Hyundai i30 Sedan updated in Korea

HYUNDAI revealed its facelifted i30 Sedan to the South Korean market this week – where it is sold as the Avante – the revised styling and technology giving the model a refresh that Australian buyers can experience from the latter half of 2023.

The i30 Sedan – currently available from $25,690 plus on-road costs – is offered with petrol and petrol-electric drivelines in its home market, with the familiar-to-Australia 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbocharged and 117kW/191Nm 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol units likely to carry over when the updated model arrives on home soil.

GoAuto News understands Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) is also looking to introduce the 104kW/265Nm 1.6-litre petrol-electric hybrid locally when the updated model arrives, giving the Korean brand a direct rival to the Corolla Hybrid (from $31,680 + ORCs).

Hyundai’s revised i30 Sedan sports a new frontal mask with reprofiled headlights, a broader grille, and a re-moulded bumper cover with aerodynamic curtains. The model also adopts redesigned alloy wheels, a chrome-look beltline and re-moulded rear bumper cover.

The updated i30 Sedan is said to ride on a revised suspension tune that improves ride quality on sub-par roads and it also features several modest technological updates aimed at keeping the model relevant against competitors like the Mazda 3 (from $27,160 + ORCs) and Toyota Corolla (from $28,630 + ORCs).

A 360-degree camera system with blind-spot view (familiar to Staria, new Kona and others in the local portfolio) is added to the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan, as are additional USB-C ports, updated digital key functionality, revised climate control system and an optional built-in dash cam.

In South Korea, the i30 Sedan is now offered with Hyundai’s Bluelink range of connected services. The technology offers remote cabin temperature pre-conditioning, emergency services contact in the event of an accident, real-time fault detection, service booking, and navigation directions with real-time traffic information.

The updated i30 Sedan also gains a new side airbag design fitted to the rear seat.

While Vfacts data does not differentiate hatch and sedan sales, the latest sales figures show Hyundai has sold 2981 examples of the i30 to the end of February 2023.

The numbers place the South Korean importer in pole position within the Small passenger car under $40K segment, ahead of the Toyota Corolla (2330 units) and Mazda 3 (1385 units). The Kia Cerato and Subaru Impreza place fourth and fifth in the segment respectively with sales of 724 and 560 units.

Full pricing and specification details for the updated Hyundai i30 Sedan will be announced closer to the model’s local launch.

2023 Hyundai i30 Sedan pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.