Hyundai launched its all-new 2021 i30 Sedan and i30 Sedan Hybrid – aka Elantra – in March and the new car, which through its various incarnations has racked up nearly 14 million sales globally, is an extremely attractive proposition. It certainly looks fantastic with Hyundai engineers and designers using the Group’s K3 vehicle platform; making the new sedan longer, lower, and wider compared to the previous model; and using a new body design language called ‘Parametric Dynamics’.

In the US, the i30 will be available with a hybrid powertrain which features a 1.6-litre GDI Atkinson-cycle four-cylinder engine. The hybrid’s permanent-magnet electric motor delivers 32kW powered by a lithium-ion-polymer battery. The 1.6-litre GDI engine combined with the electric motor delivers a total system output of 103kW and up to 264Nm torque.

This engine mates with Hyundai’s quick-shifting, six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The electric motor has an electric-only driving mode.

The standard model i30 gets a 2.0-litre MPI Atkinson Cycle engine that has a focus on fuel economy. This engine generates 109kW at 6,200rpm and 179Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. The engine comes with Intelligent Variable Transmission allowing for improved fuel economy at higher gear ratios and improved performance at lower ratios.

Inside, there is an ‘immersive cocoon’ interior layout that envelops the driver like an airplane cockpit. There’s a large interface consisting of two connected 10.25-inch displays and an angled touchscreen for ease of use.

The two 10.25-inch screens offer different views: utility, driver assistance and navigation. The optional infotainment system displays a variety of useful information across its 10.25-inch split touchscreen.

The navigation system includes a bird’s-eye view in navigation maps, and drivers get connected routing. Connected routing provides multiple navigation options and real-time route updates. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are supported and dual Bluetooth support is also available, so two devices can be paired at the same time.

All major manufacturers pack their new vehicles with the latest safety features and the 2021 i30 comes fully loaded. Standard features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with Pedestrian Detection; Lane Keeping Assist (LKA); Lane Following Assist (LFA); High Beam Assist (HBA); Driver Attention Warning (DAW); and Rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. Optional features (available in the US market) include Blind-Spot Collision Avoidance Assist (BCA) with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA); Smart Cruise Control (SCC); Highway Driving Assist (HDA); Safe Exit Warning (SEW); and Reverse Parking Collision Avoidance Assist (PCA).

Along with these high-tech features, the all-new i30 Sedan has an optional smartphone-based Hyundai Digital Key. The Digital Key uses a dedicated mobile app, Near Field Communication (NFC) and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology to allow a vehicle to be unlocked, started and driven without a physical key via applicable Android smartphones.

Source: Motor Trader E-Magazine (June 2020)

2 June 2020