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Hyundai MY2011 upgrades

Hyundai adding more benefits to key models


In their quest to become a bigger player on the world stage, Korean carmaker Hyundai, have announced a host of upgrades to their four key volume models being the i20, i30, i45 and the ix35, which will be in the showrooms by end of October or early November 2010.

The raft of new features and upgrades are substantial and in most cases, any increase in price is minimal, meaning these cars represent even better value for money in these key buyer segments.

For example, the 2011 i20 entry level ‘Active’ picks up side and curtain airbags, making it Australia’s most affordable car with a 5-star ANCAP safety rating. The ix35, which is moving off showroom floors faster than Hyundai Australia can supply them, gains revised steering and suspension modifications along with also being a recent recipient of a 5 star ANCAP safety rating.

The 2011 i45 mid-size sedan will be available with a fully integrated Satellite Navigation System, while the suspension has been completely retuned after criticism from some of the automotive press in this country.

To cap off the changes, all MY i20, i30, and ix35 models are fitted with a Bluetooth integrated audio system, while the i45 Premium picks up Bluetooth as standard kit. Active and Elite buyers will be able to option Satellite Navigation with Bluetooth for just $1000.

Looking at these changes in more detail, the 2011 i20 gains Hyundai’s signature Blue illumination (replacing orange) and Bluetooth is now standard across all model variants.

As part of the i20’s 5 star safety rating, the full inventory of features includes six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control System (TCS), Anti-Skid Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

For the best selling i30, the changes are less extensive and mostly cosmetic.

Integrated Bluetooth is now standard across all i30 trim levels while there has been several styling updates including a black headlamp bezel, sliver finish on the roof rails on the i30 wagon, and a great looking titanium finish on the mid-spec SLX 16–inch alloys.

And while it’s more common than not on most of the euro cars these days, the i30 in SLX, SR, and Sports wagon will now feature one touch triple turn signals, while all variants will be equipped with ‘headlamp escort function’, meaning the headlights will stay on for 30 seconds to assist you when arriving at your destination at night.

The i45 is a critically important car for Hyundai, if all goes well, then it would allow the company to make the step up into the luxury car segment with vehicles such as the Genesis, Veracruz, and perhaps even the super luxury Equus.

It’s no surprise then, that the i45 has been put under the microscope at Hyundai, with substantial improvements to the car’s suspension for further improvement in the overall drivability and ride quality of the vehicle.

Hyundai management are clearly confident that the changes have made a difference when they told a group of journalists this week, that the “i45 is a fantastic all-round package” and that the “vehicle ticks all the boxes”.

Those modifications include; the front and rear spring rates have been increased and are now 15 percent/6 percent stiffer respectively, which is said to have reduced body roll and front dive, when braking.

Both front and rear stabilizer bars are thicker by 1mm and 3mm respectively, in the interest of further minimising body roll and understeer, while providing a more neutral feel and more predictable cornering manners. These changes are also said to add some weight to the steering – good thing.

There’s more; both the entry-level Active and Elite variants in the i45 model range, will also be fitted with the Amplitude Selective Dampers, which have been re-tuned (on Australian roads including the area around the Southern Highlands in NSW) to work more effectively with the revised spring rates, which were standard fit on the top of the line Elite only.

The i45 also picks up some additional creature comforts, including Satellite Navigation with Bluetooth – standard on the Premium (as are heated front seats) and a $1000 option on Active and Elite variants.


Hyundai’s latest compact SUV the ix35 has been selling like hot cakes and if anything, they have a supply issue, due to better than forecast sales volumes. That said the 2011 model also gains a host of upgrades including and thankfully rear-parking sensors is on that list.

Steering has been upgraded with the introduction of Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), which is both more efficient and provides more feel through the steering wheel. And while Telescopic reach on the steering column has been added to the range, the base model Active looses the electric driver’s seat.

The ix35 AWD variants also gain Amplitude Selective Dampers, which will mean a less jittery ride on poor quality road surfaces.

Other changes include more sound insulation across the range (that’s god news for those diesel buyers) and privacy glass is now standard on all trim levels.

MY2011 pricing is below and all models will be on display at this year’s Australian International Motor Show in Sydney.

2011 i20 range – Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP):

• 2011 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol five-speed manual 3-door $15,490† (+$500)
• 2011 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol four-speed auto 3-door $17,490† (+$500)
• 2011 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol five-speed manual 5-door $16,490† (+$500)
• 2011 i20 Active 1.4-litre petrol four-speed auto 5-door $18,490† (+$500)
• 2011 i20 Elite 1.6-litre petrol five-speed manual 5-door $18,490† (+$0)
• 2011 i20 Elite 1.6-litre petrol four-speed auto 5-door $20,490† (+$0)
• 2011 i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol five-speed manual 5-door $21,490† (+$0)
• 2011 i20 Premium 1.6-litre petrol four-speed auto 5-door $23,490† (+$0)
• Optional metallic / mica paint $375† (+$55)

2011 i30 range – Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP):

• 2011 i30 SX 1.6-litre petrol five-speed manual $19,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SX 1.6-litre petrol four-speed auto $21,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SX 2.0-litre petrol five-speed manual $20,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SX 2.0-litre petrol four-speed auto $22,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel five-speed manual $23,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel four-speed auto $25,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SLX 2.0-litre petrol five-speed manual $24,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SLX 2.0-litre petrol four-speed auto $26,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SLX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel five-speed manual $26,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SLX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel four-speed auto $28,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30 SR 2.0-litre petrol five-speed manual $26,540† (+$0)
• 2011 i30 SR 2.0-litre petrol four-speed auto $28,540† (+$0)
• 2011 i30cw SX 2.0-litre petrol five-speed manual $22,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30cw SX 2.0-litre petrol four-speed auto $24,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30cw SX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel five-speed manual $24,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30cw SX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel four-speed auto $26,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30cw SLX 2.0-litre petrol four-speed auto $27,590† (+$200)
• 2011 i30cw SLX 1.6-litre CRDi turbo diesel four-speed auto $30,090† (+$200)
• 2011 i30cw Sportswagon 2.0-litre petrol four-speed auto $28,990† (+$0)
• Optional metallic / mica paint $375† (+$55)

2011 i45 range – Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP):

• 2011 i45 Active 2.4-litre GDI Petrol manual $29,590† (+$100)
• 2011 i45 Active 2.4-litre GDI Petrol auto $31,090† (+$100)
• 2011 i45 Elite 2.4-litre GDI Petrol auto $34,590† (+$100)
• 2011 i45 Premium 2.4-litre GDI Petrol auto $38,990† (+$1,000)
• Optional metallic / mica paint $450† (+$0)
• Optional satellite navigation with Bluetooth® $1,000† (new)

2011 ix35 range – Manufacturer’s List Price (MLP):

• 2011 ix35 Active 2WD 2.0-litre petrol five-speed manual $26,990† (+$0)
• 2011 ix35 Active 2WD 2.0-litre petrol six-speed auto $28,990† (+$0)
• 2011 ix35 Elite AWD 2.4-litre petrol six-speed auto $32,490† (+$500)
• 2011 ix35 Elite AWD 2.0-litre R-series six-speed auto $35,490† (+$500)
• 2011 ix35 Highlander AWD 2.0-litre petrol six-speed auto $35,490† (new)
• 2011 ix35 Highlander AWD 2.0-litre R-series six-speed auto $38,490† (+$500)
• Optional metallic/mica paint $375† (+$55)

Note: †Manufacturer's List Price (MLP) includes G.S.T. but excludes dealer deliver and statutory charges.

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