By: IOL Motoring Staff
High Wycombe, UK - Hyundai is exploring the sportier side of the hatch market with its two latest European offerings, the i20 Coupe and i30 Turbo.
Designed and engineered in Europe, the new i20 Coupe is not just a three-door afterthought - it's a far more distinct design complete with raked A, B and C-pillars that are distinctly different from those on the five-door model.
The further set it apart, Hyundai will offer it with a unique Tangerine Orange colour, with matching interior, and a new 17-inch wheel design. No pictures of the orange version have been released as yet.
There's nothing too potent in the way of engine options, the most powerful for now being Hyundai's 74kW normally aspirated 1.4 petrol, but Hyundai is promising a turbocharged 1-litre three-cylinder petrol option for the tail end of next year.
The new i20 will reach South Africa in five-door form in February 2015, and we're still awaiting word on whether the Coupe is also scheduled for release further down the line.
What the i20 lacks in performance terms for now, however, the facelifted version of its i30 bigger brother is more than happy to make up for with its new i30 Turbo flagship model.
This one is powered by a 1.6-litre direct injection turbopetrol engine, developing 137kW at 5500rpm and 265Nm from 1500rpm. According to Hyundai, it'll dash from 0-100km/h in eight seconds and reach a top speed of 219km/h. Though it's clearly no GTI rival, this warm hatch is certainly a step in the right direction for Hyundai.
To complement the extra urge, the i30 Turbo comes with a distinctive exterior design package, 18-inch alloys and firmer suspension.
The rest of the i30 range has also undergone a small facelift, as you'll see in the last picture in the gallery, and Hyundai has improved efficiency across the range.