Singapore, Dec. 7 -- The Hyundai i30 1.4 turbo hatchback was launched in Singapore early last year.
The European-made hatchback made a strong impression, matching the benchmark-setting Volkswagen Golf in performance and build quality. Its sub-$100,000 price tag also made it competitive.
In May this year, Hyundai dealer Komoco stopped taking orders for the hatchback while it continued to sell the wagon version of the i30. In July, Komoco announced the hatchback's return.
But instead of 138bhp, the car now has 128bhp. Komoco has traded 10bhp for a placement in the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) Category A, which is for cars up to 1,600cc and 130bhp. Cat A COE premiums are usually lower than those in Cat B.
Initial sales numbers seem...