HYUNDAI BOLD I30 IS KEY CHALLENGER IN COMPACT SEGMENT HYUNDAI hopes a bolder design will help its new-generation i30 hatchback compete better against rivals in Europe’s compact segment such as the Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus. The new i30 has Hyundai’s signature front face, a hexagonal shaped front grille, along with jewel-like front headlamps, designed to give the car “a sense of refinement and luxury,” said Thomas Buerkle, Hyundai Europe’s chief designer. Giving the i30 a refined look is in keeping with Hyundai’s aim to go upscale into what it calls a “modern premium” position. The i30 will be important in helping Hyundai to reach its goal of boosting its European sales to 500,000 by 2013, up 10 percent from 2010. “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle’s position as our best seller in Europe,” said Allan Rushforth, Hyundai Europe’s chief operating officer. The new i30 likely will go on sale in February. IAA 2011 POCKET GUIDE 37