Hyundai’s new system of naming its models with the “i” prefix was unveiled to the world at this spring’s Geneva Motor Show.

The new model is the hatchback, called the i30. The model was developed entirely for the European market, with the preferences of European customers playing a decisive role.

The “i” index stands for “inspiration”, “intelligence” and “innovation”.

The elegant five-door hatchback is shown for the first time in Bulgaria at the 17th Sofia Motor Show. Specialists see the model as having great potential, because Hyundai has abandoned the design lines typical for Korean manufacturers, have tended to make their vehicles look somewhat old-fashioned (lately this has become a trend with the Koreans; look at the Kia cee’d).  

The i30 is not just the result of a superficial cosmetic operation, but is an entirely new vehicle that does not fit into the style of the company’s present range.

Its enlarged dimensions mean that the i30 will be able to steal customers from the popular mid-size segment.

The smaller petrol engine of the i30 is a 1.4-litre with 109 hp. Next is the 1.6-litre engine with 122 hp, and third is the powerful 143 hp engine.

The i30 offers two 1.6-litre diesel engines of 90 hp and 115 hp, respectively. There is an option of a  2-litre diesel engine with 136 hp. These engines can be combined with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai’s i30 will be offered with four levels of accessories.