_0.jpg)
.jpg)
Hyundai Australia has lowered the entry-level price of its third-generation i30 line-up by $960 with the introduction of four new Go variants, which start from $19,990 before on-road costs.
Available with petrol or diesel engines paired with a manual gearbox or automatic transmission, the i30 Go still features a strong standard equipment list, despite its focus on cost.
This includes auto headlights, LED daytime running lights and a full-size spare wheel, but the wheels themselves revert to steel with wheel covers.
Inside, an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, 'Hyundai Auto Link' connected mobility, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary and USB inputs, a tilt- and telescopic-adjustable steering column, power windows and a height-adjustable driver's seat feature.
Safety and driver assist kit extends to seven airbags, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, hill-start assist, a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring and cruise control.
Notable equipment found in the previous Active range-opener but missing from the Go include satellite navigation with live traffic, digital radio, rear parking sensors and side mirror-mounted LED indicators.
The petrol Go is priced from $19,990 in manual form or $22,290 in automatic guise, while its diesel counterparts check in at $22,490 and $24,990 respectively.
Metallic and mica paint colours attract a $495 premium.
The 2.0-litre 'GDi' naturally aspirated four-cylinder petrol engine produces 120kW of power and 203Nm of torque. It is mated to either a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed torque-converter automatic transmission.
Alternatively, the 1.6-litre 'CRDi' turbocharged diesel develops 100kW and 280Nm (manual) or 300Nm (automatic). It is combined with either a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Sales of the i30 have taken a significant hit this year, with 25,086 examples sold to the October, representing a 22.6 per cent decrease over the 32,396 registrations the Korean model tallied during the same period in 2016.
However, the Hyundai currently places third in the sub-$40,000 small-car segment, trailing the hot-selling Toyota Corolla (31,753) and Mazda3 (27,419) but ahead of the Kia Cerato (15,977) and Volkswagen Golf (14,934).
