Once again offered in five-door hatch, estate and four-door fastback bodystyles, the i30’s exterior updates is restricted to new LED daytime running lights and an redesigned front bumper as well as two new colour options for the former pair; Olivine Grey and Stellar Blue, while on the inside, Hyundai now offers its new eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and satellite navigation.

With the addition of the sporty N Line trim in July, Hyundai has also introduced updates to the i30’s range of engines, with petrol models joining diesel variants in gaining a particulate filter to conform to Euro 6d Temp emissions regulations. This also includes the performance N model with the oil burner also adding an exhaust fluid after treatment system to the mix.

On the power front, the i30 becomes the first to gain Hyundai’s new Smartstream diesel engine, which displaces 1.6-litre and comes in three outputs; 70kW, 85kW and 100kW with a six-speed manual gearbox standard on all, and a seven-speed dual-clutch optional on the mid-range and top-spec outputs. No changes to the existing range of petrol engines have been done.

In spite of the updates, its remains to be seen whether Hyundai South Africa will see it fit to finally bring the i30 to market, but if it does, expect the line-up to be a petrol only affair with the estate, fastback and N not slated for introduction.