Bigger, bolder 2027 Hyundai i30 Sedan revealed

The all-new Hyundai i30 Sedan has been revealed ahead of an Australian launch expected in the first half of 2027, with the larger four-door set to become Hyundai Australia's only mainstream passenger car following the demise of the i30 hatch.

Unveiled at the 2026 Busan Mobility Show in South Korea, the eighth-generation sedan adopts a more muscular design, boasts more interior space, an upgraded hybrid powertrain and Hyundai's latest Android Automotive-based software platform.

Known as the Avante in South Korea and the Elantra in many overseas markets (including here until the current generation was introduced in 2020), the new model is expected to continue in Australia as the i30 Sedan, where it will rival the Toyota Corolla sedan despite approaching Toyota Camry dimensions.

The new i30 Sedan measures 4765mm long, 1855mm wide and 1425mm tall on a 2750mm wheelbase, representing increases of 55mm in length, 30mm in width, 5mm in height and 30mm in wheelbase over the current model.

The larger body pushes the new i30 Sedan towards the medium-car segment but while it’s still 145mm shorter than the Sonata, it’s also now just 5mm narrower and 20mm lower, giving it interior accommodation Hyundai says approaches that of a traditional mid-size sedan.

Styling adopts Hyundai's latest 'Art of Steel' design language first seen on the second-generation Nexo.

Slim H-shaped LED lighting signatures front and rear, sharply sculpted guards, flush lift-up door handles, a spoiler-style boot lid, diffuser-inspired rear bumper and 18-inch alloy wheels are all part of the package.

Inside, Hyundai has skipped a generation of infotainment technology, moving directly to its new Android Automotive-based Pleos Connect operating system rather than the ccNC system found in current Hyundai models such as the Kona and Santa Fe.

Depending on grade, buyers receive either a 12.9-inch or 14.6-inch touchscreen, replacing the current car's 8.0-inch and 10.25-inch displays. A slim digital instrument display sits ahead of the driver, while physical shortcut buttons remain beneath the touchscreen for climate and media controls.

Pleos Connect also introduces Hyundai's Gleo AI assistant, which uses natural-language voice commands to control vehicle functions, answer questions and assist with trip planning. It also supports Hyundai's Pleos App Market for downloadable third-party apps including streaming services.

In Korea, the powertrain range comprises a naturally aspirated 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder producing 110kW and an upgraded 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid producing a combined 115kW.

The hybrid gains a more powerful electric motor, revised transmission and larger battery, lifting combined output by 11kW while improving efficiency.

New hybrid features include predictive regenerative braking, route-based battery management and a Stay Mode that allows the climate control and infotainment systems to operate while parked using the high-voltage battery.

Hyundai Australia has yet to confirm the local engine line-up, though hybrid variants, which joined the range in 2024, are expected to assume greater importance as manufacturers respond to growing customer demand and the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES).

A new-generation i30 Sedan N is also expected to follow, with reports suggesting it will adopt a 2.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine.

Safety has also received a significant upgrade.

New driver assistance systems include updated adaptive cruise control, Highway Driving Assist 2, Lane Following Assist 2, Blind Spot View Monitor, Remote Smart Parking Assist and Memory Reversing Assist.

It also introduces an emergency stop function integrated into the column-mounted gear selector, allowing the driver to slow and stop the vehicle by holding the Park button in an emergency.

Available equipment includes 10 airbags, Bang & Olufsen audio, Hyundai Digital Key 2, over-the-air (OTA) software updates, dual wireless smartphone charging and 100W USB-C charging ports.

The expanded driver assistance suite also appears to address the current Australian i30 Sedan's three-star ANCAP safety rating, although Hyundai is yet to confirm whether the new model will be submitted for local testing.

Hyundai will announce Korean pricing and specifications during the third quarter of 2026, with local pricing and specifications expected to follow.

The current i30 Sedan range is priced from about $30,000 to $42,500 before on-road costs, while the i30 Sedan N starts at $53K.

Regular versions of the i30 hatch were discontinued in Australia last year and Hyundai has since indicated there are no global plans for a replacement, citing declining demand and poor profitability for traditional small hatchbacks.

The new i30 Sedan is therefore expected to become Hyundai Australia's only mainstream passenger car as the brand increasingly focuses on SUVs, hybrids and electric vehicles.

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