2013 Hyundai i30

Korean automaker Hyundai is getting ready to take direct aim at the 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid with its scheduled-to-launch-in-2013 Hyundai i30 gas-electric with a plug, according to a report from German news outlet Auto Motor und Sport

Although Hyundai has previously stressed that hybrids and electric cars wouldn’t play a major part in its portfolio, hybrids are an undeniable image booster and plug-in hybrids are exempt from congestion charges in major urban centers like London.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in rasselsheim, Germany, the new-generation Hyundai i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai ‘fluidic sculpture’ design featuring the hexagonal-shaped grille and offers a choice of four engines with a total of six power options and CO2 emissions below 100 g/km thanks to an upgraded, super-efficient 1,6-litre diesel unit.

The new-generation Hyundai i30 will go on sale in Europe early in 2012 as a five-door hatchback. Every new-generation Hyundai i30 will be backed by the industry-best, fully-transparent Five Year Triple Care warranty from Hyundai.

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to maintain this growth trend, contributing to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among European consumers.

The new-generation Hyundai i30 also bears Hyundai's signature frontal feature - the hexagonal-shaped grille.

Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 50:50 split between diesel- and gasoline-powered Hyundai i30 sales.

For example, the new-generation Hyundai i30 can be specified with Hyundai's 1,6-liter 'Gamma' GDI (gasoline direct injection), a 1.591 cc unit that generates 135 ps and 164 Nm of torque.

The generous equipment levels on the new-generation Hyundai i30 will enhance the Hyundai experience for passengers too.

Since going on sale in 2007, the original Hyundai i30 has played an important role in expanding Hyundai's sales and reputation in Europe's fleet sector. Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to be even more popular with fleet managers and company car drivers than its predecessor.