Motor Review Australia

Hyundai i30 Fastback: The Risky Challenge of Reviving Coupe Designs

We already met the fantastic i30 N and, shortly after, Hyundai presented us the i30 Fastback for the first time. This creation belongs to the unconventional idea of mixing the vintage coupe form factor with an eclipsed sporty cover.

Taking the i30 N as a starting point, the Hyundai i30 Fastback receives the roof line and submerge it to adopt a more dynamic shape, captivating a big audience with these sporty details. Lately, that has been something that only high-end brands dare to do.

The Bet of the Fine Hybrid

Leaving behind obvious details, we should highlight the front fascia with a lower front grille fused to a roof knocked down by 25 millimeters in comparison with the previously established “five doors” model, creating this way what we call a more vigorous style.

Rare but still gorgeous, Hyundai assures that this is the first five-doors coupe in the compact division. At first sight, the idea turns quite odd. Sporty elements in a luxury sedan just don’t work that easy. However, what the brand had in mind seemed to have taken the right shape and is now very attractive.

The horizontal lines appear to be even more important, aiming to deliver the impression of being very close to the ground. With a remarkable front spoiler and LED daytime running lights at the front fascia, we are naturally attracted to its appearance. An integrated spoiler on the boot lid that comes from the headlights gives it an authentic personality.

Evolving with Time

As the N version, the i3 Fastback has been tested on the famous Nürburgring race track, located in Germany. The result of these track tests is a chassis lowered around 5 millimeters and a 15-percent stiffer suspension for enhanced agility.

The tear-shaped model makes us remember to the similar form factor of the Honda CR-Z or the Toyota Prius. When we talk about Hyundai, we point out directly to efficiency. The available options to get for the 2018 i30 Fastback are a 1.0-liter inline-3 engine with 118 horsepower or a turbocharged 1.4-liter inline-4 that generates up to 138 horsepower.

Another choice you might be interested in is the turbocharged Diesel 1.6-liter four-cylinder in different tuning options (108 and 134 horsepower) with manual or dual-clutch gearboxes preferences.

Of course, Hyundai isn’t going to stay back in terms of technology. Offering a few technological features, like the ones on the i30 line, buyers can get a 5.0-inch or 8.0-inch touchscreen along with the infotainment system. We also have an advanced cruise control, a rearview camera, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility.

It hasn’t changed much in the interior, at least in comparison with other high-end models we already know, but we know for sure that the Hyundai i30 Fastback maintains the outstanding quality that this brand always delivers.

We are still waiting for its release date but it’s expected to be early next year. Making some calculations between both the i3 hatch and the i3 tourer models, it could cost around AU$27,000.

Sources:
https://www.motorpasion.com/compactos/hyundai-i30-fastback-2018
https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/hyundai-i30-fastback-unveiled-ahead-2018-launch
http://www.motorauthority.com/news/1111521_2018-hyundai-i30-fastback-reveals-its-sleek-silhouette

Roy Ellery (MotorReview.com.au)

Roy Ellery is the founder of Motor Review Australia. Founding the website MotorReview.com.au in 2017.

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