Hyundai i30: The 'European' Korean Car

Motoring Channel Staff - 3/October/2007

Melbourne, Australia — Hyundai has just launched it's new i30 small car in Australia, which will compete in the same market segment as vehicles like the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, and Ford Focus.

Here's the hook: "Styled in Germany, manufactured in Korea and optimised around Australia's unique driving conditions, the new Hyundai i30 is designed to excite the senses."

Hyundai is pushing the car's European style as one of the chief selling points, and why not? The thing does look pretty good. Priced from $18,990, it undercuts all of its rivals but at least $1,000, and according to the company was designed "to spearhead Hyundai’s growth in the European market".

Pricing for the Hyundai i30 is as follows:

Hyundai i30 SX:            $18,990 ($20,990 auto)
Hyundai i30 SX CRDi:   $21,490
Hyundai i30 SLX:          $23,490 ($25,490 auto)
Hyundai i30 SLX CRDi: $25,990
Hyundai i30 SR:            $26,490 ($28,490 auto)

The Korean car maker is also spruiking the cars economy, with diesel models outputting less C02 and using less fuel per 100km than every other diesel car in its class except the Citroen C4 SX HDi (which costs $30,990). The SX CRDi diesel i30 model is priced at $21,490 which is $6,500 less than its closest rival, making it by far the best value diesel car in Australia.

"The new i30 is a reflection of Hyundai’s world-class design capabilities with its inspired European styling, innovative iPod/USB-compatible audio and outstandingly frugal turbo-Diesel engine," said Hyundai's Director of sales and marketing, Kevin McCann.

"The i30 offers a suite of intelligent safety features and Australian-optimised suspension and steering, together with the class-leading quality and reliability for which Hyundai is increasingly recognised," added Mr McCann.

The two engine types on offer are the 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder petrol and 1.6-litre turbo diesel engines. The details are as follows:

2.0-litre petrol
Power: 105kW @ 6000rpm
Torque: 186Nm @ 4600rpm
Fuel Consumption: 7.3L/100km
Carbon Emissions: N/A

1.6-litre CRDi:
Power: 85kW @ 4000rpm
Torque: 255Nm @ 1900rpm
Fuel Consumption: 4.7L/100km
Carbon Emissions: 125g/km

The i30 CRDi is rated at a miserly 4.7 litres/100km, just 0.1 litre/100km more than the hybrid-electric Honda Civic. At present the diesel version are only available with the 5-speed manual gearbox, but Hyundai says that an automatic transmission will be available for the CRDi from early 2008. The petrol engine meanwhile comes with a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic (which returns 7.6L/100km).

As well as the keen pricing and frugal engines, the new Hyundai small cars come with a strong standard features list including air conditioning (with pollen filter), power windows on all doors, remote keyless entry with alarm and separate rear hatch opener, twin airbags, ABS, a roof console with map lights and sunglasses bin, iPod/MP3 player connectivity, USB compatible CD/MP3/WMA audio system with four speakers and 15-inch steel wheels.

Unlike the newly launch Mitsubishi Lancer, which features ESP as standard across the range, the entry-level SX models require buyers to purchase the 'Protectz' pack for $1,790 which adds ESP, TCS and the curtain and front-side airbags. In total the cost is $20,780, about $200 less than the entry-level Lancer.

The upper level SLX and SR Hyundai i30 models get steering wheel controls for audio and cruise control, allot wheels, front side and cabin side curtain airbags, front fog lights, auto climate control; leather steering wheel and gearshifter.

The range-topping i30 SR is the sports-luxury model in the range, adding 17-inch chrome wheels with 225/45 performance tyres, a body kit comprising side skirts and rear roof spoiler, leather trimmed seat bolsters, alloy sports pedals and an in-dash 6-CD stacker with a digital amplifier for premium sound quality.

The rear seat backrests are split 60/40 and fold forward to provide a large and versatile storage space, while with the seats in their normal position the boot has 340 litres of cargo space.

Along with a sportier suspension tune than Hyundai customers would be used to, the i30's chassis has been given special attention, calibrated for specifically for Australian driving conditions. According to Hyundai, "This involved refining i30's European settings to accommodate our multi-patched, lumpier, bumpier local roads."

Hyundai's i30 also features an MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering) which saves fuel by minimising energy loss compared to conventional hydraulic power steering. It is engine and road speed-sensitive and reads the driver’s steering wheel inputs and turning angle to optimise the level of assistance needed.

The front and rear disc brakes are quite large for a small car which should help improve stopping distances and measure 280mm and 262mm discs respectively.

As the world's 5th largest major automotive manufacturer, the Hyundai Automotive Group is one of the fastest growing auto brands in the world, and the new i30 has the makings of a top seller. We'll have full road tests of the new model before year's end, so stay tuned.

Related articles:
- Hyundai Santa Fe (Road Test)
- Hyundai Concept Genesis (2008)
- Hyundai Tucson
- Hyundai Vera Cruz
- Hyundai Getz (Road Test)
- Hyundai Elantra