All-new Hyundai i30 on sale

Hyundai has launched its second-generation i30 hatch in Australia with a feature-rich equipment list, updated styling, new or revised drivetrains for improved performance and fuel efficiency, and a pricetag that starts just under $21,000.

Designed at the company's European Technical Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new i30 starts at $20,990. That buys you a six-speed manual 1.8-litre petrol i30 Active. The range tops out at a Euro-like $32,590 for the 1.6-litre turbodiesel i30 Premium auto.

Embracing Hyundai's now-trademark 'fluidic sculpture' styling, the new i30 locks in step with the Elantra sedan. Performance and economy gains stem from the car's drivetrain changes and the i30 has just been rated five-star worthy for crash safety by Euro NCAP, before it even reaches the local market.

The crash test improvement is due primarily to the company's choice of Ultra High Strength Tensile Steel for the car's construction, but is also due in part to a raft of active safety features including a reversing camera for mid and high-range models and reverse parking sensors for all variants.

Other safety features fitted as standard run to seven airbags (dual front, front-seat side impact, side curtains and kneebag for driver), ABS/EBD, Brake Assist and traction and stability control.

Trim levels have been renamed and now comprise 'Active, Elite and 'Premium'. All three are available in different variants with the choice of the new 1.8-litre 'Nu' petrol engine or the revised 1.6-litre 'U2' four-cylinder turbodiesel. In addition to a six-speed manual their is the option of a sequential-shift automatic – also six-speed.

The flagship i30 Premium can be specified with either engine, but is the only level of trim that cannot be ordered with the manual transmission.

According to Hyundai, the new petrol engine (110kW/178Nm) develops 4.8 per cent more power than the previous model's 2.0-litre. The 1.8 is also 9.7 per cent more economical when specified with the manual transmission (6.5L/100km, or 6.9 for the auto). All alloy in construction, the engine features dual variable valve timing for optimum efficiency.

For the updated diesel (94kW/260Nm), the power is 10.6 per cent improved and the fuel economy in combined-cycle testing (4.5L/100km manual, 5.6L/100km auto) shows a 3.4 per cent gain when the engine is coupled to the automatic transmission.

The new i30 gets suspension and steering specifically calibrated for the Australian market, say Hyundai. Sachs dampers are featured and the i30 also introduces Flex-Steer, which is a three-mode program for the electrically-assisted steering. Drivers can choose from Comfort, Normal or Sport modes on the move.

Standard features across the i30 range include: Bluetooth/audio streaming, cruise control, tilt/reach-adjustable steering, electric windows/mirrors (auto-down for driver's side), remote keyless entry and four-speaker audio with five-inch touchscreen, single-disc CD, USB/AUX input and steering wheel controls.

Starting at the entry level, the i30 Active rolls on 16-inch steel wheels and 205/55 R16 tyres. The i30 Elite moves up to alloy wheels of the same measurement. In addition, the mid-range variants feature: seven-inch touchscreen, satellite navigation, auto-on/off headlights, rain-sensing wipers, auto demist, dual-zone climate control, auto-up/down power windows, keyless start, premium interior and exterior trim details.

Topping the range, the i30 Premium features 17-inch alloy wheels, 225/45 R17 tyres, electronic park brake, electrochromatic mirror, heated front seats, xenon headlights, leather/leatherette combination upholstery, sunroof, electrically-adjustable driver's seat with lumbar support and rear vents in centre console.

Prices for the new i30 are as follows:

i30 Active 1.8 (petrol) manual $20,990,
i30 Active 1.8 (petrol) auto $22,990,
i30 Active 1.6 (diesel) manual $23,590,
i30 Active 1.6 (diesel) auto $25,590,
i30 Elite 1.8 (petrol) manual $24,590,
i30 Elite 1.8 (petrol) auto $26,590,
i30 Elite 1.6 (diesel) manual $27,190,
i30 Elite 1.6 (diesel) auto $29,190,
i30 Premium 1.8 (petrol) auto $29,990,
i30 Premium 1.6 (diesel) auto $32,590.

Metallic paint is an extra-cost option for $495.

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