Hot Hyundai i30 kitted out

Called the Sport Package, it’s a set of aftermarket styling enhancements and suspension tweaks designed to give the Korean maker’s new Ford Focus rival the hot hatch treatment.

Although there are no engine upgrades, the changes certainly pro-vide the i30 with a sharper look. The bodykit comprises spoilers all-round, plus lowered side sills, a black plastic grille cover and twin exhausts.

The Sport Package also includes 17-inch alloy wheels – with 18-inch versions available as an option – while the suspension gets shortened springs. These lower the ride height and give the i30 more direct, sporty handling. The enhancements are from tuning company MS Design, but buyers after official Hyundai styling accessories will only have to wait until Christmas, when the company will announce a whole range of spoilers, bodykits and alloy wheel designs for the i30.

Meanwhile, the model’s sister car, the Kia Cee’d, will be available from 2008 in hot hatch form, with an ‘XR’ badge, racy looks and increased performance.