Designed, engineered and built in Europe for Europeans, Hyundai has cottoned onto the idea that the aforementioned citizens actually want cars with more than just a dash of flair, thus the decision to replace the rather ordinary-looking current i30 with the far more imaginative creation that you see here.
Although the first pictures were already released before the show, Hyundai officially took the wraps off of its new Golf and Focus rival at the Frankfurt show today, also disseminating more information in the process.
The most modern rendition, to date, of Hyundai's contemporary 'fluidic scuplture' design theme, the new i30 goes on sale in Europe early next year and is expected to reach South Africa during the second half of next year.
However, we're unlikely to get as wide a range of engines as the European market, those buyers enjoying a choice between three petrols and three diesels, available with manual and automatic six-speed transmissions.
The range kicks off with a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol good for 73kW and 137Nm, while the mid-range option is an 88kW/156Nm 1.6-litre motor. Topping the petrol line-up is a 99kW/164Nm Gamma engine with direct fuel injection.
A range of highly economical diesels will also be available, comprising of a 66kW/220Nm 1.4 and a 1.6 with output levels of 81kW/260Nm and 94kW/260Nm. Hyundai will also be offering the 'Blue Drive' sub-brand, which adds a number of measures including idle-stop technology, low-rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator management system - all resulting in CO2 emissions as low as 100g/km in the 1.6 diesel variant.
The new i30 also sees some useful improvement inside and the more spacious cabin is also said to be more refined and better equipped. The 'TFT Supervision' cluster, for instance, provides a wide range of essential information to the driver in high-resolution clarity and drivers can even adjust the level of power assistance in the steering via Hyundai's new Flex Steer option that offers three modes.