Frankfurt Preview: Something old, new and blue for Hyundai
Hyundai will be making three unveilings at next week's Frankfurt Auto Show, two of them are new and the other is something we've seen before. The highlight of Hyundai's stands will undoubtedly be the new hydrogen-powered i-Blue crossover concept. In line with the show's theme of sustainability and climate protection, the i-Blue is a visual representation of the carmaker's efforts to have a fully fledged hydrogen fuel-cell vehicle on the market within the next ten years. Developed in Chiba, Japan, the new concept emits no emissions whatsoever and was designed from the ground up as dedicated fuel-cell vehicle.
Joining the i-Blue will be the Veloster sports coupe concept, already displayed at the Seoul Auto Show back in April. Though strictly a concept, there's talk that the Veloster could make it to production but if not we're sure some of its styling elements will feature on the upcoming RWD sports coupe currently in the works.
Rounding out Hyundai's Frankfurt trio is the new i30 estate. Based on the current i30 5-door hatchback, the new estate offers even more storage space thanks to its stretched wheelbase and is scheduled to go on sale in Europe early next year.
Gallery: Hyundai i30 Wagon
Gallery: Hyundai Veloster Concept
[Source: Hyundai]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
SPG 5:04PM (9/05/2007)
The I30 looks like it would be a nice funky little commuter.
The "Iblue" really does blow though.
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Larry 6:15PM (9/05/2007)
Ashamedly, I used to mock Hyundai. One day, late December 2002, I was at a stop light, and a cute little coupe pulled up next to me. I asked myself, "what is that, a mini-Ferrari?" Then I noticed the name, Tiburon, the newly restyled 2003, (replacing the totally hideous one from before) I checked the reviews, all good, and the PRICE? $20 G LIST! LOADED! I took a chance, paid $19....... 4 and a half years and 50k miles later? OMG! I love it! One of the very best cars I have ever owned. Sure, I wish it were a bit faster...... but, my PREVIOUS FAMOUS RIDES? ALL SO FAST? ALL LIVED in the shop! 73 Pantera, 89 20th annivrsary Turbo Trans-Am, etc, ALL fast, and ALWAYS in the shop! And, with the Tib, I don't see myself on every corner...... I feel so smug....discovering such a good deal. and the dealership? Unbelievable! They treat me as if I drove a Lex! My Latina service writer (Miami here) HUGS ME when I come in there! I spread the word about Hyundai wherever I can, and, yeah, MOCK ME IF YOU WANT! It won't matter, I had the car paid off in one year! and the warranty is 10/100!
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Brian W 11:03PM (9/05/2007)
Your tranny will go out at 60K.
For everyone of you there is some one who won't buy another one.
They don't put their 3 year JD Powers surveys on their commercials for a reason.
jsjs 12:29AM (9/06/2007)
Oh, buzz off Brian with your Hyundai bashing!! (What a loser!)
Hyundai has one of the highest customer loyalty in the business (which doesn't happen with blown transmissions at 60k).
As for the 3 yr JD Powers reliability ratings - Hyundai is slightly below the industry average and ahead of Volvo, Porsche, Nissan, Audi, Mazda, Chrysler, etc.
In the American Consumer Satisfaction Index - Hyundai is TIED with Mercedes and only one point behind Toyota and Honda with a score of 83.
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>:^( 3:25AM (9/09/2007)
This is to Brian...
I have a 3 year old 2004 GLS V6 Sonata.
46,000+ miles. No problems.
Turn the key, it starts, and runs, as advertised.
Had a 1999 GLS V6 Sonata, within a few hundred miles of 120K, until Sept of 2004, when I got our newer model.
2002 Long term JD Results,, in 2005:
Top 3 Midsized sedans?
One is Sonata.
http://www.jdpa.com/corporate/news/releases/pressrelease.asp?ID=2005089
So... so much for"bad long term".