Hyundai has launched a revamped and fuel-efficient version of its i30 compact car in its home market to better compete with models such as the VW Golf.
Hyundai plans to sell 215,000 units of the i30 next year, including 25,000 in South Korea and 190,000 abroad, as part of its push to secure a bigger share of the premium sub-compact car market.
The revamped i30 will go on sale in Europe in January next year (local supplies will be built at Hyundai’s plant in the Czech Republic), Australia and the Middle East in March and the US in May.
Company president Kim Choong-Ho said about 50% of the i30 hatchbacks would be sold in Europe. The new model comes with 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines and six-speed automatic transmission. It features improved safety including seven airbags.