The i30 Sedan is very different from the i30 Hatch that we know and love, at least for now. The new sedan actually replaces the old Elantra and the new name also brings a completely different design, different interior and a different platform. It seems that this is the direction the i30 Hatch will follow soon.

Judging by our first look, we’re looking forward to it.

The new design is based on the work of Luc Donckerwolke, a person responsible for the design of some of the most amazing sports cars around, including a more recent Lamborghini lineup. The sporty lines are more than obvious, making the compact sedan much more enticing. While the modern grille and sharp cuts are great, I have to point out the rear section which is among the best designs on the market. The N-Line variant is even more hardcore with larger wheels, blacked out details, twin exhaust tips and other hints that separate it from the already beautiful but less sporty i30 Sedan.

On the inside the i30 Sedan also sustained significant changes. Tech is significantly improved, including a lovely new infotainment screen and the car looks more modern, but also sportier, more dedicated to the driver with a horizontal theme and a grab handle that serves as a separator, making the driver feel like in a cockpit.

However, other passengers also won’t feel neglected. They get a lot more space, especially in the back. The new car is wider and longer with a longer wheelbase and a surprising amount of legroom for something called compact.

On the powertrain front, the engines offered initially include a 1.6 turbo with 150 kW and 265 Nm familiar from the N-Line i30 Hatch and a 2.0 naturally aspirated MPI petrol engine with 117 kW and 191 Nm a bit higher in the rpm range. Yes, the turbo is the one to go for in every respect, but the 2.0 is more than sufficient for everyday driving.

So far there are three trim levels, starting with Active, going up to Elite we drove recently and finishing off with the sporty N-Line we got acquainted with in Sydney last week. While the N-Line is obviously the more sporty variant both in terms of design, suspension and powertrain, the proper i30 N Sedan is very likely to come for the ultimate i30 driving pleasure. Looking forward to it.

If you are interested in learning more about the all-new i30 Sedan, below you will find a few videos showing our full review of the i30 Sedan Elite, our closer look a the i30 Sedan N-Line and a direct comparison between the facelifted i30 Hatch and the all-new i30 Sedan. Yes, that’s already very nice, you’re welcome, but the best is yet to come.