Hyundai i20, Genesis nearer

HYUNDAI’S first Indian-built model, the light-sized i20 hatchback, and first rear-wheel-drive model, the Genesis sedan and coupe, appear to be a step closer to Australia.

As previously reported, Hyundai Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has received official Australian Design Rule certification for up to six versions of the i20, including petrol and diesel and three-door and five-door derivatives.

HMCA has now confirmed the i20 will be released here alongside its range-opener, the Getz, but currency and shipping issues could delay its arrival until the middle of next year.

Australia will be the world’s only nation in which Hyundai’s new global B-segment model does not replace the Getz, which has long been the Korean giant’s top-selling model in Australia, where it also one of the cheapest cars on sale.

“The i20 is confirmed for Australia and we’re aiming to launch it here before mid-2010,” said HMCA product communications and public relations senior manager Ben Hershman, who stressed it would be positioned above the Getz to compete with light-cars such as the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2 and Honda Jazz.

“At this stage it will run alongside the Getz – we don’t see the i20 replacing the Getz in this market. The Getz is doing well. The i20 will sit above the Getz in both price and size in the light-car segment, aimed at Japanese models.

Left: Genesis Coupe, Genesis sedan, Hyundai i20.



“The car will be made in India, but a significant proportion of its components will be shipped from Korea,” said Mr Hershman.

Meantime, HMCA has denied a News Limited report that its Korean parent has bowed to demand from markets including Australia and the UK for a right-hand drive version of the rear-drive Genesis Coupe, which is the reigning North American car of the year.

HMCA admits to having put a strong case for the BMW 5 Series-sized two-door following an enthusiastic response to the Australian debut of the Genesis Coupe concept at the 2008 Melbourne motor show, and has two examples of the stylish Hyundai in Australia for promotional and research purposes.

Officially, however, the company continues to state both the Genesis sedan, which would replace the Granduer as the Korean brand’s luxury flagship, and the Genesis Coupe, which would replace the long-running Tiburon sportscar, are produced primarily for the US market as left-hand drive models.

“We have no confirmation on any new vehicle in that (Genesis) segment,” Mr Hershman told GoAuto. “The position is it is left-hand drive only at this stage.” If Hyundai confirms the Genesis sedan or coupe for RHD production, which could occur as early as the Frankfurt motor show in two weeks, the first rear-drive Hyundai could be released here as soon as early 2011.