Hyundai Australia will finally have a rival for the Toyota Corolla Sedan Hybrid by year’s end.
Brand executives confirmed with media this week that the facelifted i30 Sedan would be the second hybrid model to launch in Australia during the second half of the year, joining the new-generation Kona Hybrid due in the fourth quarter.
The 2024 Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid blends the four-door coupe-like proportions of the i30 Sedan (known as the Avante and Elantra in other markets) with the 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol-electric hybrid drivetrain in the related new-gen Kona as well as the Kia Niro HEV.
All up, the hybrid sedan makes 103kW and 265Nm from its petrol engine and small electric motor, with drive sent to the front wheels via a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Overseas model shown
Korean specifications list combined fuel economy of 4.73 litres per 100km, nearly 2.0L/100km less than the standard 1.6-litre non-hybrid petrol available in the South Korean market – a Corolla Sedan Hybrid, meanwhile, quotes 3.9L/100km.
With a fuel tank measuring 42 litres, that makes for 800-900 kilometres of real-world driving range per fill.
The pre-facelift Hyundai Avante/Elantra is available overseas with the same hybrid drivetrain, though it never made its way to Australia in the rebadged i30 Sedan.
Instead, Australia currently gets the choice of a 110kW 2.0-litre atmo four in entry grades, a 150kW 1.6-litre turbo four in the N Line and a stonking 206kW 2.0-litre turbo in the i30 Sedan N.
It’s unclear whether the hybrid will bring the powertrain line-up to four models, or perhaps replace either the existing 2.0-litre or 1.6-litre turbo powertrains.
The Hyundai i30 Sedan Hybrid is one of several electrified launches for the Korean brand in Australia in 2023.
Later this year Hyundai will launch the new-generation Kona crossover with both hybrid and EV options, while the Ioniq 6 EV hits the market this month.
There’s also the go-fast Ioniq 5 N due by the end of this year, and expect the three-row Ioniq 7 SUV to be revealed later in 2023 ahead of a 2024 Australian market launch.
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