonstrates our commitment to Europe, one of the most important markets... and will help us on focusing to improve our image.'
Hyundai still doesn't have much of a discernable image beyond cheap 'n' cheerful (or not so cheerful, in the case of the deadly dull Accent and Elantra) but it is respected for its general value for money and the reliability of its vehicles. The i30 may not catapult it straight onto the wish-lists of the design-conscious - especially not in the dreary dark red paint of the car unveiled to much fanfare on the stand in Geneva - but it is a credible-looking contender, with an inoffensive demeanour and pleasing proportions. While it hardly looks the embodiment of inspiration or innovation, there are plenty of conservative car buyers out there who don't want to be seen in an oddball. Think of this as Hyundai's Toyota Corolla - no bad thing when you think of that model's longevity and the global loyalty it enjoys.
Like its sister model, the Kia Cee'd, it should be a reasonably intelligent (and informed) purchase, though: there's a good choice of engines and trim levels, high standard equipment provision and of course, it'll be priced keenly. Pick from 109bhp 1.4-litre, 122bhp 1.6-litre and 143bhp 2.0-litre petrol engines, or the 90bhp and 115bhp (1.6-litre) and 140bhp 2.0-litre diesels, the latter with particulate filters, five- and six-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearboxes, and Classic, Comfort, Style and Premium spec levels; Premium models will come with part-leather upholstery, cruise control, rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors. Hard for a petrolhead to get too excited about this car, but it will make a sensible runaround for plenty who aren't obsessed with speed, power or, indeed, image.
