Hyundai adds value to new-gen i30 range

HYUNDAI’S highly anticipated third-generation i30 hatchback will be $500 cheaper than the outgoing version in base Active guise when it rolls into showrooms next month.

The South Korean car-maker has confirmed five-specification grades – Active, SR, SR Premium, Elite and Premium – and three engines, including two petrols and one diesel for its redesigned i30 that competes directly with the segment-leading Toyota Corolla as well as the Mazda3, Holden Astra, Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf.

Hyundai has previously said it would step away from the sub-$20,000 driveaway pricing that had helped ensure that the outgoing model was a sales hit in Australia when the new model launched as it edges further up the segment.

The range kicks off from $20,950 plus on-road costs for the base Active six-manual, which Hyundai says adds about $2000 worth of additional features over the outgoing variant, as well as being $500 cheaper.

A six-speed auto adds $2300 to the Active, which is the only variant that uses Hyundai’s 2.0-litre GDi naturally aspirated petrol engine, delivering 120kW/203Nm – a 13kW/28Nm increase over the old 1.8-litre unit from the superseded model.

Hyundai has dropped the Active X variant, but the new Active will also be offered with the company’s 1.6-litre turbo-diesel unit that pumps out 100kW and 300Nm (280Nm in manual guise).

Pricing for this variant is $23,450 for the manual, while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission is a $2500 premium at $25,950.

This same powertrain is available, in dual-clutch-only guise, in higher grade Elite spec from $28,950 and flagship Premium from $33,950.

Hyundai’s spicy 150kW/265Nm 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine is offered in the sportier SR, priced from $25,950 for the manual and $28,950 for the dual clutch, while a more generously specified version – dubbed SR Premium – matches the $33,950 pricetag of the diesel Premium.

According to the Korean car-maker, the SR includes about $5000 worth of extras compared with the outgoing version for a $100 price increase, or $400 for the SR Premium.

Fuel economy is 7.3-7.4 litres per 100km for the 2.0-litre petrol, 4.5-4.7L/100km in the diesel and 7.5L/100km for the 1.6-litre unit.

The extra kit in Active guise over the superseded version includes integrated sat-nav with an 8.0-inch touchscreen that includes Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and DAB+ digital radio, automatic headlights, LED daytime running lights, hill start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system.

Other standard gear in the Active includes a 3.5-inch TFT instrument cluster, power windows, foglights, sunglasses compartment and a rear spoiler.

Safety wise it gets a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, seven airbags and an emergency stop signal, while the range has been awarded a five-star ANCAP crash safety rating.

From Elite onwards, the i30 gains Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), smart cruise control, blind spot detection, rear cross traffic alert, a forward collision warning and Lane Keeping Assist, except the SR manual which only gains some of these.

Elite and Premium grades have 17-inch alloy wheels, while the sporty SR and SR Premium have 18-inch hoops.

As well as the additional safety gear, the higher grades also feature leather appointed seats, steering wheel and gear knob, 10-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, front parking sensors, dual-zone climate control and rear air vents.

A safety Pack featuring AEB and other SmartSense safety systems will be offered on Active variants by the end of the year.

Metallic paint is a $495 option on all grades, while a $295 beige interior is offered on Elite and Premium and a panoramic sunroof is offered to SR and Elite buyers.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia chief executive officer JW Lee said the overall package of the new i30 would ensure it would remain a strong contender in the busy small car segment.

“We are immensely proud of the work our engineers and designers have done to create this car,” he said. “Through outstanding customer support, Hyundai will enhance the new i30’s ownership proposition even further, with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty, 10-year free map update plan for the satellite navigation system, a superb-value Lifetime Service Plan and outstanding roadside support.

“We feel confident this car will compete well with the best in the class and will appeal strongly to all Australian small car buyers.”2017 Hyundai i30 pricing*

Active 2.0 GDi	$20,950
Active 2.0 GDi (a)	$23,250
Active 1.6 CRDi	$23,450
Active 1.6 CRDi (a)	$25,950
SR 1.6 T-GDi	$25,950
SR 1.6 T-GDi (a)	$28,950
Elite 1.6 CRDi (a)	$28,950
Premium 1.6 CRDi (a)	$33,950
SR Premium 1.6 T-GDi (a)	$33,950

*Excludes on-road costs