Hyundai asking too much for new i30?

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Second-generation i30 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the second-generation i30 hatchback, launched in South Africa this week, is Hyundai's rather bullish pricing, seemingly aimed straight at the Golfs, Focuses and Astras of this world.

Hyundai lays great emphasis on the car's Euro-pedigree - it was designed and developed at Hyundai's European headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany - but we can't help wondering if the new i30's premium prices might not backfire on them.

Two derivatives - both petrol-powered - are available in South Africa, the first with a 95kW/157Nm, 1.6-litre engine mated to the customer's choice of six-speed manual or automatic transmissions.

Russelsheim mentions 0-100km/h in 9.9 seconds for the manual and 11 seconds for the auto, at a cost of 6.4 litres per 100km for the manual and 6.8 litres per 100km for the automatic.

The flagship 1.8-litre model, boasting the same 110kW/178Nm four-banger as the familiar Elantra, is available only as a six-speed manual, for whic Hyundai quotes fuel consumption of 6.5 litres per 100km.

PRICES

1.6 GLS - R229 900

1.6 GLS a/t - R243 900

1.8 GLS - R249 900

So, what do you get for all that money?

The new i30 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor; overall length has stretched 20mm to 4300mm (on the same 2650mm wheelbase), width has grown 5mm to 1780mm, while height has been reduced by 10mm to 1470mm.

Standard kit includes, dual-zone aircon, cruise control, electric mirrors, Bluetooth connectivity, rear parking sensors, multifunction steering wheel, antilock braking with electronic brake-force distribution and an electronic stability programme.

The 1.8-litre GLS adds black leather and climate control.

Power-steering feedback can be varied through three modes - Comfort, Normal and Sport - from featherlight for car-park manoeuvring to firm and sporty for the open road by pressing the FlexSteer button on the steering wheel.

All i30's come with Hyundai's five-year or 150 000km warranty and a five-year or 90 000km service plan.

Minesh Bhagaloo of our sister publication Star Motoring is attending the South African launch; we'll have driving impressions for you as soon as he gets back.

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