√2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan facelift unveiled, due in Australia this year

The mid-life update for Hyundai’s Toyota Corolla sedan rival has debuted in its home market ahead of first Australian arrivals by the end of the year.

The first official photos of the 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan facelift have been released in South Korea, ahead of its Australian arrival in the second half of this year.

Changes to the updated i30 Sedan – formerly known as the Elantra, and still badged Avante in South Korea – are largely cosmetic, with a new front end, revised rear styling, and a new interior trim colour.

The i30 Sedan will play an increasingly crucial role than ever in Hyundai’s local line-up, as the i30 hatchback is slated to be phased out in the coming years, amid declining sales globally.

Due in Australia in the second half of 2023, Drive understands a choice of 2.0-litre petrol standard models, 1.6-litre turbo-petrol N Line, and 2.0-litre turbo-petrol i30 Sedan N variants will be retained. Pricing is due closer to launch.

However, Hyundai Australia may use the facelift to introduce a hybrid version – as available in overseas markets since 2020 – which in the US claims fuel use of 4.7 litres per 100 kilometres.

New for the updated Hyundai i30 Sedan is a restyled front fascia, with slimmer LED headlights, a wider grille and new lower air intakes.

There appear to be new 18-inch alloy wheels, tweaked trim on the rear window pillars, and a new rear bumper with a silver garnish. The mirrors also appear to house modules for a 360-degree, surround-view camera.

Inside, changes appear to be limited to a new green seat upholstery option for the South Korean market. The instrument display and infotainment touchscreen appear to be unchanged at 10.25 inches each.

Australia is expected to retain a choice of a 117kW/191Nm 2.0-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder, a 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre turbo four-cylinder in the N Line, and a 206kW/392Nm 2.0-litre turbo four-cylinder in the high-performance N.

Drive understands the range may expand with an i30 Sedan Hybrid, with a 1.6-litre non-turbo petrol four-cylinder engine, 34kW electric motor, compact battery, and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Combined outputs are rated at 104kW and 265Nm, while in the US it claims to sip 4.7L/100km – compared to 3.9L/100km for a Toyota Corolla Hybrid sedan.

The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan is due in Australian showrooms by the end of this year. More details are due closer to launch – including pricing.

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