Upgraded 2024 Hyundai i30 hatch breaks cover

The facelifted 2024 Hyundai i30 hatch has been uncovered in Europe ahead of its local introduction later this year.

This is the second major update for the popular small car and heralds a switch in production source for Australian-market versions, which are moving from Korea to the Czech Republic and has halted shipments for several months while the changeover takes place.

As you can see, the updated i30 hatch – production of which begins next month – borrows design cues from the high-performance i30 N to sharpen up its looks.

These include more aggressive front and rear aprons, redesigned (now LED) headlights, N-style daytime running lights and a new black grille finish.

The standard range of alloy wheels has also been refreshed, along with the tail-light graphics.

Cabin revisions include new dash and centre console trim, plus a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster for high-end variants.

Over-the-air (OTA) update capability has been added to variants offering sat-nav, while all grades score lane following assist, intelligent speed limit assist and the rear occupant alert.

Many of the updates will apply to the full-fat i30 N hot hatch, which has been spotted testing in Europe and Korea.

Details of the Australian i30 line-up are yet to be announced, but odds are the familiar array of i30, Active, Elite, N-Line and N-Line Premium model grades will be retained.

A 1.6-litre turbo-petrol powertrain should carry over, but the ageing naturally-aspirated 2.0-litre engine could be replaced by a better-performing and more fuel-efficient 1.5-litre turbo-petrol. Mild-hybrid tech is also being introduced in Europe.

Prices are expected to increase with the upgrade and the shift to Europe, which has longer shipping times and will attract a five per cent import tariff.

The current range starts from $24,000 plus on-road costs and tops out at $37,300 for the i30 N-Line Premium DCT – or $53,700 plus ORCs if you include the i30 N portfolio, which will likely be shown in updated form in the coming weeks, followed by the pint-sized i20 N.

Join the conversation at our Facebook page
Or email us at editor@carsales.com.au