Hyundai has unveiled the i30 Fastback which goes on sale in early 2018.

The manufacturer says the i30 Fastback is the first elegant five-door coupe to enter the compact segment.

Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Design Centre Europe, said: “When designing the i30 Fastback we played with the proportions of the i30 range by reducing the height of the Cascading Grille and lowering the roof line. The elegant silhouette is further emphasised by the generously arched rear spoiler shape. Our team was able to achieve a pure design, which combines the sports car spirit with the comfort of a luxurious sedan. With this innovative approach to compact cars, we enable our customers to make an expressive statement when driving the Fastback.”

The roof has been lowered by 25mm compared with the i30 five-door, enhancing the car’s wide stance on the road, improving aerodynamics and creating a dramatic impression.

To improve handling the chassis of the i30 Fastback has been lowered by 5mm and the stiffness of the suspension has been increased by 15%.

The powertrain line-up of the i30 Fastback consists of two downsized turbocharged petrol engines, which were newly launched in the i30 range. 

Customers can choose between the 1.4-litre T-GDI engine with 140PS or the 1.0-litre T-GDI three-cylinder engine with 120PS.

Hyundai expects the car to achieve between 51 and 56mpg with CO2 emissions of 115-125g/km.

The brand’s efficient 1.6-litre diesel engine will also be available with two power outputs: 110PS and 136 PS. Both versions will be available with a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual clutch transmission.