Three new Hyundais were launched at KLIMS13, but the i40 Sedan, i40 Tourer and Tucson Facelift weren't the only new metal on display at Hyundai-Sime Darby Motor's booth - they also previewed the i30 and Veloster Turbo.
First seen in late-2011, this i30 five-door hatchback is the second generation carrying the name, replacing a competent but bland car. It competes in the competitive VW Golf and Ford Focus segment in Europe, along with its Kia-badged cee'd cousin and Japanese entrants Honda Civic and Toyota Auris. It is also sold in the US as the Elantra GT.
The display unit is powered by a 145 PS, 175Nm 1.8 litre 'Nu' MPI engine mated to Hyundai's own six-speed automatic, With a 2.0 GDI version now available (it was launched in Australia in August) and HSDM starting to bring in the naturally-aspirated gasoline direct injection engine with the i40 range, one would think that the i30 will follow suit, but not for now at least.
The CBU imported i30 will come with a panoramic glass roof, smart welcome system, Flex Steer (three steering weights to choose from), a hidden reverse camera and electric parking brake, leather seats, among other things. In terms of safety, it will get 6 airbags and ESP stability control. To be launched in the first quarter of 2014, order books for this model are now open.
The other 'coming soon' car is the Veloster Turbo, the hot version of Hyundai's unique 2+1 door coupe. The Veloster was launched in Malaysia one year ago with the sole engine choice of a 1.6 litre Gamma D-CVVT engine with 132 PS/158 Nm.
The Veloster Turbo takes things up a few notches with a 1.6 Turbo GDI engine that pushes out 201 hp and 264 Nm, according to HSDM. These figures are US-spec, which is more than the UK-spec car's 186 PS/265 Nm. Our northern neighbour Thailand also gets the 186 PS car.
No timeframe or invitation to book, but this one should be coming anytime in 2014 - we've already spotted a white example being tested by the JPJ.
GALLERY: Hyundai i30 Hatchback
GALLERY: Hyundai Veloster Turbo
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