Second-generation Hyundai i30 launched in Malaysia
The first-generation Hyundai i30 was a well-received success in Europe and is widely regarded as a milestone model in the company’s journey from being a maker of budget family cars to a brand that stands head and shoulders with the biggest players in the global automotive scene. It was not as well received in Malaysia however with only a mere handful sold since its launch here in 2009.
The second-generation debuted in 2011, and we had attended its international media drive in South Africa as far back as 2012. Designed and developed at Hyundai Motor Europe’s Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the i30 Mk II is based on the Elantra MD platform, from which it also gets its 1.8-litre Nu MPI engine that is now the sole powertrain option on offer, pushing out a rated 148hp and 178Nm to the front wheels via Hyundai’s in-house 6-speed automatic transmission.
Compared to its predecessor, which was offered with 1.6- and 2.0-litre engines, the new second-gen i30 stretches the tape measure by an additional 20mm bumper-to-bumper, spans 5mm wider, and sits 10mm lower, measuring 4,300mm long, 1,780mm wide, and 1,470mm tall. A major change coming into this new generation model is the deletion of independent rear suspension, which is now offered only in selected market – the Malaysia-spec i30 makes do with a rear torsion beam.
Braking is provided by discs all-round as standard, assisted by anti-lock braking, brake assist, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), and emergency stop signals. Passive safety is provided by the fitment of six airbags – dual frontal, dual side, and dual curtain. Steering assist is electrically supplied, with Hyundai’s Flex Steer System allowing drivers to choose between three levels of assist- Comfort, Normal, and Sport.
The equipment manifest lists a decent amount kit, starting with smart keyless entry, start/stop button, panoramic sunroof, illuminated TFT Supervision instrument cluster, parking sensors, and automatic wipers. Complementing the i30’s keyless entry is a Smart Welcome System, which automatically activates the vehicle’s puddle lamps and door handle illumination upon detection of its smart key fob.
Pricing of the i30 starts at RM127,888 for the Executive version, which gets all of the above-mentioned kit as standard. Adding RM5,000 adds an all-round Sport bodykit consisting of a front lower lip, side skirts, and rear bumper lip.
