Hyundai will momentarily halt i30 hatchback orders for the transition between Korea and Europe, with a mild hybrid model under development.

The Hyundai i30 hatch, a popular choice among Australian car buyers, is set to undergo significant changes starting next year. Here's a rundown of what you can expect.

Currently, the i30 hatch models sourced from the Czech plant are the high-performance i30 N hatch. However, production of the i30 hatch in Korea will come to an end in December 2023. This marks the end of an era, as Australia was the last foreign market to receive the i30 hatch from Korea.

The production shift to Europe is imminent, scheduled for 2024. This change, unfortunately, is likely to make the i30 hatch more expensive due to the associated costs. The exchange rate could pose a challenge in maintaining the same price points for the i30 hatch in Australia.

Hyundai Australia is hopeful that buyers will not turn to the related Kia Cerato instead of the i30 hatch. If buyers opt for other brands, potential competitors could include the Toyota Corolla or Mazda 3.

The i30 hatch models produced in Europe are expected to feature 48V Mild-hybrid engines. The i30 Hatch range in Europe will open with an 88kW/172Nm 1.0-litre turbo petrol three-cylinder engine. The revised version of the Hyundai i30 Hatchback to be delivered in Australia from 2024 is also produced by Hyundai Motor Company and will feature a 48V mild-hybrid 117kW/253Nm 1.5-litre turbo petrol four engine in N-Line models.

The delay in the transition to European production will result in a brief pause on sales of the Hyundai i30 hatch. However, the good news is that the pause will only last until March 2024.

The facelifted Hyundai i30 hatch is expected to improve on both interior and exterior changes compared to its previous update. While the specifics are yet to be revealed, it's safe to anticipate a more modern and stylish design.

Interestingly, the i30 N-Line hatch in Europe will produce less power than its Australian counterpart. While the Australian version delivers 150kW and 265Nm, the European version will offer 117kW and 253Nm.

On a brighter note, the i30 sedan, riding on a newer platform than the i30 hatch, starts at $26,000. If you're looking for a compact SUV, the Venue starts at $21,990 as a manual and $23,900 with an auto. Meanwhile, the base price of the second-generation Kona in Australia is now $32,000, an increase of $5100 over the previous model.

In conclusion, the Hyundai i30 hatch is set for a transformation in 2024, with changes including a shift in production, a brief sales pause, and the introduction of mild-hybrid engines. Although there are challenges ahead, such as maintaining price points and competing with other popular compact cars, the facelifted i30 hatch is expected to offer improved design and performance.