Hyundai hatches diesel plan

Hyundai looks to have an ace up its sleeve when it debuts its Euro-centric i30 hatch -- a diesel powertrain.

The European-designed Hyundai version of the Kia Cee'd, the i30 destined for Australia will be built in Korea rather than the company's central European plant. But that hasn't stopped the manufacturer hinting it will be offering the most European of drivetrain options, a turbodiesel four, when the car is launched here in October.

The offer of a turbodiesel in the ultra-competitive hatch market represents a quantum shift in Hyundai's marketing 'language.' It is a manifest sign the company -- now the world's fifth largest carmaker since the Benz-Chrysler 'divorce' -- is serious about moving on from a price-driven strategy to one where it will tackle competitors head-on with a specification and performance focus.

The i30's alpha-numeric nameplate will typically apply to Euro-inspired Hyundai models going forward, says local Hyundai sales and marketing boss, Kevin McCann.

McCann contends the i30 will not replace the Elantra sedan, but rather be the first in a number of like models to run alongside their more Asian-focussed segment counterparts.

In Europe, the i30 CRDi is about to go on sale and the media there is already driving the car. Two turbodiesel engine options are available, displacing 1.6 and 2.0 litres.

We're betting the larger of the two will come to Australian. With 304Nm of torque, it's right at the benchmark output turbodiesel hatch buyers are enjoying currently.

The larger diesel features variable geometry turbocharging and balance shafts, so it's right up there with the technology to do the job. In Europe it is available with both six-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmissions, but by the time it reaches our shores, expect just the auto to be offered.

Diesel engines are beginning to attract buyers for their driveability as well as economy.

McCann says the i30 will "emotionalise" the Hyundai brand. Along with the choice of a diesel powertrain, this will allow it to set itself apart in the price-driven campaign-dominated small car marketplace, he argues.

Aussie small car diesel choices have swelled of late. In terms of mass market models Ford has just released the Focus diesel (more here) and Holden's Astra CDTi has been on the market for a while now. Mazda's diesel 3 (more here) is not far away either.

With Hyundai joining the fray, there's just one volume manufacturer conspicuously absent from the oiler offer...You guessed it -- Toyota...

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