Hyundai i30 Hybrid confirmed for Australia
Tired of the Japanese giant dominating sales of fuel-sipping petrol-electric machines, this brand plans to introduce a hybrid of its own.
Hyundai hopes to take a chunk out of Toyota’s hybrid dominance.
The South Korean brand is introducing a hybrid-powered version of the i30 Sedan compact car next month, giving it a viable alternative to the Toyota Corolla Hybrid.
Based on the larger Hyundai i30 Sedan – not the compact and somewhat dated hatchback – the new machine takes a different approach to petrol-electric motoring.
Sci-fi looks are anchored by a low bonnet with wide-set headlights shared with the high-performance Hyundai i30 N sedan.
Powered by a 1.6-litre petrol hybrid engine, the Hyundai matches Toyota’s claimed 3.9L/100km fuel use while making 104kW and 147Nm – a little more than the Corolla.
Power goes to the front wheels through a dual-clutch automatic transmission, as opposed to Toyota’s CVT auto.
Hyundai is quick to point out that the i30’s price – $35,990 drive-away – narrowly undercuts the Corolla while delivering gear such as rain-sensing wipers, dual-zone climate control and a leather steering wheel that you won’t find on the cheapest Toyota.
Customers won’t have to wait long to get hold of a Hyundai, with 600 examples confirmed for arrival in the first couple of months of 2024.
A new hybrid version of the Hyundai Tucson is also scheduled to reach showrooms this year, joining petrol-electric versions of the Kona and Santa Fe.
Expect the Tucson to have more power than the i30.
A turbocharger helps overseas examples send 169kW and 350Nm to the tyres, using just 4.9L/100km to do so.
Toyota won’t give up market share without a fight.
The brand says waiting times for popular models will be slashed in 2024 as it catches up with a long list of customers who have already ordered cars.
Hybrid models will be a focus for Toyota in 2024, which also plans to introduce its first electric car, the new bZ4X, next month.
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