AIMS: Hyundai reveals sports hatches

HYUNDAI today revealed two significant new SR-branded models that could be introduced to the Australian market as early as next year.

The company also caused a surprise by announcing it will offer the wagon version of the popular i30 after all, having earlier this year indicated that supply issues meant it would have to be discontinued.

Hyundai displayed the new i30 Tourer in UK-spec at the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney and announced it will be launched in Australia in the second quarter of 2013.

On the SR front, the Korean company unveiled performance versions of the Accent and i30 at the show this morning featuring more powerful engines, revised suspension and body kits, following the lead of the Veloster SR Turbo model launched here in August.

Hyundai Motor Company Australia marketing director Oliver Mann said the company would evaluate the response from the public as part of its business review for each model, with a view to introducing them to local showrooms in 2013.

“The SR range offers Hyundai the opportunity to gauge customer interest in the expansion of our successful passenger car models into the sports space,” said Mr Mann.

“Our intent would be to deliver driver enjoyment over outright speed and to offer sporty drivability and everyday practicality in an affordable package.”

Hyundai Australia has played a significant role in the development of the sporty SR models, which are designed to provide “fun, affordable and desirable vehicles to further enhance Hyundai’s broad appeal”.

The i30 SR is powered by a development of the regular 2.0-litre GDi petrol engine tuned to deliver 18 per cent more power (up from 105kW to 130kW) and 20 per cent more torque (up from 186Nm to 213Nm), driving through a six-speed manual gearbox.

It features retuned steering and suspension, rides on 17-inch machined-face alloy wheels and is further distinguished by the fitment of LED daytime-running lights in the front fog lamps, a slightly different grille treatment and a rear diffuser.

The Accent SR, like the i30 SR, is based on the standard Elite hatch specification and sports retuned engine, steering and suspension.

Power from the 1.6-litre GDi petrol engine rises 13 per cent (from 91kW to 103kW) and torque is boosted by seven per cent (from 156Nm to 167Nm), drive also goes through a six-speed manual and the car is distinguished by 16-inch alloy wheels, projector beam headlights and a larger rear spoiler.

Both cars are fitted out with sporty red and black interiors, which in the Accent includes automatic climate-control and a five-inch touchscreen that operates the multimedia audio system.

Also displayed on the Hyundai standard are two Veloster-based concept cars designed to “demonstrate the breadth of its brand character”.

The Veloster Race Concept Car was developed entirely in Australia by the same engineering team that develops Hyundai’s local ride and handling tuning for Australian-market production vehicles.

Built to meet local and international tarmac rally regulations, the Veloster Race Concept is destined for competition use and Hyundai said it expects to make an announcement in 2013.

Based on the Veloster SR Turbo, the competition version has been stripped-out to reduce weight and also uses lightweight components and high performance race parts, including a multi-point roll cage, hydraulic handbrake, brake bias adjuster and four-way adjustable suspension.

Also based on the SR Turbo and developed locally – by Sydney company Concord Customs – the Veloster Street Concept Car was designed to demonstrate “personalisation in a unique street interpretation” with a number of body and interior modifications.

A massive 8560-Watt audio system installation is the main feature of the vehicle, which sports a factory matte grey exterior paint accented with fluoro-orange highlights that match the interior design.

Mechanical fittings include a front-mounted intercooler, custom-painted alloy wheels and modified exhaust, suspension and brakes.