Hyundai i30 (2011) at Frankfurt motor show

Hyundai is showing off the new i30 hatchback at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show. It's the first of the Hyundai-Kia twins - the new Kia Ceed lands in spring 2012.

The i30 is Hyundai's C-segment Focus rival, and its replacement marks the start of a challenging new era for Hyundai; the i30 was the first car to wear the 'i' prefix, and its subsequent replacement means the company has come full circle.

Kia's in the same boat. The Ceed was arguably the first car to put Kia on the map - now both companies must replace the cars that made us think seriously of them, and the pressure' on.

The new i30 has again been engineered and designed in Europe, at the company's Russelsheim HQ in Germany.

The company says this is the latest iteration of Hyundai's fluidic sculpture form language.

Chief Euro designer Thomas Bürkle said: 'The new-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights. 

'These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury.'

Not yet. They will be revealed tomorrow at the car's unveiling at the 2011 Frankfurt motor show.

Hyundai has sold more than 350,000 i30s in Europe to date.

By Tim Pollard