Hyundai reveals first photos of new i30

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Company revealed the first photos of its new-generation C-segment hatchback, the i30, ahead of the car's world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) next week.

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to build on the remarkable success of the original model – the company's first car launched with the 'i' prefix, introducing a new nomenclature and heralding a new era for Hyundai in Europe.

The original i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company's manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive five stars from Euro NCAP.

After its July 2007 launch, the i30 went on to increase its sales in Europe every year, attracting 115,000 buyers in 2010 – the highest-ever annual sales figure for an individual Hyundai model in Europe – and achieving total sales of more than 350,000 units up to mid-2011.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new-generation i30 represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, 'fluidic sculpture', displaying the company's distinctive design DNA.

Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented, ''The new-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights.  These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury.''