The introduction of the new Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid marks a significant shift in the Australian automotive market. With its innovative hybrid technology, the i30 Sedan is poised to be a game changer, offering consumers a sustainable and efficient driving option. This latest addition to the Hyundai lineup showcases the brand's commitment to providing cutting-edge solutions for the modern driver. The i30 Sedan Hybrid's arrival is sure to make a lasting impact in the Australian automotive industry, setting a new standard for eco-friendly and high-performance vehicles.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan’s new hybrid offering is now cheaper than the Toyota Corolla in most Australian jurisdictions, after the South Korean car-maker introduced a national drive-away price.
Hyundai's Competitive Pricing Strategy
South Korean car-maker Hyundai has set its sights on continuing the i30’s lead on the passenger-car sales charts ahead of the Toyota Corolla with drive-away pricing for its new hybrid-powered sedan, undercutting its four-door Japanese rival in most Australian states.
In October 2023, Hyundai confirmed the i30 Sedan Hybrid would be priced from $33,000 plus on-road costs – $810 dearer than the cheapest hybrid Toyota Corolla sedan, the Ascent Sport.
Now the car-maker's local division has announced a nationwide drive-away price for the entry-level i30 Sedan Hybrid variant of $35,990 drive-away.
It undercuts the Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid sedan in New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, South Australia and the Northern Territory – though not Queensland, Tasmania or the Australian Capital Territory.
Hyundai Australia says the initial batch of 200 i30 Sedan Hybrids is due to arrive in showrooms this month, followed by an additional 400 examples in February.
The better-equipped Elite and Premium grades aren’t due to launch until sometime between April and June 2024.
Pricing Projections for Elite and Premium Variants
Using the prices of petrol Elite and Premium models – and the cost difference between petrol and hybrid entry-level variants – the i30 Sedan Hybrid Elite and Premium variants may be priced from $37,500 and $42,500 respectively, before on-road costs.
Technical Specifications and Comparison
The Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and an electric motor – developing 104kW/265Nm combined – which power the front wheels through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Fuel consumption for both the Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid and Toyota Corolla Ascent Sport Hybrid are rated at 3.9L/100km in mixed driving, based on Australian laboratory testing standards.
A non-hybrid version of the base Hyundai i30 Sedan is on sale for $29,000 plus on-road costs, or $270 less than the cheapest Toyota Corolla sedan.
Market Performance and Outlook
The Hyundai i30 hatchback is not available with hybrid power, unlike the Toyota Corolla hatchback.
Last year the Hyundai i30 outsold the Toyota Corolla to become the top-selling traditional passenger car – defined as hatchbacks, sedans, wagons, coupes, convertibles or people movers – dethroning the Japanese model from its perch for the first time in 10 years.
Summary
As we look ahead, it will be fascinating to see how this development shapes the landscape of the Australian automotive market and influences consumer preferences. The stage is set for an exciting chapter in the ongoing competition between Hyundai and Toyota, and it's clear that the i30 Sedan Hybrid is a key player in this evolving narrative.
(This article is sourced from drive.com.au curated by Thetransporteronline24)
