Hyundai i30 Turbo headlines refreshed range at 2015 Geneva Motor Show
Hyundai’s facelifted i30 made its first public appearance at Geneva in March 2015, introducing a new Turbo flagship and updated styling across the range.
Hyundai placed its updated i30 range at the centre of its stand during the 2015 Geneva Motor Show, with the new i30 Turbo drawing particular attention. The facelift, revealed in late 2014 and shown publicly for the first time in Geneva, brings revised styling, new paint options and a broader engine line-up.
The i30 Turbo, now the range-topping variant, uses a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine producing 186hp and 265Nm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual gearbox. Hyundai claims 0-62mph in 8 seconds and a top speed of 136mph. While the Turbo shares its engine with the Kia cee’d GT, it is tuned for slightly less power than its Kia stablemate. The Turbo is available in both three-door coupe and five-door hatchback forms, giving buyers a choice of body styles for Hyundai’s most powerful i30 to date.
Beyond the new flagship, the i30’s facelift brings a refreshed hexagonal grille, redesigned alloy wheels and three new paint colours: Jet Black, Orange Caramel and Polar White. These changes are intended to keep the i30 visually competitive in the crowded European C-segment. Inside, equipment and trim levels have also been updated, although Hyundai did not headline major interior changes at Geneva.
Engine range and transmission updates
The rest of the i30 line-up continues with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. Entry-level buyers get a 1.4-litre petrol with 100hp and 134Nm, while a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre petrol offers 120hp and 156Nm. Diesel options include a 1.6-litre in two states of tune: 110hp with 280Nm or 136hp with the same torque. Opting for the seven-speed automatic transmission increases diesel torque to 300Nm. All engines are Euro 6 compliant, reflecting Hyundai’s focus on emissions and efficiency for the European market.
- 1.4-litre petrol: 100hp, 134Nm
- 1.6-litre petrol: 120hp, 156Nm
- 1.6-litre diesel: 110hp or 136hp, 280Nm (manual) or 300Nm (auto)
- 1.6-litre turbo petrol (Turbo): 186hp, 265Nm
Position in Hyundai’s European line-up
The i30’s update arrived as part of a wider refresh of Hyundai’s European range, which also included the new i20 and the larger Tucson SUV, both on display at Geneva. The i30 Turbo gives Hyundai a direct rival to other warm hatchbacks in the segment, although its output is more modest than the class-leading hot hatches. With the facelift, Hyundai aims to maintain the i30’s appeal in a competitive field, offering a broader range of engines and more contemporary styling.
For more on Hyundai’s Geneva launches, see the Hyundai Tucson debut at 2015 Geneva Motor Show.
