Good/bad news. The Hyundai i30 has won two prestigious awards at the Automotive
Brand Contest. These are the “Best Interior” and “Best Exterior” titles. That is the good
news. The bad news is that I must now subject you to design language. Hyundai, you see,
claims the “car’s exterior styling advances the brand’s fluidic sculpture philosophy”. Errrr,
okay. Also, the manufacturer says that the i30 has a “confident attitude through dynamic
proportions”. Okay again. Sorry to make you read that.
But despite the peculiar design
terms the i30 is attractive. It certainly looks modern and more memorable than many rivals.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe,
said: “Recognition from the German Design Council is further evidence of the
transformation in Hyundai design in recent years. He added: “New Generation i30 is
the best example yet of our focus on conceiving vehicles that match the aspirations of
European consumers as part of our product localisation strategy.”
The Hyundai i30 Hatchback has strengths which complement its looks. These include the
sure-footed handling, comfortable ride, and the spacious 378-litre boot that swallows its
trophies. This mile-muncher has a nice equipment specification too. Even the base trim
has an electronic stability programme for safer cornering, air-con for comfort, and MP3
playback for entertainment. Top-end trims have parking sensors and cruise control too -
and motorists can specify extras such as leather and metallic paint. All from £14,500 to
£19,295. Not bad for a car with a five year warranty. But please, no more design language.
By Stephen Turvil
Tue, 28 Aug 2012
khaled ElTayeb Ibrahim Commented: