Filed under: Concept Cars, Economy, Euro, Paris Motor Show, Hatchbacks, Hyundai
Paris Preview: Hyundai to debut new i20 sub-compact
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Hyundai will have a full display at this year's Paris Motor Show next month, and front and center will be a new subcompact to replace the Getz called the i20. With availability set for sometime early next year, the i20 features five doors and a longer wheelbase than the outgoing Getz, which means there's more space for passengers inside. Its styling was penned in Germany at Hyundai's European Design Centre, and that's a good thing as the i20 is one sharply dressed econo car. Unfortunately, the i20 was designed specifically for European tastes, and like the Getz, won't be making an appearance in the U.S. anytime soon.
Accompanying the new i20 in Paris will be the i20 i-blue concept, a high-mpg concept version of the production car that can achieve 68 mpg on the Euro cycle, as well as a hybrid Sante Fe concept and new ix55 sport ute based on the Veracruz. We'll be in Paris next month to watch it all go down, so stay tuned.
[Source: Hyundai, Autoblog Spanish]
PRESS RELEASE
Offenbach, September 3rd 2008. Six new Hyundai models will make their international debut at this year´s Paris "Mondial de l´automobile". Hyundai Motor Company will use this event to showcase several production – ready vehicles designed and built for Europe, as well as demonstrate its ´green´ credentials with two innovative concepts, the eye–catching Coupe show – car and the premium sedan Genesis.
Taking centre stage for its World Premiere will be the all–new i20 sub – compact, set to become a best–seller in the European Hyundai range. Also debuting will be the i20 blue concept, the latest model in Hyundai´s i–blue range of advanced low emissions concepts. Alongside the eye–catching i20 will be the luxurious seven–seat ix55 sports utility vehicle, and Hyundai´s eco–friendly Santa Fe as Petrol–Electric Hybrid concept.
All–new i20
The all–new i20 sub– compact, due to be launched in Europe towards the end of 2008, will be a highly significant addition to the new generation of Hyundai vehicles identified by the ¡®i´ prefix. Designed at Hyundai´s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the chic new five–door i20 rides on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor model, the Getz, giving the i20 an athletic stance and spacious interior architecture. Featuring Hyundai´s distinctive design motifs ? a bold chrome–topped grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front and striking stacked rear light clusters – the i20´s modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour–co–ordinated bumpers, sills and wing mirror. The well–packaged interior boasts generous levels of standard equipment.
Kun Hee Ahn. President for Hyundai Motor Europe commented, "The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs. It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive. At HME, we are confident the i20 will succeed in the fast paced sub compact sector, as it offers much more in terms standard equipment, fuel economy, interior space and style than many of its competitors."
i20 blue
Based on the all–new i20, Hyundai´s latest i–blue car incorporates a number of modifications, further enhancing the standard vehicles´s already–impressive environmental credentials. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction.
Key modifications to deliver a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption include: full–length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and high performance, low friction engine oil.
The i20 blue also runs the extremely efficient 1.4 CRDi diesel engine, which produces 90PS and generates 220 Nm of torque, mated to a six–speed manual gearbox – instead of the car´s usual five–speed unit.
The regular i20 stands out for its incredibly low CO2 rating and fuel consumption and the i20 blue is even more impressive, with just 99g/km and 4.0 litres /100km.
Santa Fe Petrol–Electric Hybrid
Further demonstrating Hyundai´s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, the Santa Fe Petrol–Electric Hybrid concept maintains the overall design of the existing Santa Fe, yet is an entirely different vehicle under the hood.
Hyundai engineers have developed a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system, which mates the powerful but thrifty 2.4–litre Theta petrol engine to a six–speed automatic transmission and a 30Kw electric motor powered by Lithium–ion batteries. The result is reduced CO2 emissions of just 148g/km on a combined cycle and a fuel consumption figure of 6.2l/100km.
ix55 sports utility vehicle
The seven seat iX55 sports utility vehicle will also make its debut in production–ready form on the Hyundai stand at Paris. Based on the successful Veracruz already on sale in the North American market, the ix55 has been extensively re–styled and re–tuned to match European requirements and driving styles.
Its evocative design is complemented by the all–new, advanced 3.0–litre V6 CRDi turbo diesel engine, which delivers 240 HP and will accelerate to 100km/h in just 10.4 seconds, while returning excellent fuel efficiency of 9.4L/100km on the combined fuel cycle and emitting 249g/km CO2.
The seven–seat iX55 is a flexible and functional vehicle. When not in use the 3rd row seats can be folded flat, creating a huge cargo space of 598 litres (VDA) or, for even more luggage room, both of the rear rows of seats can be folded flat to provide 2,457 litres of space.
Other Hyundai premieres at Paris
The new Genesis saloon will also be displayed at the Paris Motor Show. Based on Hyundai´s all–new, performance–focused, rear–wheel–drive architecture, the Genesis has been engineered to deliver levels of perceived and actual quality in line with those of European leading premium–brand vehicles.
Generous standard specifications give the Genesis saloon an edge over rivals. Hyundai will be taking the opportunity to gauge the reaction of the European public towards this luxury vehicle before deciding whether to launch it on the continent.
The all–new, rear–wheel drive 2+2 Genesis Coupe Show Car will be another highlight of the show. As a strict one–off, this car is the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai, it will bring stunning styling and advanced chassis technology.
The Genesis Coupe show car takes the strong styling cues of the production model – its ´Z´ bodylines and powerful curves – and exaggerates them to spawn a unique, arresting vehicle. ¡®Sonic Orange´ paint work gives the show car a dramatic appearance, which is enhanced by its bare carbon fibre bonnet and roof, and other customisations which help to reduce weight.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Juan 10:53AM (9/03/2008)
I think that this little Hyundai would do well in NA. Then again we already have the Accent so what would be the point?
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Ken Stamper 10:57AM (9/03/2008)
My answer would be get rid of the Accent. I rented a Getz in Europe and was stunned at how good to drive the car was- better, I thought, than the Fiat Grande Punto I had the month before. I bet this car is just as sharp and it is certainly handsome- no reason why it couldn't succeed here. Hopefully the Elantra (i30) Touring will do well and convince Hyundai that their Euro-market designs have a future here.
jsjs 12:36PM (9/03/2008)
Kia also needs to bring the Cee'd (the sister to the i30) to the US.
inflames 10:57AM (9/03/2008)
GREAT!! Hyundai is growing!
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Hank 11:07AM (9/03/2008)
It should replace the Accent here.
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NA_power 11:27AM (9/03/2008)
Another nice looking car from Korea even its face reminds me to Opel/Vauxhall Astra.
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Swede 11:35AM (9/03/2008)
Natural biproduct for a car designed in Rüsselsheim ;)
I_Hate_China 12:25PM (9/03/2008)
There are no i10s and i20s in Korea. They are from India. Even Accent is a non-seller over there. Korea is strictly a D-E segment full-size sedan and SUV market in spite of $8/gallon gas price.
NA_power 11:30AM (9/03/2008)
I just made mistake comment, its face reminds me to Opel/Vauxhall 'Corsa', not the 'Astra'.
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J M C 3 12:22PM (9/03/2008)
Design flows nicely without looking stubby.
Is in step with current automotive design trends.
A bit derivative.
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... 12:31PM (9/03/2008)
The car that came to mind when I saw the front was Saturn Sky/GM Daewoo G2X.
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jsjs 12:39PM (9/03/2008)
IHC - that's changing.
The models which showed the greatest increase in sales in Korea were subcompacts - unfortunately, there are not enough models to satisfy demand.
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Red 12:43PM (9/03/2008)
It's amazing how un-Korean these cars look. I mean that in the most positive way possible. They're actually..........attractive. Good for Hyundai (and subsequently Kia).
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Domestic 6.0 1:17PM (9/03/2008)
Nice lookin dude
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Stumpy 1:49PM (9/03/2008)
I was like.. "Hmm a decent looking econo-car", then read a little bit further and... nevermind. The NA is not getting em...
I am starting to become a fan of Hyundai's, they really are putting out some nice cars...
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jsjs 3:12PM (9/03/2008)
At least Hyundai is bringing over the i30 Touring model.
Mohan Nair 4:59PM (9/03/2008)
Hyundai i10 is already being made in India at their Chennai plant. Soon i20 will also rolling out from the same plant in Chennai India.
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PJ 7:11PM (9/03/2008)
"Unfortunately, the i20 was designed specifically for European tastes, and... won't be making an appearance in the U.S. anytime soon."
Meaning that it's small, but not hideously styled? A hatchback, instead of a shrunken clown-car sedan? A confidence-inspiring handler, instead of an Aveo-esque marshmallow?
Yeah. That'd never work in the US.
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Mark 1:15AM (9/08/2008)
I bought my Yaris 25k miles ago now. Glad to see a few more of them lately.
BigTeebo 7:28PM (9/03/2008)
I like it. It's like a shrunk Astra(but in a good way). I got to drive a Santa Fe recently(new one), and was amazed that it came from Korea. They have come a long way.
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