Hyundai imports i10 for evaluation

Hyundai has imported an i10 micro-car into Australia as it continues to grapple with its future in the cost-conscious entry-level end of the new-car market.

The five-door city-car has won fans within Hyundai Australia, but that doesn’t mean it will make it on sale here.

Both the i10, which has never been sold in Australia, and the new-generation i20 (Australia's current i20 is built in India and been on sale here since 2010) are to be built in Turkey.

New versions of both cars coming here from India have been ruled out.

That creates foreign exchange challenges and therefore pricing difficulties for Hyundai with both cars.

“We just wanted one (an i10) here for evaluation to check it out and it’s good, it’s really good,” said Hyundai Australia public relations general manager Bill Thomas.

“[But] Because it’s Turkish-built it gives us the same problem as the i20 … the exchange rate isn’t good and then it’s just the cost of getting it in here."

The i10 offers 1.0-litre triple-cylinder and 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol power, as well as a 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel. Transmission choices are a five-speed manual and four-speed auto.

It measures 3765mm long, 1660mm wide, 1500mm high and rolls on a 2385mm wheelbase. Kerb weight comes in under the metric tonne.

Obvious competitor for the i10 would include the Suzuki Celerio, Nissan Micra and Kia's closely related Picanto, which is expected on sale here later this year

The new i20 offers 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel four-cylinder engines, five-speed manual and six-sped auto transmissions and core dimensions of 3.985m, 1.734m, 1.505m and 2.570m. The current car is pitched into the lower end of the B-segment on price.

Potentially a deal could be done to bring both the i10 and i20 here, or one or neither of these cars into Australia. In the latter case the higher-priced Accent would probably have to be adjusted to hit the right pricepoints.

“If you are an importer  and with light cars being so price conscious, if you are not on or about that pricepoint your sales dwindles very quickly,” explained Hyundai Australia chief operating officer John Elsworth.

Elsworth told motoring.com.au that Hyundai Australia CEO Charlie Kim was in Korea last month to initiate discussions on the issue.

"We're working on a plan for i10 and i20. It's a work in progress … I'd say within the next few months we'll have it sorted out."

Longer term, Hyundai Australia is waiting on its parent to reveal a B-segment SUV rival for the likes of the Hyundai HR-V and CX-3 to help keep it competitive at the entry-level end of the market.

“Hopefully in the not too distance future that issue of the B-segment SUV is solved by Hyundai,” said Elsworth. “That would be highest on our agenda given the way the segment is moving. It’s booming.”

As covered previously by motoring.com.au, Hyundai has already hinted at a B-segment SUV with the Intrado concept and also has the left-hand drive only China-targeted ix25.

“I can’t be specific other than to say I hope Hyundai shows something at a motor show soon,” Elsworth said.