2026 Hyundai i30 Sedan set for new retro look

The next-generation Hyundai i30 Sedan has been rendered ahead of its expected reveal next year with an N Vision 74-inspired design that’s sure to capture the hearts and desires of the nostalgic.

Hyundai has been on roll with its exterior and interior designs recently and we wouldn’t be surprised at all if the second-gen i30 Sedan (eighth-gen Elantra) looked something like this, especially given the hype the N Vision 74 stirred up.

Mocked up by digital creator KKSstudio off the back of a solitary spy image and anecdotal evidence of the new model’s design surfacing online, the rendered vehicle is of the sexier N-Line variety and almost looks like it could be headed for production next week.

The current model’s existing fastback silhouette and window lines have been retained; however, the angular front fascia and deeply sculpted flanks have been replaced with a squarer and smoother arrangement which inject a refreshing level of simplicity.

We can’t see the rear of the vehicle in this image, but odds are the presently triangular tail-lights have been switched out for rectangular units reflective of the headlights.

The artist hasn’t made or detailed any predictions for the model’s underpinnings, however we expect the 2026 Hyundai i30 Sedan to ride on a development of the current K3 platform that’s also found under the latest Kia K4.

Odds are the powertrains will be refined and upgraded too, potentially with a greater emphasis on electrification.

The hot N version is primed to nab an enhanced version of the Sonata N-Line’s 2.5-litre turbo-petrol engine and could even debut Hyundai’s first N-spec hybrid powertrain.

All will be revealed next year sometime, so for now at least, we’ll keep our ears to the ground and let you know when we hear more.

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