Hyundai i30 will help push to top

The savvy second-generation i30 hatch is styled in Germany, built in Korea and tuned for Australian roads, the i30 comes in petrol and diesel and is priced from $20,990 to $32,590.

Styling is sleek and sculptured with strong lines and a distinct Euro flavour, enhanced by a long wheelbase and short overhangs. Inside there is more head, leg and shoulder room, more storage space and a bigger load area.

A new 1.8-litre petrol engine replaces the 2.0-litre petrol and the previous 1.6-litre turbo diesel has been upgraded. Both deliver more power and use less fuel, especially in automatic models, where a six-speed transmission replaces the previous four-speed. Power output in the petrol is up from 105kW to 110kW, although torque is down from 186Nm to 178Nm.

Combined fuel use drops by almost 10 per cent to 6.5l/100km in the manual and 6.9l/100km in the automatic. Emissions drop 30 per cent. The engine has dual continuously variable valve timing, hydraulic engine mounts and a maintenance-free timing chain.

The diesel produces 94kW and 260Nm, up from 85kW and 255Nm. Fuel use is unchanged in the manual at 4.5 litres/100km, but drops 3.4 per cent to 5.6 litres/100km in the automatic.

Prices are up by $400-$500 on the entry models, offset by more equipment. The 1.8-litre Active is $20,990 (auto $22,990), the 1.6-litre diesel Active is $23,590 (auto $25,990), the 1.8-litre Elite is $24,590 (auto $26,590), the Elite diesel is $27,190 (auto $29,190) and the auto-only Premium is $29,990 in petrol and $32,590 in diesel.

Standard equipment includes seven airbags, stability control, brake assist, rear parking sensors, a 5-inch colour monitor with Bluetooth, iPod, MP3 and USB connection, cruise control and trip computer, power windows and three settings for steering.

The Elite adds dual-zone climate control, 16-inch alloy wheels, a 7-inch monitor and satellite navigation. The Premium adds a full length sunroof, 17-inch alloy wheels, heated front seats, power driver's seat, xenon headlight, keyless entry and start and an electronic park brake.