What's the news?

Hyundai has unveiled the three-door i30 ahead of its world debut at the Paris Motor Show in a couple of weeks. The new three-door variant joins the existing five-door and Tourer estate versions of Hyundai's popular i30 model.

Exterior

Hyundai claims to have restyled the three-door i30 towards a slightly sportier image; and that is evident immediately from the revised window line. Angular side windows and a more-sloped roofline echo the theme of the Mégane Coupé; and the styling changes don't end there. The front grille has new mesh detailing and a larger bar running through the middle, while the five-door's fog lamp cluster has gone, replaced by spot fog lights and a strip of LED daytime running lights.

At the back, the lower bumper area has been redesigned and now sports a black insert along the bottom edge. The existing vertical fog lights now lie horizontally too. The refreshed look is finished off with new 16-inch alloy wheels.

Interior

As yet, no word has been given regarding interior changes; so expect to see the existing range of high quality equipment levels and comfort - including Hyundai's adjustable Flex Steer system - currently available in the other i30 models.

Mechanicals

All i30s are available with four engine choices developing five different power outputs; with both six-speed manual and automatic gearboxes. Hyundai is highlighting the 1.6-litre 'U-II' diesel engine as being the gem of the range however; as it develops 128hp but only emits 97g/km of CO₂, offering a favourable power-to-efficiency ratio.

Anything else?

As with the other i30 models, buyers of the three-door version will benefit from Hyundai's Five Year Triple Care - comprising of a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, five years' roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks. Final trim levels and prices have yet to be announced, but we expect to learn more at the official unveiling in Paris on Thursday 27th September.