New 2012 Hyundai i30 unveiled

The i30 was the company's first car launched with the 'i' prefix, introducing a new nomenclature for Hyundai's European designed vehicles and heralding a new era for Hyundai.

The i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive a five star safety rating from ANCAP.

After its launch in 2007, the i30 went on to increase its sales every year, attracting 29,772 Australian buyers in 2010 and achieving total sales of more than 82,900 units up to mid-2011.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the next-generation i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, 'fluidic sculpture', displaying the company's distinctive design DNA.

Thomas Burkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: "The next-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights."

"These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury."

"Through the profile of the next-generation i30, a strong character line runs over the front and rear wheel arches all the way to the tail lamps. A softer, lower character line rises up the car's flank creating a play of light and shadow a fundamental feature of fluidic sculpture," Thomas Burkle concluded.

"The next-generation i30 will to appeal to young, progressive buyers who are looking for performance coupled with stylish design," said Oliver Mann, Director of Marketing Hyundai Motor Company Australia.

"Following our 2011 launches of the new Elantra, Accent, and forthcoming i40 Tourer and Veloster, the next-generation i30 will contribute to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among Australian consumers."

The next-generation i30 is expected to go on sale in Australia in mid 2012. Pricing and specification details will be released closer to the launch.