Hyundai Gives i30 an Updated Tech Package for a New Lease of Life

The world is transitioning to an electric vehicle era, with combustion engines gradually phased out over the next decades. Hyundai is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, thanks to its Ioniq lineup of electric vehicles underpinned by the E-GMP platform. However, the Korean carmaker is not yet ready to abandon the gas-powered models, as shown in the Kona lineup. Although the new Kona was developed on an EV-centric platform, it still features ICE and hybrid variants.

This presented a conundrum for other ICE-only models in Hyundai's lineup, especially in Europe, where the transition to electric vehicles is enshrined in regulations. For a while, rumors indicated that Hyundai might abandon the i30 compact and continue with a new electric model instead. However, the carmaker opted to give the i30 a new refresh, keeping it relevant for a few more years.

This would be the model's second facelift after the one in 2019, which brought a new front fascia, new engines, and upgrades in the driver assist and infotainment department. This is not unusual, considering the previous generation (GD, launched in 2011) also had two updates over its lifecycle. For the 2024 update, Hyundai followed a similar recipe with the PD model. However, you should not expect changes in the engine lineup (and Hyundai didn't announce this).

As such, the changes are more modest than people watching the prototypes testing in the past year thought. Visually, there are subtle differences, new colors, and new wheel models. Hyundai calls these "bold design refinements," but it seems a rather conservative approach. For once, Hyundai scrapped the clustered daylight running lights in the lower part of the front bumper and integrated a new light signature in the headlights. LED headlights and taillights, once optional, are now offered as standard.

The work inside the cabin is even more subtle, as Hyundai kept the same dashboard layout. The i30 cockpit features new screens integrated into the old dashboard. This makes the instrument panel a weird combination of a classic instrument cluster with an LCD screen. The new i30 features a Standard 4.2-inch color display, three USB-C charging ports front and rear, and can receive over-the-air map updates. It can also be ordered with an optional 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster.

The driver assistance package has been upgraded with standard Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Following Assist (LFA), and Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA). Optionally, you can choose Junction Turning for extra caution when turning left at junctions and Highway Driving Assist (HDA) 1.5. The latter maintains the vehicle's distance from the one in front, automatically adjusts its speed according to the limit and around curves, and keeps it within its current travel lane.

Production of the refreshed i30 will begin in April at Hyundai's production plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic. Hyundai will continue with all three body styles: the hatchback, the wagon, and the fastback. An N-Line trim is also offered for all three body styles, now with sportier aesthetic elements inside and out.