Hyundai i30 Blue

Watch out, Ford. Hyundai is set to take on the latest Focus ECOnetic with a green version of its new i30. The company has revealed that a sub-100g/km Blue model will join the family car line-up at launch early next year.

Efficiency gains will come from stop-start technology, low-rolling-resistance tyres, a special engine management system and a revamped version of the company’s 1.6-litre diesel engine.

Bosses are staying tight-lipped on fuel economy and emissions figures, confirming only that CO2 output will dip below the 100g/km mark. But they say the diesel will churn out an impressive 126bhp. That will give it the class’s best power-to-economy ratio, Hyundai claims.

The Blue eco line-up currently comprises versions of the i10, i20 and i40, but there are no plans for an electric model in the next few years. Alan Rushforth, chief of Hyundai Europe, told Auto Express: “Our plan is founded on the internal combustion engine.”

The firm is confident the new i30 will build on the success of the current model. A range of premium options should help it achieve that – touchscreen sat-nav, dual-zone climate control, a panoramic sunroof and a reversing camera hidden in the Hyundai badge are all available. A Flexsteer system – providing Comfort, Normal and Sport modes for the power-steering – will complement the sporty looks.

Insiders have also hinted to Auto Express that a three-door model is in the pipeline. This is expected to debut at next March’s Geneva Motor Show.

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