HYUNDAI

Model i30 could become an SUV

After three generations as a successful compact in the Hyundai catalog, the i30 could undergo profound transformations in the next generation. According to a recent article by the Australians at Drive, the model will be able to say goodbye to the traditional bodywork and migrate to the SUV/Crossover segment.

Obviously, the idea will be to follow market trends and escape the poor commercial results of compacts. According to the media, the replacement should happen within two years, when the current i30's life cycle ends - launched in 2017 and with a restyling in 2021.

It seems that the internal current that supports the change is strong and important, especially given the commercial and strategic aspect of the issue, so it will not be surprising if this metamorphosis happens.

“The compact market is going down a lot, and it's definitely slowing down,” said Albert Biermann, former head of R&D at Hyundai Group and now the company's technical advisor.

“How much longer will we go with the i30? It's hard to say at this point. I don't know the current status of the decision. But, without a doubt, for the different regional markets there are different challenges and strategies”, added the now retired Biermann.

He also hinted that the i30 might continue to be offered in some markets (especially where it sells well, such as Australia), but that it will no longer be offered in others. Given the need to allocate resources to the development of electric and autonomous vehicles, it makes no sense to invest in the new generation of a car within a downhill segment.

“In certain markets, an electric vehicle is needed in this segment, so it would make sense to create a battery-powered SUV,” says Biermann. Therefore, it is clear that the transformation of the Hyundai catalog and that of other brands will be very important in the coming years.

Could it be a hypothetical IONIQ 4 that would replace the i30? Let's wait for the Korean brand to comment on this, but it is clear that the trends are what they are and are there, moreover, it is the customers who rule.

Autonews