HYUNDAI has upped the sports ante with its new i30 SR.

Previewed at last year's Sydney motor show and launched today starting from $27,990 (manual), the SR derivative of the groovy little hatch has a four-cylinder 2.0-litre engine along with a firmed suspension tune developed locally for Australian conditions.

But the new offering won't be setting boy-racer hearts aflutter.

That four-potter produces 129kW and 209Nm, which is 19kW and 31Nm more than the 1.8-litre which previously was the most powerful petrol engine in the i30 range.

It's available mated to either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission with sequential manual mode.

The same powerplant configuration is available in the Kia Cerato Hatch which starts from $23,990 in Si specification.

Performance

The i30 SR's 0-100kmh sprint time of 7.7 seconds is brisk with a manual box (the auto is nearly one second slower), while 0-400m takes the i30 SR 15.6sec.

Hyundai says these times are 1.4 seconds and 0.7sec faster respectively than a standard 1.8-litre i30 Elite manual.

Average fuel economy for the i30 SR manual is 7.2L/100km, while the self shifter is 7.5L/100km.

Equipment

Standard equipment includes 17-inch machined-face alloys, sports front grille with piano-black insert, a rear diffuser, HID Xenon headlights, LED rear combination lights and unique SR badges.

A panoramic glass sunroof is a $2000 option.

Inside, the i30 SR gets alloy-faced pedals, leather/leatherette upholstery, powered driver's seat and an electrochromatic rear-view mirror.

"The i30 SR incorporates performance and styling improvements to deliver a truly exciting driving experience," Hyundai Australia's John Elsworth said.

"Like the Veloster SR Turbo, which also has a locally developed suspension tune, the i30 SR is a clear representation of Hyundai Motor Company's willingness to embrace Australian product initiatives."

Pricing