The updated Hyundai i30 - a rival to the new Mazda3 hatchback.

The upgrade focuses primarily on technology, refining the engine, refreshing the interior, adding a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission option, and has a starting price of $23,500.

The Hyundai i30 upgrade focuses primarily on the engine to increase performance and efficiency. Additionally, for the first time, the 2015 i30 offers a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission option. While the exterior only features minor changes to the front bumper, similar to the new i40, the Korean automaker has also focused on refreshing the interior with new materials and technologies.

The updated Hyundai i30.

The entry-level 2015 i30, bearing the "S" logo, is priced at $23,500 and comes with a 98-horsepower 1.4-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, or a 108-horsepower 1.6-liter CRDi Blue Drive diesel engine for $26,600. This version replaces the Classic model. Standard features on the i30 S include keyless entry, USB/AUX/Bluetooth connectivity, steering wheel controls, and automatic climate control.

Sharing the same engine as the i30 S, the $25,500 "SE" version comes standard with 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob. Customers can also opt for the $1,500 SE NAV package, which includes satellite navigation and a rearview camera.

Interior of the 2015 Hyundai i30.

The i30 Premium, the top-of-the-line version priced at $31,400, is equipped with a 1.6-liter gasoline engine producing 118 horsepower or a diesel engine producing 134 horsepower. Standard features on the Premium version include 17-inch alloy wheels, HID headlights, heated leather steering wheel and seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, and keyless entry.

To compete with the Peugeot 308 GT, Hyundai launched the i30 Turbo, which uses a new 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 183 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 96 km/h in 8 seconds. The i30 Turbo has a three-door body style and is priced at $34,800.

Standard equipment on the i30 Turbo includes a sport body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with red stitching, a sport suspension, satellite navigation, sport leather seats, and LED taillights. The i30 Turbo is also available in a 5-door version.

With the optional 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, i30 models offer more efficient fuel consumption and better acceleration. This transmission also helps reduce CO2 emissions for the 1.6-liter CRDi Blue Drive diesel engine from 145 g/km to 109 g/km.

Besides the Peugeot 308 GT, the 2015 Hyundai i30's rivals include the new Mazda3 hatchback and the Ford Focus. Customers in Europe can place orders from the end of February and receive their vehicles in March.

According to VNE