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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.

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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.

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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

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