Hyundai Starts i30 Facelift Production in the Czech Republic

It may not be as famous as the VW Golf or Ford Focus, buy for Hyundai, the i30 is the most important car in all of Europe and they've invested heavily into making an already competent compact even better this year.

The second-generation i30 wowed everybody in 2012 with its premium features. Even Volkswagen officials were impressed with the rewarding "thump" made by the boot closing. For 2015, changes have been made to the skin of the car and its muscles as well.

We could talk about some efficient diesel engines, but we'd rather mention the Nurburgring-tuned 186 PS i30 Turbo model. It's a much better fit for European consumers than the Veloster Turbo, not to mention that it's quite handsome.

Power for this model comes from a 1.6-liter turbo'd mill that can take you to 100 km/h in 8 seconds and on to a top speed of 219 km/h. It may not set your pants on fire, but it comes pretty well equipped as standard with a body kit, new front LED lamp design, twin exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Hyundai will also add its first-ever 7DCT seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with its 1.6 turbo diesel and 1.6 petrol GDI powerplants.

Sales of the Korean car brand have risen in Britain last year to 82,159, a new company record. This has largely been backed by the arrival of the i10, which managed an amazing 25,000 on its debut year. The ix35 significantly outperformed the market with registrations increasing 26% and is about to receive a new generation soon.