Hyundai will Embrace the Fastback Design with its New i30 Model

By Miles Branman January 17, 2017

Hyundai of Europe has confirmed that the i30 model will grow into a family of vehicles, including some rather unique shapes.

Taking to Twitter, the Korean automaker snapped and shared a picture that timelines the car’s release in alternate body styles than the current five-door hatchback. Motor1 was first to share the news.

We’ve been expecting additional i30 models, including the Nurburgring-honed Hyundai i30 N that will battle Volkswagen’s Golf GTI/R and Ford’s Focus ST/RS, but the final figure shown in this product presentation is a bit of a surprise. Hyundai is calling it a Fastback, but the automotive world might be more familiar with the term “four-door coupe.” BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and other premium manufacturers have explored the four-door coupe profile, and now it appears mainstream automakers are trying their hand with the stylish design.

The Hyundai #i30 5 Door is the first of a family of cars pic.twitter.com/1sQcH8MJ4n

— Hyundai News (@HyundaiEurope) January 16, 2017

Hyundai’s production schedule puts the Fastback intro at just a year from now, in early 2018, meaning the wagon and i30 N are due before then. Other details are scarce, but you can be sure Hyundai will peg the Fastback as its most premium i30 model (in price and features). There’s also a chance that Hyundai’s luxury brand, Genesis, will create its own version of the four-door-coupe shape.

Before we see the wagon debut in Geneva and the i30 N in Frankfurt (most likely), Hyundai’s updated Elantra GT will bow at the Chicago Auto Show next month. The five-door model is expected to borrow a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder from the Veloster Turbo, detuned to about 130 horsepower.

It’s worth noting that Hyundai has yet to reveal a new Santa Fe, which competes in the booming midsize crossover field. Small car development is certainly important, but Hyundai’s timeline might cost it some market share to automakers that are putting a rush on new or updated crossovers.

Editors' Recommendations

Miles Branman developed a passion for cars early on thanks to a neighbor’s collection of rare and exotic vehicles. What…

Auto

Dodge Hornet R/T with PowerShot: It’s all about that torque

Dodge built a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle for your inner child

Red 2024 Dodge Hornet RT parked on a city street left front three-quarter view.

The transformation from cars with internal combustion engines (ICEs) to full battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) has different looks, depending on your perspective. The Stellantis Dodge division recently shared its perspective on electrification with a video that showcases its favorite feature from the 2024 Dodge Hornet R/T with Powershot, the brand's first plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV). The Inner Child Intervention video clarifies that, from Dodge's perspective, it's all about that torque.

Inner Child Intervention | Dodge Hornet R/T
Why the Dodge Hornet R/T with PowerShot matters

Auto

We love this Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition with Slippery Sam graphics

the Triumph Trident 660 Tribute is affordable and approachable for new riders.

Triumph Motorcycles, known for its successful 3-cylinder bikes, launched a special edition model with an iconic color scheme. The 2024 Triumph Trident 660 Triple Tribute will only be available for one year. The special edition has a special color-matched fly screen and belly pan. The Triumph Shift Assist option included with the Tribute edition will be especially attractive to new riders. Earlier this year, Triumph released another model based on the same engine, the 2024 Triumph Daytona 660 mid-weight sports bike.

Why the Triumph Trident 660 Special Edition matters

Auto

What does interval mean in Formula 1?

Time intervals have three different purposes in Formula 1.

Yuki Tsunoda driving a Formula One racecar for Scuderia AlphaTauri Honda.

Formula 1 racing is the top level of motorsports and is gaining fans rapidly in the United States. Since F1 racing began in 1950, it has always been an international competition. Formula 1 is governed by The Fedération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA). The FIA F1 Regulations specify the technical, sporting, and financial operations of the ten teams in each year's F1 season. Some people find F1 racing hard to understand because certain terms aren't used in typical ways. For example, the word "interval" has three meanings in F1 racing, all related to time between cars, but for different purposes. We break out the three meanings of time intervals below.
Why time intervals are important in F1 racing

The time gaps between cars in Formula 1 races are often measured in fractions of a second as 20 cars speed around tracks, often reaching speeds over 200 mph. Sometimes, the time difference between the first and last cars finishing a race can be just a few seconds, showing how closely they compete. It's not unusual for cars to finish within tenths or hundredths of a second of each other, so timing is crucial in F1 racing.