Although the current i30 has only been on sale in South Africa since last year, it has been available in Europe for much longer and now its replacement is on the horizon.
This official rendering from Hyundai shows that the rather unimaginative design of the current model is making way for a far sexier shape that's in line with more recent Hyundais like the i40 and ix35. Hyundai calls this design ethos 'fluidic sculpture' and there's plenty of this evident in the new i30.
Designed and engineered at Hyundai's European technical centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, key design features include a hexagonal shaped front grille, jewel-like headlights upfront, while a more dynamic shape with a stronger character line lends a sporty profile.
The rear end still remains a mystery as this is the only picture that we have for now, but watch this space for more images and official information as the car gets unveiled in the flesh at Frankfurt next month.
Hyundai Europe's Allan Rushforth enthused: “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle's position as our best-seller in Europe.
“Since 2007, the name 'i30' has become synonymous with 'quality', 'reliability' and 'low emissions' in Europe, and we hope that, amongst others, the term 'emotional appeal and style' will be added to the list with the introduction of this dynamic new model.” Could this new Hyundai actually tempt buyers out of a Golf or Focus? Time will tell.