Hyundai is planning a sporty i30

After both Hyundai and Kia managed in recent years to finally get their products noticed around half the world and leave behind their sole role as “cheap appliances,” both South Korean brands are ready to take their next step. The reason is that if the first wants to compete with the automotive groups that operate with the highest sales volumes worldwide, it has to cover every segment, including the “spicier” one.

It is true that the Genesis Coupé and the new Veloster are headed in the right direction, but the more practical models cannot be left out of the equation, something other manufacturers have learned very well. The head of Hyundai’s European division, Allan Rushforth, confirmed to the British magazine Autocar that they are discussing the development of a high-performance version of the i30.

To start with, it is logical that the new generation of the compact designed in Europe, about to reach dealerships across the old continent, will receive it first. Likewise, this variant would initially be reserved for the three-door bodywork, which goes on sale at the end of 2012 and would wear a considerably sportier look than the conventional version of the next generation.

This i30 will be powered by the new 1.6 Turbo engine producing around 200 CV, which will be shared with the Veloster in mid-next year and with Kia. That’s right, the sister brand of Hyundai has exactly the same plans for the Cee’d, which is entirely understandable given how much it has in common with the i30. If they turn out as interesting as the Genesis or the Kia GT, it will be clear that the GTI segment will have to make room for two new members.

Via | Autocar