Hyundai Aims to Reclaim Small Car Sales in Australia – What It Means for Buyers at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee

Hyundai is preparing to renew its focus on small cars in Australia, with plans to bring more affordable versions of the i20 and i30 hatchbacks back into the spotlight. And for drivers in the Sutherland Shire, Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee is the place to watch for updates, test drives, and new stock arrivals.

At a time when SUV sales are booming, Hyundai’s new Australian leadership is looking to revive its once-dominant hatchback lineup and give buyers a more affordable, fuel-efficient alternative — something that’s been noticeably absent in recent years.

Hyundai’s New Direction: Bring Back Value in Small Cars

New Hyundai Australia CEO Don Romano has made it clear: the brand is committed to rebuilding its presence in the small car market.

“Taking that wider small car model line away is one of the reasons our sales began to decline,” Romano said. “I believe in this segment — we just need to find a way to make it work financially.”

Currently, Hyundai only offers high-spec versions of the i30 N Line mild hybrid and i30 N, while the i20 is available solely in i20 N performance spec. But these sit at higher price points — starting from $36,000+ — and leave a noticeable gap for value-focused hatchback buyers.

Romano is exploring ways to introduce cheaper i20 and i30 variants, including the return of i20 N Line or other mid-level trims from Europe, potentially equipped with a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine similar to UK models.

The Small Car Landscape at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee

Here at Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee, we’ve seen strong demand for hatchbacks like the Hyundai i30 — once Australia’s top-selling car year after year. With many drivers still preferring compact cars over SUVs for their agility, fuel efficiency, and practicality, this renewed focus is a welcome move.

For customers seeking something more compact than the Kona or Venue, the return of more affordable i20 and i30 options could deliver the perfect daily driver for city and suburban lifestyles. And with the Sutherland Shire’s busy roads and tight parking spots, a small hatch is a practical choice.

What’s Driving the Change?

In 2016, Hyundai Australia sold over 100,000 vehicles. Fast-forward to 2024, and that number dropped to just over 71,000. Much of that decline stems from the shrinking availability of affordable small cars in the Hyundai lineup.

Romano’s goal is to reverse that trend by:

• Reintroducing mid-spec i20 and i30 hatchbacks
• Offering more competitive pricing sourced from Europe
• Enhancing the value proposition for Australian buyers

But the challenge lies in shipping costs, currency fluctuations, and the declining global demand for hatchbacks — especially outside Europe and Australia.

Small Cars Still Matter in Australia

While hatchbacks are out of favour in North America, China, and even New Zealand, they remain popular in Australia. The Hyundai i30 was a top seller from 2009 to 2022 — until the end of Korean production led to higher costs due to European sourcing.

At Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee, we understand that many of our local customers still prefer hatchbacks for:

• Affordability and fuel efficiency
• Compact size and easy parking
• Proven Hyundai build quality and reliability

Romano is now tasked with securing better-priced variants from Hyundai’s European factories to once again make these hatchbacks accessible for more Australians.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect

While no official timelines have been confirmed, Romano is evaluating N-Line variants and other mid-tier specs that could help lower entry costs without compromising on features.

The goal? Deliver value-packed i20 and i30 hatchbacks that give more drivers access to quality small cars backed by Hyundai’s reputation and aftersales support.

And when they arrive, you can bet Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee will be among the first to showcase them.

Visit Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee for the Latest Hyundai Lineup

At Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee, we’re committed to bringing our customers the best of Hyundai’s innovation — whether it’s the sporty i30 N, the efficient Kona Hybrid, or the compact electric Inster.

Keep an eye on our showroom and website for updates on the future of the i20 and i30 ranges. When more affordable small cars return, Tynan Hyundai Kirrawee will be your destination for value, service, and expert advice.

📍 Conveniently located in Kirrawee, serving the Sutherland Shire

🚗 Book a test drive or speak to our Hyundai experts today

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Credit: CarSales.com.au