Reference Auto

South Korean car maker Hyundai Motor’s trump card for the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new i30, has finally been unveiled, gettting a refurbished look compared to its predecessor the Elantra, which failed to make it big in the US market.

The Korean carmaker, which has designed this version of the i30 based on the company’s new Fluidic Sculpture technology, is tightlipped on the engine that would propel the new i30 or even the price.

It is expected that the company will unveil further details on the i30 in the US later this year.

Besides the Fluidic Sculpture design approach, the materials of the interiors in the i30 are also of high-end category.

In a statement, Hyundai hoped the new generation i30 will build on the success of the previous models and also give a fillip to sales of its i-series cars.

According to Hyundai, the original i30 was designed and engineered in Europe and rolled out of its factory in the Czech Republic in 2007.

The previous version of the i30 has been doing quite well in Europe with Hyundai last year selling 115,000 i30s in the continent, making it Hyundai’s highest-selling car.

Unlike the US and even in Europe, Hyundai has seen roaring success in countries such as India, where two of its models, the i10 and i20 are among the highest-selling cars in the country and where it has even dislodged Maruti Suzuki, the country’s highest car seller, in exports.

So far as Europe goes, Hyundai will have to differentiate its product (read the i30) to take on the likes of Volkswagen, Ford, Skoda, Toyota and Mazda and rev up sales to the 200,000-mark.

More unique features will be needed if Hyundai has to put the i30 among the top contenders in Europe.

For instance, the i30 comes with something known as Flex Steer, which is a control that varies the electric power steering assist to three modes, namely Comfort, Normal and Sport. This is a plus and more such plusses will be needed.

In Europe, six engine types are available, three gasoline and three diesel models. Power in these models varies from 89 to 133 horsepower.

While Huyndai has readied the i30 for the US and Europe markets, it will be prudent if the Korean company can bring the i30 to India at the earliest.

Hyundai’s big cars like the Verna haven’t really done too well despite a design overhaul. But the i-series cars have seen phenomenal sales, and now, Indian car buyers are waiting with baited breath for the i30.

If Hyundai can manufacture the i30 domestically (the car is being manufactured in Europe now), say within the next six months, it will bring down costs and Hyundai will be able to offer the car at a very competitive price, and this way, it could garner substantial numbers and earnings from emerging markets like India.