[Dazzler]

While the top two sellers for feb were utes,  the i30 still came in at number 6 best seller and was slightly up on last years number.. (2182 V 2003)

VFACTS: February 2018 new vehicle sales

Oh, and the Kona has started to move...

VFACTS: February winners and losers

[Asterix]

It's amazing the i30 is so popular in OZ.

Here in Denmark Hyundai in general is not a big seller, in 2017 the i30 only sold 1600 pcs (0,7% of total family cars) The best selling was Peugeot 208 with 9838 pcs.

i10 & i20 sell better than i30...

[Dazzler]

Hi Henning. The original FD just seemed to build a following fairly quickly. It was due mostly to some positive reviews and awards and word of mouth feedback on the CRDi which people soon realised punched well above its weight.

I guess if they haven't missed their window with the imminent release of the N model, that might even push it up to number 3 or 4 again. If the Elantra was called an i30 sedan, like the Corolla is, it would be even higher!

[beerman]

The best selling was Peugeot 208.....Are you all suckers for punishment, or do they just send the worst ones Down Under.....

[Asterix]

The best selling was Peugeot 208.....Are you all suckers for punishment, or do they just send the worst ones Down Under.....

    Well, a lot of people will say that if you buy French cars you asked for it.. 
Off course you guy's get the leftovers.. 

[beerman]

Oh we don't buy them.....

[Dazzler]

Like Surferdude I am a big fan of early Renaults. It is a shame they (french cars) have gained a reputation in Australia for being relatively unreliable. I quite like the styling of cars like the Renault Captur but the quirky ergonomics and switchgear compared with Japanese and Korean cars doesn't help.

I think I've mentioned this before, but when we were considering going to an SUV before we got the SR, we considered a Captur.

Trish really liked the look of it and it seemed quite practical as well. One of Trish's Aunts hired one when she came down for a visit and despite only having 5000 kms on the clock the ECU $hit itself and caused her all sorts of inconvenience. That quickly knocked it off the shopping list.     

[Surferdude]

I have a friend who rallied some very quick Honda's back in the 70s and 80s who now has a farm near Stanthorpe producing fancy stuff for shops all over the east coast. He has two Trafics and swears by them.
My friends still in the RCCQ reckon the modern stuff is fine but I'm not convinced.

http://www.newenglandlarder.com.au

[Asterix]

A friend and colleague of mine bought last year a 2016 Renault Kadjar 1,6 Diesel as he also tows a (1700 kg) caravan.
We each drive to work every other week, and being a passenger in that car is very comfy. The seats are very nice and noise level inside is much lower than my old i30.

The sales of Renault have been increasing pretty much over the last 5-8 years around here, but Hyundai haven't achieved the same.

[Dazzler]

A friend and colleague of mine bought last year a 2016 Renault Kadjar 1,6 Diesel as he also tows a (1700 kg) caravan.
We each drive to work every other week, and being a passenger in that car is very comfy. The seats are very nice and noise level inside is much lower than my old i30.

The sales of Renault have been increasing pretty much over the last 5-8 years around here, but Hyundai haven't achieved the same.

French cars have always tended to have comfy seats a great ride and mostly attractive styling. I guess their sales issues here have been a combination of suspect reliability, pricing and their quirkiness as perceived by the average Aussie - we are a funny lot at times. They have increased their warranty lengths in recent times and lowered their price points which may help a bit in the long term.

[mickd]

I think what kills a few brands over /downunder here is the lack of dealers and in turn part availability. Australia is a big place. We're ducking over to the Barossa Valley in a couple of months, about 1400 km to get there.
You see Hyundai dealer everywhere,  Renault not so much.You would be pressed to see one outside the city or metropolitan areas.  With a  few brands  now sharing drive platforms, it makes things a bit better.  Of course that makes things difficult sometimes,  do you buy a Mitsubishi Outlander or a Peugot 4008 ??

[Dazzler]

Yes, very good point Mick. At one stage I was quite keen on a Skoda RS wagon but the closest dealer was 100 kms away and had no demo stock! 

[burner]

A number of years ago Skoda were on sale here but then pulled out completely from Australia.  Theyve been back for awhile and I've heard peolple that have them love them

[Dazzler]

A number of years ago Skoda were on sale here but then pulled out completely from Australia.  Theyve been back for awhile and I've heard peolple that have them love them

We hired an Octavia a few years ago and it was an impressive car. My mate has a souped up one...

[beerman]

Skoda have a 5/unlimited warranty now too....

If sales have remained the same and they are selling a heap of the more expensive (profitable) SR they will be happy.

I saw 2 Konas go out while I was waiting for the i40 to be serviced the other day, another more profitable vehicle for them.

[Dazzler]

Skoda have a 5/unlimited warranty now too....

If sales have remained the same and they are selling a heap of the more expensive (profitable) SR they will be happy.

I saw 2 Konas go out while I was waiting for the i40 to be serviced the other day, another more profitable vehicle for them.

Yes, very true. The Kona isn't a bad little vehicle but the i30 is better value in my opinion. 

[beerman]

Why can't seat belts just be black?

[Dazzler]

Why can't seat belts just be black?

I actually like the coloured belts and highlights (base model without them looks really bland inside) 

[Surferdude]

Why can't seat belts just be black?

I actually like the coloured belts and highlights (base model without them looks really bland inside) 

I like them too.

[beerman]

Even the green ones????

[Surferdude]

Even the green ones????

Bit of colour trim looks good.