2021 Hyundai i30 sedan breaks cover, will replace Elantra in the Australian market

South Korean automobile behemoth Hyundai Motor, following the release of a teaser last week, has officially unveiled the 2021 i30 sedan. The car will replace the Elantra in the Australian market. The i30 pretty much resembles the outgoing Elantra and will be positioned in the same segment.

The Hyundai i30 is mounted on a new platform that offers a wider stance, a longer wheelbase, and a lower roof to forge a sportier and sleeker profile. It has the Hyundai Parametric Dynamics design language all over the body and sports an oversized front grille which spans almost the full width of the vehicle. The grille connects the new-look headlight units that are peeled back towards the car’s wheel arches. Angular panel creases can be seen on the sides in which the rear wheel arch gets a large curvy section.

The dashboard of the all-new Hyundai i30 sedan is dominated by two 10.25-inch digital screens, one each for the touchscreen infotainment unit (with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support) and the instrument cluster. The cabin comes in several customisable colour themes. The dashboard itself is driver-focussed and the high-placed central console gives a cockpit-like feel. The i30 gets slim climate vents while a metallic finish completes the decor.

The 2021 Hyundai i30 will be available with a hybrid powertrain, a first in the Elantra series. The car will be hauled by a 1.6-litre gasoline direct injection (GDI) engine with a 32 kW electric motor. The overall output of the car is pegged at 140 PS maximum power and 264 Nm peak torque. The engine will be mated to a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT). A 2.0-litre multi-point injector (MPI) engine will come as an option. It will produce 148 PS maximum power and 179 Nm peak torque. The engine will be mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. Hyundai prefers to call it Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) which, the company claims, improves the car’s performance and efficiency.

The current Hyundai Elantra commands an entry-level price of AUD 20,990

The 2021 i30 sedan, which is expected to be rolled out later this year, will lock horns with the Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3. 

Also read: Hyundai i30 - Full details