Hyundai i45 gets new engine

Hyundai has launched a new entry-level i45 with 2.0-litre petrol powerplant, boasting better fuel economy and priced below $27,000

After a bumpy start in the Australian new car market, the Hyundai i45 medium car is branching out with a new fuel efficient engine option, creating a more cost effective model that's about to hit the streets priced under $27,000.

Powered by an entry-level 2.0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine outputting 121kW/198Nm, the Hyundai i45 Active paired to a six-speed manual gearbox is priced from $26,990, or $28,590 with the six-speed auto.

The new entry point for the Hyundai i45 comes on the back of a five-star ANCAP safety rating and a good sales result last month, in which the i45 finished third in the mid-size passenger car segment in Australia with 405 sales.

With its broader appeal to cost-conscious buyers the Korean car maker expects the new model will further improve its fortunes in the medium car segment. According to Hyundai, the 2.0-litre petrol i45 offers buyers, "a high value option whilst still possessing a comprehensive list of standard equipment and safety features".

On top of its 121kW of power, the 2.0-litre Hyundai MPI engine has been designed to deliver class leading fuel economy. Hyundai claims a combined fuel consumption rating of 7.6L/100km when equipped with the automatic transmission, and reckons the 2.0-litre i45 Active is "the most fuel efficient naturally aspirated petrol engine sedan in the medium segment, achieving a 4 ½ star Green Vehicle Guide rating".

Some of the standard safety features on the Hyundai i45 include six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC) with traction control system (TCS), ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) and hillstart assist control (HAC), and like all Hyundai passenger cars, the i45 comes with a five year / unlimited kilometre warranty.

Pricing for the updated Hyundai i45 is as follows:

i45 Active 2.0-litre petrol six-speed manual                                     $26,990+
i45 Active 2.0-litre petrol six-speed automatic                                 $28,590+
i45 Active 2.4-litre petrol six-speed automatic                                 $31,090+
i45 Elite 2.4-litre petrol six-speed automatic                                    $34,990+
i45 Premium 2.4-litre petrol six-speed automatic                             $37,490+
Metallic / Mica paint option                                                            $     450+

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