Hyundai 2011 update

When the strikingly-designed mid-size sedan was released in May, it received  a positive reaction for its value and size, but derision for its sloppy dynamics.  The default set-up, which has NOT prevented the i45 becoming Korea's top selling passenger vehicle, is too soft and generally unresolved for this market.

Embarrassingly for Hyundai, its ix35 has been the brunt of similar criticism just as its subsidiary Kia has employed engineer Graeme Gambold to sort its equivalent SUV, the Sportage. The latter's clearly superior dynamics see the parent company playing catch up.

Despite emphasising the breadth of revisions to the i45, Hyundai were defensive about the car that it hopes more than any other will serve to shed the lingering remnants of its driveaway then chuckaway image.

"From launch our position has been the i45 is an all-round package and we felt we have done that extremely well," product planner Roland Rivero says. "There was, of course, a handful of reviews that said from the dynamic side it doesn't tick the box.

"Our focus was more attuned to Camry-like handling. It was never meant to be a sport car - I'd just like to point that out."  Even so, Rivero says the Amplitude Selective Dampers on Premium models have been recalibrated and introduced on Active and Elite model variants.

Springs are firmed by up to 15 percent to curtail pitch and dive, and thicker stabiliser bars would arrest body roll. While the hydraulic steering has not been reset, these changes are claimed to result in a better weighted set up.

"It's confidence inspiring for those driving in a more spirited manner, but we have been very careful not to alienate customers who have already bought the i45," Rivero says.

These revisions are part of a 2011 upgrade package that include more fruit for a slight price rise.  Priced from $29,590 to $38,990, the i45 gets satellite navigation with Bluetooth standard on the Premium model and as a $1000 option on Active and Elite variants. Premiums also get heated front seats standard and all models have increased sound deadening to counter criticism of NVH measures.

The i20 small hatch gets the old Volkswagen Golf-like "blue hue" instrument lighting to go with the Bluetooth that's standard on all trim levels. The base Active has side and curtain airbags standard to match the rest of the range's five star ANCAP rating. New pricing is $15,490-$23,490.

The i30 also cops Bluetooth on all trim levels, minor styling touches, including silver roof rails on wagons, one touch indicating signals and headlamp escort function. Prices start at $19,590, with a $19,990 driveaway deal, up to $30,090.

The 2011 ix35 range has rear parking sensors and steering revised with Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS) and telescopic adjustment. AWD models get Amplitude Selective Dampers with prices now $26,990-$38,490.