For the second year in a row Hyundai has trounced local competition in Australia's Best Car awards. The Hyundai i30 SX CRDi turbo diesel was named Australia's 'Best Mid-size Car Under $30,000' of 2009 and the Hyundai iMax CRDi turbo diesel was named Australia's 'Best People Mover' 2009.

The judges - all motoring experts from Australia's state wide automotive clubs - focused on three main criteria: 'Value for Money', 'Design and Function' and 'On the Road Performance', and from a field of more than 280 original competitors Hyundai was awarded a double win.

"Once again, the i30 is the car in the class that offers the best value for money within the judging criteria," says Ernest Litera, Chief Judge Australia's Best Cars. Judges said that the i30 topped its class in terms of ownership costs and operating costs, including fuel economy.

It scored above average in all 19 areas that were measured, particularly where safety was tested and the outstanding value offered by the i30 SX petrol and the i30 SX CRDi turbo diesel, which continues to be Australia's most affordable diesel powered car.

Good old fashion rivalry between Australia and New Zealand now puts the pressure back on New Zealand to top the AA Car of the year award the i-30 won here earlier this year.

"While we are pleased for the team in Australia, we are more than a bit competitive and will be very focused on the AA Awards early in 2010," says Tom Ruddenklau, Hyundai New Zealand National Sales Manager. Ruddenklau says the i-30 in particular is having a stella year, and with its current Free Elite Upgrade promotion, "there is a considerable sales surge underway as we head for the closing round of 2009. To date almost 1,000 Hyundai i30's have been sold this year."

The Free elite upgrade program is worth close to $4,000 and adds features such as leather seats, stereo upgrade, rain sensing wipers, 17" Alloys, reversing sensors and climate air conditioning. Ruddenklau continued to say that while these awards are all very well to have in the trophy cabinet and are a confirmation from the industry of how good these cars are, it is the consumer and their purchasing behaviour who really matter.

"Once again well done to the team at Hyundai Motors Australia, rest up over the Christmas break; we will be gunning for the next award back here in New Zealand." Ruddenklau concluded.