cars news 10: Next-Generation Hyundai i30 Hatchback Unveiled

Hyundai teased the next-generation i30 in a video last month and now the automaker has unveiled the all-new hatchback, which should come to the U.S. as the Elantra GT.

In Asia and Europe, the i30 will be available with a number of gas and diesel powertrains. Should it come to the U.S., it could get a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated inline-four engine, along with a choice of a manual or automatic transmission. The current 2016 Hyundai Elantra GT is based on the last-generation i30 and is powered by a 2.0-liter I-4 making 173 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque.

While the i30 shares styling cues with the new Elantra sedan, the hatchback debuts what Hyundai is calling its new “Cascading” grille that’s a bit more elaborate that the horizontal slats used in the current Elantra GT. Hyundai’s design boss Peter Schreyer says the grille will be used in future models. Overall the i30 has a more mature look, especially the side profile featuring straight and simple lines.

Inside, the redesigned dashboard now features an infotainment screen that “floats” high above the center air vents. The three-spoke steering wheel looks sportier than the four-spoke wheel used in the current Elantra GT. The hatch will also get a big tech update, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a forward collision prevention system, and a blind spot monitor. The i30 will appear at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in a few weeks where Hyundai should release more details on the new hatchback.

Source: Hyundai