PD

Hyundai switched to its third-generation i30 in May 2017 when it introduced its latest wholly five-door hatchback and South Korean-built small car range.

The ‘PD’ i30 moved from a smoother iteration of the brand’s fluidic sculpture exterior design to a more subtle and sharp version capped by a prominent grille said to be in the shape of poured molten steel. Inside, vertical design cues gave way to a horizontal theme.

Three engines were made available, with the 2.0-litre petrol four-cylinder reserved for the entry Active, which was also optionally available with a 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder that became the sole offering for up-spec Elite and Premium model grades. A new 1.6-litre turbo petrol four-cylinder greeted the sporty SR and SR Premium equivalents.

Only the petrols were available with six-speed manual, while the 2.0-litre also had a six-speed automatic option. Both 1.6-litre engines scored a seven-speed dual-clutch alternative.

The Active included 16-inch alloy wheels, auto on/off headlights and an 8.0-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation, digital radio and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring, while the Elite and SR each added leather trim, dual-zone climate control, keyless auto-entry, blind-spot monitor and autonomous emergency braking (AEB) with active cruise control and lane-keep assistance for automatic models only.

The flagship Premium and SR Premium added a panoramic sunroof, full leather trim with heated and ventilated front seats and an electrically adjustable driver’s seat. But only both SR models received 18-inch alloy wheels (versus 17s on Elite/Premium) and an independent rear suspension (IRS) set-up.