Hyundai introduces new entry-level i30 Go

CRITICAL acclaim hasn’t been a problem for the latest Hyundai i30.

Sales, on the other hand, have proven a bit of a tougher conquest than the Koreans perhaps expected. In order to rectify that, Hyundai’s gone back to its old strategy of opening the i30 range at under $20K, with a new i30 Go trim level slotting in beneath the existing Active model.

The Go retains most of the i30 Active’s safety gear but there are a few trim omissions, as you’d expect for that saving. It does without satellite navigation, instead relying on Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration. Steel wheels replace alloys and the rear parking sensors have been given the flick. A rear camera has been retained, displayed on a revised eight-inch colour touchscreen.

Two engines and transmissions are offered. The entry-level car is the $19,990 2.0-litre GDI petrol engine with a six-speed manual transmission. For an extra $300 you can opt for a six-speed torque converter automatic. Should you prefer the 1.6 CRDi diesel engine, a six-speed manual will set you back $22,490, with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto topping the Go range at $24,990. Metallic or mica paint adds another $495 to the bill.

Standard equipment on the Go includes seven airbags, stability control, LED daytime running lights, tyre pressure monitoring, dusk-sensing headlights, Bluetooth, cruise control, electric windows all around, a height adjustable driver’s seat and Hyundai Auto Link – a smartphone app that monitors your car’s health and gives feedback on your driving style.

If Hyundai’s recent clearout of the old Active models was anything to go by, the latest Go should give its sales figures a big boost. The limited run of cheap Actives helped propel the i30 to the top of October’s sales charts, up from a fourth placed position over the previous quarter.