A SOUTH Korean car firm will make a bid for higher sales in Britain next year by launching better-value pricing on its most popular models.
With fresh engines, revised trim levels and a new lead-in version, Hyundai's i30 range will be pitched to be fiercely competitive against rivals from established European brands.
And company officials say a new 1.6-litre Comfort version of their family hatchback will target market leader Ford in particular by being a massive £4,670 cheaper than the similarly-powered entry-level Ford Focus.
'Our prices mean obvious savings for private buyers, but company car drivers will also find they can save hundreds in tax by choosing an i30 over rival hatchbacks thanks to lower list prices and emissions levels. As a special order option, we will also introduce stop-start technology for added savings,' said a spokesman.
On sale from January with a choice of 1.4-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel engines, a new Classic version becomes the entry-level i30. With electronic stability equipment, air conditioning and electric front windows, the petrol car costs £12,000 including the new higher-rate VAT and the diesel is priced at £12,950 to reduce the price of the cheapest heavy-oil i30 model by £1,140.
At £700 more, the Comfort has electric rear windows, steering wheel audio controls and - new for 2010 - a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob plus 16" alloy wheels. T
Expected to be the biggest seller in the i30 range, this version is available with 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines and a 115PS 1.6-litre diesel. Both 1.6-litre engines are also available with an automatic gearbox.
The price of the range-topping Premium has also been realigned, making it up to £1,200 cheaper than its predecessor. Now available from £14,750, the Premium package still features 17" alloy wheels, reversing sensors and climate control.
Stop-start, a £200 option across the range on cars with manual transmission, is claimed to offer up to 14 per cent improved fuel economy.