Skip advert
Advertisement

New 2020 Hyundai i30 revealed with new look, tech and transmission

Hyundai’s i30 gets a refresh, and the new i30 N is on its way too

Hyundai’s i30 has been given a substantial update for the 2020 model year, introducing new powertrain tech, interior tech and fresh styling to the range. Initially revealed in its more demure ‘standard’ and N-Line specifications, we’ll have to wait to see the new i30 N later this year, but for the moment, the standard model’s styling and tech enhancements will give us an early look at what to expect.

Advertisement - Article continues below

First and foremost is the sharp new look, which updates the i30’s somewhat Germanic aesthetic for a more expressive appearance that’s already seen in many of the brand’s other models, including the all-new i20 that was revealed last week. The new LED lighting units, a wider and more expressive grille, plus fresh wheel designs, all help to freshen the i30, especially in N-Line models which will share the same styling details as the incoming i30 N

The interior has also been given a refresh, mostly in the form of new tech incorporating a fresh and much improved wide-aspect infotainment screen and semi-digital dials – the latter of which we dearly hope won’t be found on the i30 N as the current model’s excellent analogue dial set is better suited to the N’s more focused interior.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

While details of the new i30 N’s powertrain remain unknown at this stage, we do know that the standard i30 will be offered with two turbocharged petrol engines comprising a 1-litre three-cylinder and a new 1.5-litre four-cylinder that are also supported by a new 48V mild-hybrid system. Power figures range from 119bhp at the lower end and top out at 157bhp in the N-Line-only 1.5. There’s also a 134bhp 1.6-litre diesel option if you’re into that sort of thing

The new MHEV system is found on both seven-speed dual-clutch and six-speed manual transmission options, the latter utilising clever new tech that hydraulically decouples the gearbox from the engine while cruising to save fuel – a first for a manual transmission. Whether this mild-hybrid tech will be applied to the i30 N is unknown, but we do know that it will be available with Hyundai’s dual-clutch gearbox for the first time when it arrives later in 2020.

The i30’s updates will be spread across all three body styles, with a subtle adjustment in specifications and pricing when it arrives in the UK later this year. It’s facing some stiff competition in 2020 though, with a new SEAT Leon, Volkswagen Golf and Skoda Octavia to have to compete with

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Used Audi RS3 (8V, 2015 – 2020), review, specs and buying guide for a hyper hatch bargain
Audi RS3 (8V) front
Reviews

Used Audi RS3 (8V, 2015 – 2020), review, specs and buying guide for a hyper hatch bargain

Briefly the most powerful hatch on the planet the Audi RS3 is a great all-rounder with an astonishingly great engine
2 Apr 2025
Audi A1 Quattro review – the supermini that cost more than a Porsche
Audi A1 Quattro – front
In-depth reviews

Audi A1 Quattro review – the supermini that cost more than a Porsche

It made no financial sense for Audi to build it, but the rare, sought-after and highly bespoke A1 Quattro is a remarkable testament to the brand’s amb…
31 Mar 2025
Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Toyota GR Yaris 2025 review – the modern homologation special gets even better
Toyota GR Yaris
In-depth reviews

Toyota GR Yaris 2025 review – the modern homologation special gets even better

Toyota’s GR Yaris was always brilliant but has received a number of key and welcome updates. It’s even better but also, a lot more expensive.
28 Mar 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week
Hot hatch test
Features

Audi RS3 v Toyota GR Yaris v Mercedes-AMG A45 S – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test three of the most sophisticated hot hatches on sale against each other on road and track – these are our favourite…
29 Mar 2025
Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses
Honda Civic Type R FN2
Features

Honda Civic Type R (FN2) – the car world's greatest misses

Its lineage contains some hot hatch greats, but the late-noughties Civic wasn’t one of them
26 Mar 2025
Best hybrid cars 2025 – the benefits of EV and petrol power
Best hybrid cars 2025
Best cars

Best hybrid cars 2025 – the benefits of EV and petrol power

Hybrids are the perfect compromise for manufacturers and buyers at the moment, keeping petrol power for versatility and customer appeal but adding an …
31 Mar 2025