Hyundai Motor Company today holds the world premiere of its newest concept, a multi-purpose vehicle called “Hexa Space” at the Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi. The new concept revolutionizes the use of interior space, another example of Hyundai’s “New Thinking. New Possibilities.”

Hexa Space, codenamed HND-7, carries Hyundai’s characteristic “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, including the bold character lines on the side panels. Inside, Hexa Space incorporates other elements of family design, such as Hyundai’s distinctive hexagonal grille, which is applied to the seat designs.

The vehicle features eight slim, hexagonally shaped seats that fit together like puzzle pieces, maximizing internal space while minimizing vehicle width. From honeycombs to architecture, the hexagon is known as an optimum shape for space efficiency.

Hexa Space is targeted at young urban families in their 30s and 40s; customers who live a practical and demanding lifestyle in the bustling and exciting cities of the world’s emerging economies. These customers need their vehicles to serve many roles and Hexa Space satisfies those needs with its unique seat design.

The seats offer multiple configurations for seating – center seats fold flat for greater comfort, the second row folds flat to create a limousine function, the back row folds flat for light-cargo use. In addition, seven seats fold flat for heavy hauling and all eight fold flat for camping. The center seat in the first two rows of Hexa Space is positioned slightly behind the seats on either side, allowing passengers to sit three-abreast without feeling cramped.

Getting in and out of Hexa Space is easy, thanks to its innovative door design. The rear doors lift out and slide back, creating wide-open entry on each side.

Hexa Space’s interior is completed with high-tech features, including a touch-screen center console, a push-button shifter and a cluster ionizer air purifier. Several storage spaces are tucked throughout the interior.

Despite the roomy interior, Hexa Space maintains a narrow overall width, key for maneuvering the crowded urban streets of India and the world’s emerging nations. Hexa Space shares a platform with Hyundai’s compact ix20 and is only slightly wider.

Externally, Hexa Space is 4,300 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,647 mm high, giving it substantial headroom. The wheelbase is 2,750 mm and runs on 19-inch tires. Hexa Space is powered by Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbo GDI engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Hyundai i40 has received the prestigious Golden Award at this year’s EuroCarBody Conference, held near Frankfurt, Germany, beating nine of Europe’s & Japan’s  largest automakers to the prize.

Hyundai collected the top prize – considered the highest accolade in the industry –having never previously entered the contest.

Hosted by Automotive Circle International – an organization consisting of top automotive suppliers and manufacturers – the EuroCarBody awards were judged by over 500 attending delegates, including industry experts from across the world.

The judges praised the comprehensive engineering and effective development of materials, as well as the production efficiency of the i40 which scored 37.98 out of a maximum 50 points.  The closest competitor and second-placed car, the Audi A6, scored 35.86, with the Mercedes B-Class in third place achieving 34.66, giving Hyundai a clear victory.

Hyundai’s use of high-strength steel and improved joints in the structure mean that the i40’s lightweight body has high energy absorption efficiency which provides increased safety to occupants in the event of an accident – characteristics recognised by the judging panel.

The competitors in the contest came from Audi, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Opel, Land Rover and Volkswagen.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Winning the EuroCarBody Golden Awarddemonstrates our commitment to providing the highest levels of safety for Hyundai customers.  The i40 was recently awarded a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, and this latest award is further independent evidence that our technology is market-leading.  We will continue our efforts for ever-better technology to protect passengers and improve all aspects of vehicle performance.”

Available in Estate and – from next year – Saloon body styles, the all-new i40 was designed and engineered in Europe, specifically for the European market. Hyundai’s comprehensive Five Year Triple Care package provides European i40 buyers with the ultimate peace of mind, comprising a five-year unlimited warranty, five years’ roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

Recently i40 was rated in the lowest insurance grouping for a D-segment car in the UK, thanks to its innovative body structure.

Hyundai today announces the full pricing, specification and insurance group ratings for the anticipated all-new Veloster.

On sale in the UK in February 2012, prices will start from £17,995 on the road with an insurance group rating of 16E. It will offer customers style, functionality and economy delivered with a high level of standard specification.

Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK says: “The new Veloster will bring added emotional appeal to the Hyundai brand. It showcases a sleek and distinctive design in an innovative three-door coupe form that provides practicality, and individuality as well as dynamic performance. It offers a bold new colour palette and with the choice of bigger wheels with colour inserts, panoramic sunroof and the option of red leather interior on the higher Sport trim level, customers can stand out from the crowd. We expect the Veloster’s unique combination to re-shape its segment and attract new buyers to the brand.”

The Hyundai Veloster will be available in two main trim levels (Veloster and Veloster Sport) and powered by an efficient 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine, generating 140PS.  It will be available with the option of a six-speed manual gearbox or Hyundai’s first dual-clutch transmission. Hyundai’s Blue drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology and low rolling resistance tyres – will feature in the Veloster line-up ensuring competitive CO₂ emissions of 137g/km and a combined fuel economy of 47.9mpg.

Standard features, which set the Veloster apart from other competitor offerings are 17” alloy wheels, a 7” Touch screen media centre (with capability of playing games through consoles and films from smart phones), Bluetooth Connectivity with voice recognition, climate control air conditioning, reversing sensors, front and rear fog lights and striking LED daytime running lights. The Veloster also features a stereo RDS Radio/CD Player with MP3/WMA compatibility and an iPod connection, with the ability to control all functions on the leather steering wheel for added convenience.

The Veloster Sport benefits from 18” alloy wheels with colour inserts, black leather upholstery with heated front seats, a panoramic sunroof with tilt and slide function, cruise control, keyless entry with engine start/stop button and sporty alloy pedals.

A media pack – containing touch screen satellite navigation with rear view parking camera, Parking Guidance System and 7 speakers including Amp and subwoofer – and red leather interior are available as options on the Sport derivative only.

All Hyundai Veloster models will be supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care assurance.  This package offers five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Full pricing details and insurance group ratings are as follows:

Hyundai today announces the full pricing, specification and insurance group ratings for the all-new i40 Saloon.

On sale from 5 January 2012, prices will start from £17,395 on the road with insurance from Group 12E; and as with the i40 Tourer, will offer customers a high level of standard specification coupled with competitive cost of ownership. Also, with the lowest ‘Benefit in Kind’(BIK) cost in class for key diesel derivatives, the Hyundai i40 range will become an attractive alternative for company car drivers.

Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK says: “The i40 Saloon represents the next-step in the launch of the i40 range to the UK market.  It is a vehicle that has been designed and engineered specifically for Europe, ensuring its relevance in the market place.

“The stylish saloon version shares the same qualities found in the i40 Tourer – offering outstanding levels of fuel-efficiency, comfort, quality, and a high level of standard equipment all at an accessible price.  It will broaden the appeal of the i40 range to buyers in the D-segment by offering a unique, value for money, customer proposition.”

The Hyundai i40 Saloon will be available in the same three main trim levels as the i40 Tourer (Active, Style and Premium) with the choice of two efficient engines, three power outputs and manual or automatic transmission. Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology – are fitted as standard on all Active derivatives, and on the Style 1.7 CRDi 136PS Blue Drive and the Premium 1.7 CRDi 136PS Blue Drive model ensuring CO₂ emissions  of 119 g/km.

Standard features, which set the i40 apart from other competitor offerings, are 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth® connectivity with voice recognition, leather steering wheel with audio controls, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, electric front and rear windows and electric parking brake with automatic hold function.  Touch screen satellite navigation with rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual zone climate control are standard on the mid-point ‘Style’ range.  The Premium models benefit further from the addition of leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and supervision instrument cluster with LCD colour display as standard, plus the option of the Lane Departure Warning and Smart Parking Assist, heated leather steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

The i40 uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Hill-start Assist Control (to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), Brake Assist System and Emergency Stop Signal.

In terms of passive safety, every i40 on the road in the UK will be fitted with seven airbags as standard – front, front side and curtain, with driver knee airbag available as standard on all models.  Hyundai anticipates the i40 Saloon to follow in the footsteps of the Tourer by achieving the maximum 5-star result under Euro NCAP’s impact assessment.

All Hyundai i40 models will be supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care assurance.  This package offers five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Full pricing details and insurance group ratings are as follows:

Hyundai has revealed the first photo of the new-generation i30, ahead of the car’s world premiere at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show (IAA) next week, showing an exciting new look for the company’s best-selling C-segment hatchback.

Hyundai expects the new-generation i30 to build on the remarkable success of the original model – the company’s first car to be launched with the ‘i’ prefix, introducing a new nomenclature and heralding a new era for Hyundai in Europe.

The original i30 was also the first model to be designed and engineered in Europe, the first to be produced at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in the Czech Republic, and the first Hyundai car to receive five stars from Euro NCAP.

After its July 2007 launch, the i30 went on to increase its sales in Europe every year, attracting 115,000 buyers in 2010 – the highest-ever annual sales figure for an individual Hyundai model in Europe – and achieving total sales of more than 350,000 units up to mid-2011.

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new-generation i30represents a further evolution of the unique Hyundai form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’, displaying the company’s distinctive design DNA.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented: “The new-generation i30 is recognisable thanks to the Hyundai family face with its signature hexagonal-shaped front grille and the jewel-like design of the headlamps, together with distinctive daytime running lights.  These lights present an angular shape within a more softly-edged recess, adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury.”

“Through the profile of the new generation i30, a strong character line runs over the front and rear wheelarches all the way to the tail lamps.  A softer, lower character line rises up the car’s flank creating a play of light and shadow – a fundamental feature of fluidic sculpture,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect the new-generation i30 to appeal to young, progressive buyers who want a car that not only performs well but looks great too.  In this way, the new-generation i30 will contribute to future sales success, growing brand awareness and improving perceptions of Hyundai among European consumers.”

“The car has been designed to take on the leading vehicles in the C-segment and join the all-new i40 as a quality benchmark for Hyundai.  Our ultimate customer care package, Five Year Triple Care, will be a valuable point of differentiation for the new-generation i30 in its highly competitive class,” Allan Rushforth added.

The award-winning Five Year Triple Care package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

Hyundai has today announced that the ix35 Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) will have its UK debut at EcoVelocity, the low-carbon motor festival at London’s Battersea Power Station (8^th – 11^thSeptember).

EcoVelocity visitors can be among the first in the world to experience future travel in a hydrogen-powered car, with passenger rides available in the ix35 FCEV. The vehicle is Hyundai’s third-generation FCEV and it demonstrates the company’s work on cutting-edge alternative fuels.

Boasting the same convenience as today’s vehicles powered by traditional internal combustion engines, the ix35 FCEV has a driving range of 360miles (580 Km), a maximum speed of 100 mph and zero-to-62mph time of 12.8 seconds. The fuel cell stack can operate at sub-zero temperatures as low as -25 degrees Celsius, and unlike a combustion-engined car, the ix35’s only emissions are water vapour.

This vehicle moves Hyundai closer to the commercialisation of fuel cell electric vehicles, and the aim is to bring a FCEV to market in the next few years.

Earlier this year, the Hyundai Motor Group signed a memorandum of understanding with four Northern European countries to operate test fleets of FCEVs. Test drives have already been carried out in Korea and Copenhagen.

Hyundai UK’s managing director, Tony Whitehorn, commented: “We are extremely excited to be showcasing the ix35 FCEV in the UK for the first time at EcoVelocity. Hyundai is a world leader in the development of hydrogen-powered technology and is constantly researching and developing modes of transportation that use alternative fuels at the Eco-technology research institute in Mabuk, Korea.

“The ultimate goal would be to see zero-emission vehicles on UK roads within the next few years; however, the market and local infrastructure will be the real determinant of this. In the interim, Hyundai is working hard to make internal combustion engines as efficient as possible.”

Also featuring on the Hyundai stand will be the sub-100g/km CO₂ i10 Blue and the recently launched i20 Blue. The i10 Blue is powered by a 1.0-litre Kappa three-cylinder petrol engine returning an impressive 67.3mpg combined. The i20 Blue is powered by a 1.4-litre CRDi four-cylinder engine with76.4mpg on a combined cycle. Due to their low emissions, both vehicles offer exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge.

Visitors will also be able to see Hyundai’s two newest models on the stand – the all-new i40 Tourer, due to go on-sale on September 8 and the Veloster coupe due to launch later this year.

Following on from the successful i10 Blue launched at the beginning of the year, Hyundai has now added another sub-100g/km CO₂ model to its range – the i20 Blue. With emissions of just 98g/km CO_2, it is the lowest emitting vehicle in Hyundai UK’s product line-up.

The i20 Blue is based on the current i20 Comfort trim level mated to the 1.4 CRDi 90 PS engine and is priced at £13,195 OTR.

To achieve the sub-100g/km CO₂ figures, the i20 Blue has the following Blue Drive technologies: Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling resistance tyres, rear suspension under cover and rear wheel deflector. With these additional features, the i20 Blue achieves a 12% reduction in CO₂ emissions (compared with the current 1.4 CRDi 90PS Style i20 model) from 111g/km down to just 98g/km.

Drivers of the i20 Blue won’t need to be making regular visits to a fuel stationeither. The 1.4 CRDi Euro V compliant four-cylinder engine achieves a remarkable 76.4mpg combined – the sort of cheap-to-run credentials that are important as the cost of motoring continues to rise.  This is a 14% improvement on a combined cycle when compared to the i20 1.4 CRDi 90PS Style model.

To put these figures into perspective, it would cost approximately £63.00 to fill up the i20 Blue with a tank of diesel and this would generate a range of 755 miles! As well as excellent fuel economy, the i20 Blue also gains exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge as it emits less than 100g/km CO₂.

The i20 Blue also comes with plenty of standard equipment including 15” alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, electric heated and folding door mirrors, electric front and rear windows, steering wheel audio controls, USB and aux connections air conditioning and remote central locking.

Sitting alongside the i10 Blue, the new i20 Blue model demonstrates Hyundai’s continuous commitment to increasing the efficiency of both its petrol and diesel engines.

On-sale now, and like all Hyundai passenger cars, the Hyundai i20 Blue comes with a Five Year Triple Care package, which includes a five-year, unlimited mileage, manufacturer backed warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of annual vehicle health checks.

Hyundai has released the first rendering of the next-generation i30, revealing an exciting new look for the company’s bestselling C-segment hatchback. It will be unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September.

The all-new i30 was designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and represents the next evolution of the unique form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’ – the company’s distinctive design DNA.

The ‘fluidic sculpture’ ethos utilises flowing lines inspired by nature and modern architecture to give a constant three-dimensional presence to Hyundai vehicles, and was introduced as the Hyundai ix-onic concept at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.  Since this debut, ‘fluidic sculpture’ has become the design language behind all new Hyundai models launched in Europe.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer, Hyundai Motor Europe commented:  “When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary.  From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions.  In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models.”

The next-generation i30 is also recognisable thanks to Hyundai’s signature front face – the hexagonal shaped front grille.

“The hexagonal appearance is unique to Hyundai, with the jewel-like front headlamps which flank the grille adding a strong personality to the vehicle, as well as a sense of refinement and luxury,” Thomas Bürkle added.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle’s position as our best-seller in Europe.  Since 2007, the name ‘i30’ has become synonymous with ‘quality’, ‘reliability’ and ‘low emissions’ in Europe, and we hope that, amongst others, the term ‘emotional appeal and style’ will be added to the list with the introduction of this dynamic new model.

“Under our brand slogan ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’, our European team of designers have sculpted a car which truly looks at home on European roads thanks to its bold and confident appearance.  We are very excited about revealing the car for the first time in Frankfurt next month.”

Leading consumer publication Which? presented the prestigious award of Best Car Manufacturer to Hyundai, at its annual ceremony in London today. Hyundai won the accolade over rivals BMW, Mazda, Skoda and Toyota.

Which? is the largest consumer body in the UK with over 650,000 members. It is completely independent and works on behalf of consumers to ensure they get the best possible advice. The Which? awards commend the ‘best of the best’ in products and services.

Owners gave Hyundai 82 per cent in the Which? reliability survey, and 84 per cent in the satisfaction survey. In addition, Which? was also impressed by Hyundai’s competitive prices and its five year unlimited miles warranty deal, while two models – the i20 and i30 – won ‘Best Buy’ status following rigorous Which? tests.

Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, said; “To win a Which? Award, not only must a company offer outstanding products or services, it must also deliver exceptional value and a great customer experience.  This is especially important at a time when consumers are really feeling the pinch.

While all those in the shortlist performed well over the past 12 months, Hyundai stood out thanks to its great warranty deal and value for money cars.”

Hyundai’s UK managing director, Tony Whitehorn, said; “We’re delighted to win the award for Best Car Manufacturer. We strive to give our customers the very best value for money by offering quality vehicles that are well equipped, reliable and affordable in terms of price. In addition, our five year, fully transferable, unlimited mileage warranty that comes with all of our vehicles ensures that our customers have total piece of mind.”

He continued to say; “We have an exciting year ahead and will soon launch the all-new i40 Tourer, followed by the 2+1 door coupe Veloster and then the i40 Saloon. Consumers will notice another step change in terms of quality with these new products and we are confident that it will further improve our already competitive product offering.”

Hyundai today announces the full pricing, specification and insurance group ratings for the anticipated all-new i40 Tourer.

On sale in September 2011, prices will start from £18,395 on the road with insurance from Group 12E*; and will offer customers a high level of standard specification coupled with competitive cost of ownership. Also, with the lowest ‘Benefit in Kind’ (BIK) cost in class, the Hyundai i40 range will become an attractive alternative for company car drivers.

Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK says: “The all-new i40 Tourer is a stylish yet uncompromised addition to the medium family estate car market.  It offers exceptionally low CO₂ emissions and high fuel economy; an intuitive, spacious and contemporary interior package combined with an unparalleled level of standard equipment for its class – all at an accessible price.”

He continues: “The i40 is a sign of how far Hyundai has come in recent years, and truly embodies where the brand is going. We believe that it offers a unique, value for money, customer proposition in this highly competitive market segment.”

The Hyundai i40 Tourer will be available in three main trim levels (Active, Style and Premium) with the choice of three efficient engines, four power outputs and manual or automatic transmission. Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies – incorporating Intelligent Stop & Go technology – are fitted as standard on all Active derivatives, and on the Style 1.7 CRDi 136PS Blue Drive model ensuring CO₂ emissions  of 119 g/km.

Standard features, which set the i40 apart from other competitor offerings, are 16” alloy wheels, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, leather steering wheel with audio controls, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicators, electric front and rear windows and electric parking brake with automatic hold function.  Touch screen satellite navigation with rear view camera, front and rear parking sensors, cruise control and dual zone climate control are standard on the mid-point ‘Style’ range.  The Premium models benefit further from the addition of leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry and supervision instrument cluster with LCD colour display as standard, plus the option of the Lane Departure Warning and Smart Parking Assist, heated leather steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

Designed and engineered at the company’s European R&D headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the Hyundai i40 Tourer will be joined by a four-door saloon later this year.  Prices for the saloon will be subject to a further announcement.

All Hyundai i40 models will be supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care assurance.  This package offers five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Full pricing details and insurance group ratings are as follows:

Hyundai has sold five million vehicles in Europe since the first Hyundai Pony was imported in 1977. The five millionth vehicle was an i30, which was launched in 2007 and has subsequently sold just over 320,000 units across the european dealer network.

Hyundai’s sales momentum in Europe has increased steadily since 1977, culminating more recently in a significant rise in demand for the brand’s cars that saw the last one million sales achieved in just three years. For 27 consecutive months up to March 2011, Hyundai has outperformed the market sales trend in Europe.

It took until 1996 before Hyundai recorded its first million sales in Europe, and the two millionth car was sold in 2001. With a growing awareness among European consumers and an expanding network of retailers covering a greater geographical area, Hyundai was able to hit the three million mark by 2005 and then four million in 2008.

It was in 2007 that the company’s progress moved into a higher gear, with the introduction of the i30 in Europe. The i30 was not only the first Hyundai product designed and engineered to appeal specifically to the tastes of European consumers, it was also the first of the company’s products to carry the ‘i’ prefix, establishing a system of nomenclature that continues today.

The i30 is a truly European car, built at Hyundai’s first manufacturing facility in Europe. The plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic, was opened with the objective of delivering the highest quality standards, which helped to pitch i30 at the heart of the competitive European C-segment.

The i30 was soon followed by new models such as i10 and i20, as well as an increasingly diverse range of models that includes the ix20 compact MPV and ix35 SUV – all of which have Europe-focused styling, powertrains and packaging. The arrival of these game-changing cars contributed to Hyundai increasing market share in Europe to a record 2.6% in 2010 and moving total sales up to five million since imports began.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Hitting five million sales is a wonderful achievement for Hyundai, and it marks us out as a major player in what is the world’s most competitive car market. But this is just the beginning for the brand. We are planning for further sales growth during 2011, to take us to 3% market share in Europe. And in the longer term we expect the quality and desirability of our cars to help us maintain our momentum and deliver our next five million sales in a much shorter time frame.”

Hyundai has unveiled the latest version of the D-segment i40 at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show.  The debut of the i40 saloon follows the global reveal of the i40 tourer at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year.

The i40 saloon boasts a purely European identity having been designed and engineered at the European R&D headquarters of Hyundai in Rüsselsheim, Germany.  The car is the latest model to be unveiled under the company’s new brand slogan – ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities’.The 4.74-metre long i40 saloon will go on sale in the fourth quarter of 2011, supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care customer assurance.  This package has been attracting European consumers to the brand through its combination of a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The reveal of the saloon represents the next step of the i40’s introduction to the European market, following the very positive reception for the i40 tourer.  The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the tourer, including outstanding levels of fuel-efficiency, comfort, and quality, and broadens the appeal of the i40 to buyers in the D-segment.

“We have ambitious but achievable targets for the i40 range, expecting to sell 60,000 units in a full year and building on the momentum Hyundai has gained in Europe in recent years.  The launch of i40 will help us reach 3% market share by the end of 2011,” Allan Rushforth concluded.

Design Inspiration

The i40 saloon represents the next evolution of Hyundai’s unique design language, ‘fluidic sculpture’.

The ‘fluidic sculpture’ design DNA is recognisable by flowing lines inspired by nature which combine to create a dynamic exterior, and was introduced on the Hyundai ix-onic concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.  Since this debut, ‘fluidic sculpture’ has been the design inspiration behind all new Hyundai models, such as the award-winning ix35, ix20 and Veloster.

The design concept key words for the i40 sedan are ‘fluidic sculpture’ and ‘premium wing,’ evolving from the fluidic sculpture philosophy. Hyundai designers wanted to emphasize on creating fluidic volume with a modern touch as well as a sophisticated wing-like detail.

“We have used very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give i40 a distinctive appearance,” commented Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre.  “We wanted to move away from the typical three-box saloon and create a car that was in keeping with the sporty nature of the i40 tourer.  By sculpting a low, elongated roof line, we’ve given the i40 saloon a striking coupe-like silhouette,” Thomas Bürkle added.

The i40 saloon not only benefits from attractive styling, but also retains high levels of interior comfort, with a wheelbase measuring 2.77 metres and delivering best-in-class dimensions for front head (1025mm), shoulder (1455mm), and leg (1170mm) room.  This impressive roominess promises to give all occupants spending long periods of the time in i40 the most comfortable D-segment ride available.

“While the exterior of i40 saloon stands out for its fluidic form and distinctive appearance, the interior has been shaped to deliver practicality and comfort to the driver and passengers in a high-quality package,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Powertrains

The all-new i40 will be available with a choice of four Euro V-compliant engines: two petrol and two diesel.  These units cover a power spread of 115 ps to 177 ps, with torque delivery extended across a wide engine-speed range, making the i40 an enjoyable car to drive around town or on the motorway.  Manual and automatic transmissions will also be offered.

In a segment where diesel models represent over 75% of total sales in Europe, Hyundai is anticipating that the 1.7-litre diesel unit developing 136 ps will be the most popular engine among both private and fleet buyers.  Overall, Hyundai is expecting a 65/35% spread between diesel and gasoline-powered i40 sales.

Hyundai’s all new four-cylinder 2-litre GDI engine, called ‘Nu’, makes its debut in the i40.  It delivers higher torque for enhanced driving pleasure, improved fuel economy and reduced emissions and excellent NVH characteristics – similar to the multi-point fuel injected engine.

Equipped with GDI (gasoline direct injection) this 1,999 cc unit generates 177 ps and 213 Nm of torque, ensuring that the i40 brings a good balance between performance and fuel economy.  An i40 saloon with this engine and a six-speed manual gearbox will accelerate to 62 mph in just 9,7 seconds, record fuel economy figures of 41.5 mpg (combined cycle) and achieve a CO₂ rating of just 159 g/km.

Eco credentials

In terms of environmental performance, the all-new i40 will feature the latest technologies developed under Hyundai’s Blue Drive™ eco-program, including Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), low rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator management system (AMS).

When combined with the 1.7-litre diesel engine developing 115 ps, the inclusion of Blue Drive technology results in the i40 achieving CO₂ emissions and fuel economy figures of 113 g/km and 65.7 mpg, respectively.

Hyundai has continuously highlighted its commitment to lead the way along the road to long-term environmental sustainability for the auto industry, and i40 furthers the company’s commitment to delivering models with class-leading eco-performance.

Reduced NVH (Noise Vibration Harshness)

A new acoustic package was developed for Hyundai’s diesel powered i40. NVH performance, especially the exterior drive-by noise, is dramatically improved by using experimental methods such as Reciprocal Holography (to visualise noise reduction levels at certain frequency) and ADNA (Advanced Diagnostic Network Algorithm) to rank noise sources in the order of their identified transfer paths.

The NVH package aims to provide a quieter and more comfortable driving environment for diesel vehicles.  The new acoustic package in i40 utilises materials such as air permeable carpet, sound absorbing layers for engine-room encapsulation, and textile wheel-arch liners to absorb noise sources from engine, road, and muffler, providing a 20% improvement in interior noise levels and a reduction in outside engine noise when idling (compared to an i40 without these features).

High-tech features

By offering an extensive standard specification with numerous high-tech features, the high level of equipment in the i40 promises to be one of its key attractions to potential buyers.

High-tech features include smart-parking assist and lane departure warning system, as well as connectivity items like Bluetooth® with voice recognition and full map navigation with rear view camera.  In terms of comfort and convenience, the i40 will be available with an electric parking brake, front air ventilation seats, heated and reclining rear seats, as well as new features for the segment like auto-defog system, and a heated steering wheel.

Advanced lighting innovations, such as standard day-time running lights with Xenon headlamps (optional)or a TFT(Thin Film Transistor) LCD supervision instrument cluster, will further strengthen the i40’s position as the lead model in Hyundai’s line-up and the European D-segment.

Safety

The i40 uses the latest active and passive safety technologies to ensure maximum protection for its occupants. Active safety features, fitted as standard in several countries, include ESP (Electronic Stability Program), ABS (anti-lock braking system), Hill Start Assist Control (to prevent roll-back when starting on an incline), VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), Brake Assist System and Emergency Stop Signal.

In terms of passive safety, every i40 on the road in the UK will be fitted with seven airbags as standard – front, side and curtain, with driver knee airbag available as standard on all models.  Hyundai anticipates the i40 to continue the company’s excellent safety record and attain the maximum 5-star result under Euro NCAP’s impact assessment.

Hyundai has released the first rendering of its new i40 saloon, ahead of the world premiere at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show on May 12th.

This debut follows the global reveal of the i40 estate at the Geneva Motor Show in March this year. The i40 saloon will be the latest model to be unveiled under the company’s new brand slogan – ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’

The i40 saloon boasts a purely European identity having been designed and engineered at the European R&D headquarters of Hyundai in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and represents the next evolution of the company’s unique form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’.

The ‘fluidic sculpture’ design DNA utilises flowing lines inspired by nature to create a dynamic exterior, and was introduced on the Hyundai ix-onic concept car at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show. Since this debut, ‘fluidic sculpture’ has been the design inspiration behind all new Hyundai models, such as the award-winning ix35 and ix20.

“We have used very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give i40 a distinctive appearance,” commented Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. “We wanted to move away from the typical three-box saloon and create a car that was in keeping with the sporty nature of the i40 estate. By sculpting a low, elongated roof line, we’ve given the i40 saloon a striking coupe-like silhouette,” he added.

The i40 saloon not only benefits from attractive styling, but also retains high levels of interior comfort, with a wheelbase measuring 2.77 metres and delivering best-in-class dimensions for front head (1025mm), shoulder (1455mm), and leg (1170mm) room.

“While the exterior of i40 saloon stands out for its fluidic form and distinctive appearance, the interior has been shaped to deliver practicality and comfort to the driver and passengers in a high-quality package,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The launch of the saloon represents the next step of the i40’s introduction to the European market, following the very positive reception for the i40 estate. The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the estate, including a dynamic design element, and broadens the appeal of the i40 to buyers in the D-segment.

“The saloon market in Spain is very strong, claiming almost 40% of the D-Segment, so the Barcelona Motor Show was the logical choice for a reveal of such importance. We couldn’t be more delighted to be holding the world premiere of the i40 saloon in Barcelona, a vibrant European city steeped in culture and creativity,” he concluded.

Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of the new i40, ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The debut of i40 comes as Hyundai launches its new brand slogan ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ The i40 reflects the spirit of change at Hyundai, and represents the company’s bold new concept of ‘modern premium’ – the philosophy that premium quality and characteristics should be accessible to everyone.

The i40 is the company’s first D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market, with a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for European tastes. It will be shown in Geneva in estate form, and this will be the first i40 bodystyle to be introduced to Europe, with a saloon to follow later this year.

Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i40 is the latest Hyundai model to have a purely European identity. Taking styling cues from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, it maintains signature features such as the hexagonal grille. The grille is flanked by two jewel-like headlamps, for a contemporary, confident look that is accentuated by the characterful lines that connect the front and rear of the vehicle, adding to the i40’s eye-catching, sophisticated style.

In line with Hyundai’s commitment to make premium products and features available to everyone, the i40 has a class-leading level of standard equipment. Among the specification are new technologies for Hyundai, including: heated and reclining front and rear seats; a heated steering wheel; and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.

The ‘modern premium’ concept is also evident in the efficient powertrain choices available to i40 buyers. The i40’s 1.7-litre diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, will emit from just 113 g/km of CO2 emissions – a best-in-class figure that also demonstrates the advances the company is making towards global leadership in eco-technology.

Hyundai’s unrivalled customer care package, Five Year Triple Care, will come as standard on i40. The industry-leading package offers total peace of mind, with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Offering more for less has always been a fundamental principle at Hyundai, and now we are advancing this with our new brand direction under the ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ slogan. The i40 is a perfect example of how we are offering the best and making it accessible to everyone. From stunning design and specification, to industry-leading technology and aftersales care – the i40 sets itself apart from its competitors.”

Hyundai has comprehensively updated its award-winning i10 city car range. The range-wide update – which goes on sale 1st March – marks the arrival of Hyundai’s first sub-100g/km Blue model, along with specification and design upgrades for the rest of the line-up.

The new and improved version of Hyundai’s entry-point model represents a significant step forward over the outgoing i10. Chief among the changes are enhancements to the i10’s design – both in the cabin and on the exterior of the car. These key design changes are in keeping with the brand’s bold and progressing design language, bringing a clear family resemblance between the new i10 and other recently launched Hyundais, including the sleek ix35 and ix20 models.

A new and improved range of Euro V compliant engines blend clean performance with excellent fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. The latest i10 introduces the all-new 1.0-litre ‘Kappa’ engine, which replaces the old 1.1-litre ‘Epsilon’ unit. This cutting-edge three-cylinder engine achieves a remarkable 67.3mpg combined: the sort of cheap-to-run credentials that will resonate with customers as the cost of motoring continues to rise. The popular 1.25-litre ‘Kappa’ engine has also been improved giving 13% more power (85bhp), 9.2% less CO2 (108g/km) and 8.7% better fuel consumption (61.4mpg) than the outgoing 1.25-litre ‘Kappa’ engine.

To make the most of the efficient new 1.0-litre engine, Hyundai has introduced an all-new model – the i10 Blue. This special ‘eco’ edition of the i10 emits an astonishingly low 99g/km CO2, so it gains exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge. It is currently the only sub-£10k five-seater car on the market to achieve this, and the first of a family of Blue models that will underscore Hyundai’s commitment to environmental technology.

The revised range consists of four trim grades – Blue, Classic, Active and Style – all of which offer exceptional value for money. Equipment specification across the i10 range remains impressive, with usually optional features, such as air conditioning and the addition of an iPod plug-in, standard fit on all new i10s. As part of a class-leading equipment list, customers will also find four airbags, a six-speaker stereo, electric windows and central locking all as standard on all models. Prices start at £8,195 for the entry-level Classic model.

All new i10s come with Hyundai’s world-beating Five Year Triple Care package, for total peace of mind. This package includes five-year unlimited mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks. It’s an offer that is yet to be matched by any of Hyundai’s rivals.

Hyundai California Design Center and Hyundai Motor America presented the world debut of the Hyundai Curb concept vehicle during a press conference at the Detroit International Auto Show today. Curb is a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) for the next generation of Hyundai buyers. Curb is also a test bed for future Hyundai Blue Link™ and vehicle connectivity technology.

HIGHLIGHTS FOR CURB CONCEPT

Compact CUV for Generation Y living an urban lifestyle with an active night life
‘Hi-Tech Rugged’ design – high-tech interior, rugged exterior
Advanced Hyundai Blue Link and vehicle connectivity technology
Via touch sensors and screens
Continental 12-inch display
Continental Reflective Heads Up Display (HUD)
Big cargo-hauling capability
Pop-up roof rack and pull-out bike rack
1.6-litre “Gamma” powertrain
Curb is the twelfth signature concept vehicle (HCD-12) to be designed at the company’s California Design Center in Irvine, Calif.
POTHOLES AND NIGHTCLUBS
The inspiration for Curb came from the need to evolve Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language for younger buyers. Hyundai designers wanted to create a vehicle loaded with technology that was at home in an urban environment with potholes and densely packed nightclubs on the streets. The vehicle needed tosecure the advanced Blue Link and connectivity features against impact and shock. From these ideas, the ‘technology rugged’ design direction for Curb was formed.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck,” said Jason Brown, Hyundai designer. “City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting.”

Hyundai has revealed the Veloster three-door coupe for the first time on the global stage. The exciting newcomer made its world premiere at the 2011 North American International Auto Show today during Hyundai’s press conference.

Taking inspiration from the concept car revealed at the 2007 Seoul Motor Show, the production model unveiled today captures the spirit of the original concept at the same time as representing Hyundai’s new thinking in 2011.

The Veloster differentiates itself from traditional coupes through its unique three-door configuration, which includes a rear door on the passenger side for added practicality and useability, giving safe and easy access to the spacious interior. A hidden exterior door handle ensures the attractive coupe design is maintained.

The car’s dynamic profile has been inspired by Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language. Distinctive black A-pillars give the glasshouse a striking appearance, set above unique character lines in the bodywork. Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille, bonnet scoop details, athletic wheel arches and wraparound headlights provide the Veloster with an assertive form at the front and side. At the rear a distinctive glass hatch and centre-mounted exhaust complete the sporty look.

The Veloster will be available with Hyundai’s latest powertrain technology, including the company’s first six-speed double-clutch transmission. Equipped with Hyundai’s new, efficient 1,6-litre four-cylinder GDI petrol engine, the Veloster will be a coupe without compromise, offering driving enjoyment combined with high fuel economy and low CO2 emissions.

“The new Veloster goes a long way to solving the inherent compromise of traditional coupe design, which sacrifices comfort and convenience for style,” commented Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe. “This exciting car offers progressive buyers a sleek and distinctive design in an innovative three-door coupe form that provides practicality as well as driving pleasure.

“The Veloster embodies the evolution of the Hyundai brand in Europe: it’s our latest model to offer great looks in a thoughtfully-conceived package, and still has the well-established Hyundai characteristics of quality, safety and efficiency. We expect it to attract new customers to the brand when it reaches the European market later this year,” Rushforth concluded.

In Europe the Veloster will benefit from Hyundai’s industry-leading Five Year Triple Care package that includes a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

More details on Veloster, including powertrain and specification for the European market, will be available nearer the time of its European motor show premiere in Geneva in March 2011.

Hyundai has announced that its new D-segment car for Europe will be called i40. The i40, which was known by the codename ‘VF’ during development, arrives as the company embarks on the next phase of its brand and product evolution in Europe.

Set to make its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show in March, the new i40 aims to further shift European consumer perception of Hyundai to a more aspirational position, thanks to the vehicle’s dynamic design and class-leading quality, performance and technical features.

The new i40 will be launched in estate form, with a saloon version following later in the year.

“We have bold ambitions for Hyundai in Europe, and the new i40 will provide the momentum we need to achieve our goals in 2011 and beyond. We expect the quality of the new i40 to continue the development of our image in Europe and attract new customers to the Hyundai brand,” commented Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe.

Designed at Hyundai’s European R&D facilities in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the new i40 is the company’s first D-segment model to be specifically developed for the European market. The car will progress the ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, featuring the company’s signature hexagonal front grille and rakish lines which give the i40 a dynamic, sporty appearance by connecting the front, side and rear profiles.

The new i40 will also become Hyundai’s most innovative model on sale in Europe, including the latest environmental technologies developed under the company’s Blue DriveTM eco-program, and a powertrain line-up which boasts best-in-class performance and fuel economy, and very low CO2 emissions.

“The i40 perfectly combines the four elements that have become core Hyundai values: practicality, performance, efficiency, and styling. Our designers and engineers have produced a car that encapsulates what European motorists look for in a D-segment vehicle.”

The i40 will benefit from industry leading Five Year Triple Care package that includes a five-year unlimited millage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

More details on i40 will be available nearer the time of its motor show world premiere in Geneva in March 2011.

Hyundai has announced prices for the new ix20. On sale from 18th November, it will be available with three drivetrain options and three generously equipped trim levels.

The three trim grades – Classic, Active and Style – are unique to the UK and have been carefully created to reflect the demands and high expectations of British buyers.

The entry level Classic trim provides the key essentials buyers want – and crucially all of the safety equipment that the customer wants, but wouldn’t expect at this level.

The well-equipped interior features a height adjustable driver’s seat, ESP, air conditioning, six airbags, active head restraints, radio/CD audio system with six speakers, plus CD, MP3, RDS and USB-/AUX-/iPOD-input capabilities.

Prices start at £11,595 for the 1.4 petrol. Buyers wanting the exceptional economy of the diesel will pay an extra £1,400.

The next, and most popular, trim level is the mid-range Active. In addition to the Classic specification it gains a carefully-selected package of goodies that are designed to appeal to a younger family buyer demanding extra style and convenience. Externally there are 16-inch alloy wheels, body coloured door handles and mirrors (which are electrically adjustable and heated) and reversing sensors.

Inside, convenience comes in the form of Bluetooth phone connectivity, electric rear windows and audio controls on the leather-trimmed steering wheel.

The Active costs £1,100 more than the Classic, starting at £12,695 for the 1.4-litre petrol, £14,095 for the diesel and £14,095 for the 1.6-litre petrol auto.

The range-topping Style specification adds some luxuries that buyers in the real world want, with no ‘fillers’ to pad out the list. As a result, the price walk up from the Active is a very affordable £1,000.

The most striking of these extras is a dual-panel panoramic glass sunroof with UV filter, which spans the front and rear seats. The front panel offers a tilt and sliding function to let the fresh air – as well as light – into the cabin.

Sometimes though, you want to keep the light out, which is why the sunroof is equipped with blinds and the rear glass is super-darkened for extra privacy and protection from the sun.

To further improve the looks and visibility of the ix20 Style from the outside, front fog lights are standard and the door mirrors are fitted with integrated side repeater indicators. To keep these safe on narrower roads, they fold electrically.

The Style range starts at £13,695 for the 1.4-litre petrol, £15,095 for the diesel and £15,095 for the 1.6-litre petrol auto.

With such exceptional equipment levels there is little room for options – the only factory-fit extra is metallic paint at £395.

Hyundai will kick off an intensive period of product launches by unveiling two important new models at this year’s Paris Motor Show.

First of these exciting new models is Hyundai’s new B-segment MPV, named ix20.  The ix20 is the second European model to adopt Hyundai’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language which helps differentiate it from the boxy ‘minivan’ image typically associated with the segment.

On sale from mid November in the UK, ix20 is expected to attract young families with its excellent all-round package: class-leading fuel economy and low CO₂ emissions; the latest in active and passive safety technologies; and the company’s groundbreaking Five Year Triple Care warranty.

The ix20 will be joined at the show by the facelifted version of Hyundai’s best selling i10 city car.  The new i10 features comprehensive visual and mechanical improvements, including a new 1.0-litre engine with CO₂ emissions of just 99 g/km.  The new version of the i10 will go on sale early in 2011.

When the Germans think of a quality car, there’s only one brand that now springs to mind – Hyundai. Leading German motoring magazine AutoBild, has awarded Hyundai the honour of first-place in its annual AutoBild Quality Report for 2010.

Hyundai eclipsed its rival Toyota and edged out local manufacturers BMW and Audi to take the prestigious award based on a comprehensive analysis of reliability, long-term quality and customer satisfaction.



AutoBild‘s annual list evaluates seven key criteria, each weighted equally, including feedback received from 9278 owners, manufacturer warranty provisioning, recall information, and data from Germany’s Technische Uberwachung Verein report (TÜV) based on no less than 7.5 million vehicle inspections. 

Considered to be one of the most respected industry quality surveys and endorsed by a fastidious German audience, the award further demonstrates the gains Hyundai has made in consistently improving the quality of its products, service and support available to its owners.

It’s not just in Germany that Hyundai’s quality has been applauded. Here in Britain, the i30 recently took first place in the Driver Power Top 100 survey, a customer satisfaction survey conducted by AutoBild’s sister magazine, Auto Express. This confirmed the findings of Which? consumer guide whose subscribers revealed i30 to be Britain’s most reliable medium-sized car.

The Hyundai i20 is getting blue on the inside and greener under the bonnet.

Minor changes to the aerodynamics and engine have resulted in a boost in fuel efficiency for all engines, while the interior is now more stylish and better equipped.

The best-selling 1.2-litre petrol engine, already one of the most efficient in the class, drops its emissions by 5g/km to 119g/km. This results in a tax disc costing just £30 and company car tax benefit-in-kind rates of just 10%.

Buyers wanting the extra power of the 1.4-litre version will see even greater savings, with the Style models dropping by 13g/km to just 129g/km. This results in a drop of two Vehicle Excise Duty bands and a 4.3mpg improvement.

The two diesel engines also see significant savings, with the 75PS model dropping by 6g/km to just 110g/km. The 90PS version gains a six-speed gearbox which helps it achieve a 7.2% improvement in fuel economy.

These improvements have been made possible by adding a small spoiler to the underneath of the car to improve airflow around the wheels, fitting an Eco Drive indicator in the instrument panel to suggest the best point to change gear, using low friction engine oil and an alternator management system.

Inside, there are two blue additions. Firstly, the dashboard and instrument illumination is now blue rather than red, bringing the i20 into line with larger Hyundai models.

Secondly, Bluetooth phone connectivity with voice recognition is now added as standard on all models except the entry-level Classic. 

The new i20 is available to order now, with prices starting at £9,520. All i20s are covered by a manufacturer-backed, unlimited mileage Five Year Warranty and are equipped with ESP and air conditioning as standard.

Hyundai’s pioneering concept car i-flow will be displayed at the world-renowned Goodwood Festival of Speed (1-4 July) in the UK.  The car, designed at the company’s European Technical Center, will be making its first appearance since impressing crowds on its global debut during the Geneva Motor Show in March.

Over 175.000 visitors are expected to attend the four-day festival, taking in high-performance supercars, motorsport vehicles and next-generation technology showcases such as the i-flow.  The Hyundai concept car will be a star attraction of Goodwood’s FoS-TECH Technology Pavilion, billed as offering “a step into the automotive future” with a strong emphasis on environmentally-sustainable transport.

Previewing a future D-segment contender from Hyundai, i-flow boasts Hyundai’s ground-breaking new design language and cutting-edge technology.  Its sleek, elegant lines not only create a bionic, futuristic shape but also contribute to exceptional aerodynamics.  The drag coefficient of 0.25Cd helps to reduce CO₂ output to just 85g/km and fuel consumption to only 3l/100km.  Hyundai’s first diesel-electric hybrid powertrain, featuring the company’s new 1,7-liter engine, plays a key role in delivering such an impressive CO₂ emissions figure. 

Further advancements can be found inside the i-flow cabin.  The application of next-generation materials and technologies, developed in cooperation with BASF, breaks the mould of traditional car interiors.  Innovative features include the ability of the main interface to recognize gestural inputs along its fascia-wide display.

The glossy ‘Liquid Metal’ finish – also developed in partnership with BASF – adds to the visual impact of i-flow’s exterior, giving a distinctive character to the car.

Allan Rushforth, Vice President at Hyundai Motor Europe, said, “The Goodwood Festival of Speed is an exciting experience, and this year it is sure to be packed with eye-catching cars.   As we move the Hyundai brand upmarket, it is fitting that we showcase the bold i-flow at such a prestigious event.  It’s a groundbreaking vehicle which has served as a test bed for our latest technologies and design ideas.  The FoS-TECH pavilion provides an excellent opportunity to show how Hyundai has become a leading eco-friendly manufacturer.

A cab driver in Northampton found his choice of Hyundai i800 was ideal when he got a booking to collect a fare from Barcelona in the recent volcanic ash flights ban.

The eight-seat Hyundai i800 MPV meant the journey to collect a group of stranded holidaymakers and their luggage from Spain was a breeze, even with two drivers on board.

“We got the call at 9.30am on Tuesday and were on the road within an hour to collect four people,” said i800 owner Garry Smith. “I took my son Ben so we could share the driving and booked the Eurotunnel crossing on route. When the passengers heard what car we were in they asked if we could take six people which because of the car, we were happy to do.”

Stopping only to change drivers every few hours, re-fuel and answer calls of nature, Garry and Ben arrived in Barcelona on Wednesday morning. They didn’t even turn the ignition off before they were loaded up and heading back.

After the 2,500 mile round trip, Garry and Ben got back to the UK on Thursday morning with the cab’s meter reading a whopping £4,600.05. However Garry billed the group a pre-agreed £1,850, which worked out at just over £300 per passenger. “It wouldn’t really be fair to charge them the meter rate,” said Garry, who bought his i800 from Kingsley Hyundai in Bedford last year.

Garry originally picked the i800 because he specialises in executive transport and longer journeys. He wasn’t surprised to be called on for the rescue run as he narrowly missed out on a job to Geneva just before the Barcelona trip came up. However he added this journey was his biggest trip ever.

The results are in and there’s a shock in store – Hyundai’s i30 has scooped the prize as the UK’s most reliable car!

It beat the 2009 winner, the Jaguar XF – which finished second this year – and the Skoda Octavia, which finished in third place. And the result is set to cause a shockwave of respect, jealousy and envy from the world’s car makers.

The i30 shot straight into the coveted number one slot in the Driver Power Top 100 –the first time a Korean maker has won in nine years of the survey.

Completed by over 23,000 drivers, Driver Power is the definitive poll on car reliability and satisfaction.

While it was good news for Hyundai, Ford’s current Focus came resolutely mid-table – in 51^st place. And it was an even worse story for Vauxhall. Its previous-generation Corsa supermini finished at the bottom of the Top 100, while the MkIV Astra was just one place above it, in 99^th position.

However, it was Peugeot that walked away with the wooden spoon in the manufacturer countdown, thanks to poor performances by its 307 and 207 models.

A strong showing from the Octavia saw Skoda scoop the overall win in the manufacturer category, with Toyota luxury brand Lexus in second. The i30 helped Hyundai make the biggest overall leap, jumping 12 places to finish sixth.

Auto Express editor in chief David Johns said: “Congratulations to Hyundai. This is a huge breakthrough for the brand. Over the years, owners have told us what good value its cars are. This is the final proof that Hyundais can now match that with real all-round reliability and satisfaction.”

The Driver Power Top 10                            

1. Hyundai i30                                               

2. Jaguar XF

3. Skoda Octavia

4. Volkswagen Golf MkVI

5. Renault Mégane MkIII

6. Land Rover Discovery 3

7. Rover 75

8. Mercedes E-Class (2002-2009)

9. Toyota Prius (2003-2009)

10. Jaguar S-Type

Best Manufacturer – Skoda

Hats off to Skoda! Ousting Lexus from the top spot last year, Skoda has held onto the gold medal in 2010 thanks to the excellent Fabia and Octavia models. With well-recieved newcomers such as the Yeti and Superb, we can only expect the firm to do the same in 2011.

Running costs – Fiat Panda

There’s no doubt about it – if you want to keep an eye on the pennies, the Fiat Panda is the clear winner. Drivers love its fuel-efficient engines, low insurance costs and servicing bills that result in a smile rather than a wince.

Reliability – Toyota Prius

It’s had a tough time of late but the Driver Power results speak volumes – Toyota Prius owners have had no problems to report. That’s remarkable in a car that packs so much hi-tech equipment.

Ease of driving – Toyota Prius

Just jump in and go – that’s the message the Prius sends out. Even though it has a complex drivetrain, Toyota’s hybrid is a breeze to drive, providing light steering, simple controls and a fine view of the road.

Practicality – Land Rover Discovery 3

Here’s proof when it comes to practicality, you don’t need an MPV. The Discovery 3 has more ‘throw it all and go’ ability than any other to in the Driver Power Top 100, thanks to its vast size, seven-seater layout and split tailgate.  

Build quality –   Lexus IS (old model)

Hewn-from-granite and likely to last just as long, the previous generation Lexus IS is the Driver Power Build Quality champion. Drivers say their cars are still as rattle free as the day they left the factory.

In the shorter term, Hyundai is also bringing new style to the C-segment with a revised version of its i30.

Entering production in March, the new i30 incorporates a wide range of improvements in design, specification and competitiveness.

The i30 builds on the strengths of the current i30 range, to keep the model fresh and desirable. The new-look i30 does not stray far from the original design, and instead merely accentuates the car’s aesthetic qualities.

The redesigned radiator grille and air intakes bring the i30 in line with Hyundai’s new-style corporate identity, epitomised by the hexagonal frontal form. A reshaped, lower bumper and more angular fog light recesses continue the visual enhancement around the front end. The redesigned chrome garnish housing the Hyundai logo completes the more dynamic new look. The refresh carries on into the flanks, where extended side skirts and rear bumper add a sense of strength to the car’s contemporary profile.

To complete the upgrade, the new i30 comes with Hyundai’s ‘Triple5’ package, including an enhanced five-year warranty with five year’s roadside recovery.

Blue Drive takes i10, i20 and i30 under 100g/km

Hyundai has revealed its latest eco-focused Blue Drivevehicles. Four new cars have resulted from the company’s leading-edge program: the i10 blue, i20 blue, i30 blue and ix35 blue.

The eco-friendly variants incorporate improvements in emissions without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making Blue Drive models a realistic solution for modern motorists.

All employ the latest energy-efficient powertrain technology. The new, downsized 1.0-litre Kappa petrol and 1.7-litre U2 diesel engines, for example, are coupled with high-performance, low-friction engine oil, to considerably reduce driveline friction. Dual continuously variable valve timing, improved combustion efficiency, gear ratio optimisation, and engine control optimisation to increase engine efficiency.

A noticeable change from the driver’s perspective is the application of a Hyundai-specific Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system. This cuts the engine when the car is stationary and restarts it when the clutch pedal is depressed.

With ISG, an alternator management system is added to maximise energy regeneration during braking and disconnecting the alternator when it’s not needed.

It’s not just the engines which are more efficient. To minimise drag, the Blue Drive models have improved aerodynamics and lower rolling resistance.

Under body panels have been installed on all models to smooth airflow under the car and certain models also feature reductions in brake-pad drag on the discs. Wheels are also fitted with low rolling resistance tyres, inflated to a higher pressure.

Through such innovations, engineers have succeeded in lowering the CO2 emission levels of the i10, i20, and i30 blue models to the sub-100g/km range.

The i10 blue, which goes into production at the end of 2010, employs a new and extremely efficient 1.0-litre version of the Kappa petrol engine, which produces 69PS at a lower rpm level of 6.200 rpm while generating 94 Nm of torque. By tweaking the aerodynamics and refinements to the powertrain, CO2 emissions in the i10 blue have been reduced to just 99g/km.

The i20 blue features the U2 1.4-litre diesel engine, designed and engineered at the R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and produces 75PS at a lower rpm level of 4.000, while generating 220 Nm of torque. The power train is mated to the latest six- speed manual transmission. Producing just 98g/km of CO2 emissions, the i20 blue is scheduled to go into production in 2011.

The i30 blue uses the U2 1.6-litre engine, which produces 90PS at 4.000 rpm, while generating 240 Nm of torque. CO2 emissions of just 98g/km and 99 g/km for the hatchback and estate models, respectively, will save customers tax and fuel.

Hyundai’s ix35 will cost from just £16,495 when it goes on sale on March 25th, making the stylish crossover a real alternative for buyers considering a conventional hatchback.

In fact, a combination of the low purchase price, economical running costs and high residuals mean that the ix35 is likely to cost less to run than mainstream family cars and MPVs with comparable engines.

Despite the price, the ix35 range has equipment levels that no rival can even dream of matching. This makes it attractive not just to private buyers, but also means company car drivers can choose an ix35 and actually pay less tax than on a mainstream hatchback or MPV.

The entry-level ix35 Style model is less expensive to buy than a basic Ford Focus, yet includes such features as 17-inch alloy wheels, ESP, air conditioning, built-in Bluetooth phone connectivity, heated front and rear seats, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, leather steering wheel and gearknob, reverse parking sensors and a trip computer.

The Premium model adds 18-inch alloys, a double-length panoramic glass sunroof, automatic headlights, cruise control, dual zone climate control, electric folding door mirrors, keyless entry with engine start/stop button, rear privacy glass, rain-sensing wipers, part-leather upholstery and roof rails. Options include full leather seats, touch-screen sat-nav and a reversing camera.

What’s more, all ix35’s are backed up by Hyundai’s famous five-year warranty and a 10-year anti-perforation corrosion warranty, meaning that what appears attractive in the showroom will remain just as appealing for years to come.

This package has meant that the ix35 has just been given a stunning set of residual value figures by industry experts CAP.

The 2.0CRDi Style 2WD, which is expected to be the big seller of the range, achieves a 43 percent residual value figure after 3yr/30k miles. These figures match the new Nissan Qashqai and beat the likes of VW’s Tiguan and the brand new Peugeot 3008.The residual for the Premium 2WD is even better than the Style, achieving 45% after 3yr/30k miles.

The ix35 range will be made even stronger from this autumn when two new smaller engines join the range – a 1.6 petrol with direct injection technology and a new 1.7 diesel offering supermini-rivalling emissions and fuel economy.

Full details of these exciting models will be announced in the summer.

A full list of ix35 prices is below:

Leading industry publication AM Magazine presented the prestigious award of Carmaker of the Year to Hyundai, at its annual ceremony in Birmingham this week.

A panel of industry experts led by AM Editor Jeremy Bennett gave the accolade to Hyundai over rivals Ford, Land Rover, Jaguar and Kia.

Jeremy said; “With the newly-opened factory in Eastern Europe pumping out high quality vehicles and dealers selling them at the right price to a consumer base looking for alternative motoring choices, it was only a matter of time before Hyundai entered the mainstream”.

Presenting the award, Sky News Today presenter Dermot Murnaghan said; “It has been an amazing year for Hyundai, with a model mix that allowed dealers to take full advantage of the Government scrappage scheme. This is allied to a consistent message and support to its dealers, which had provided the brand with a fantastic start to 2010”.

Hyundai’s UK managing director Tony Whitehorn said; “We’re delighted to win Carmaker of the Year. We have doubled sales and strengthened our retail network. 2010 is set to be a very promising year for us and this award proves we are a brand that people are noticing.”

He continued to say; “We are about to launch our new ix35, which is set to become our flagship model in the UK which will further increase awareness of our brand. Everyone in the company has worked very hard the last few years in making our brand appeal to a wider audience”.

An all-new concept car is set to catch the ‘i’ of visitors to the Geneva Motor Show next month. Hyundai has chosen the event to reveal the i-flow, a stylish saloon that previews the look of its new D-segment contender.

Styled at the company’s European design headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, i-flow is expected to attract much attention, thanks to its striking appearance – the latest product of the company’s evocative new form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’. The name i-flow reflects the exceptionally aerodynamic shape and the flowing lines of the concept car’s eye-catching styling, and retains the ‘i’ prefix of Hyundai’s established nomenclature.

The i-flow incorporates numerous new technologies from chemical company BASF, ranging from innovative lightweight materials to solar cells, to assist in reducing weight and improving energy efficiency.

Hyundai is set to build on its industry-leading scrappage success with ground-breaking schemes which will help even more customers afford a new Hyundai.

These include Trade & Upgrade, which allows buyers the same £2,000 part exchange allowance as scrappage customers even after the government scheme ends, and Happy Returns, which offers Hyundai’s existing scrappage customers the chance to swap to a new ‘10’ registration in March for as little as £499.

“We have learnt some valuable lessons from the 33,000 people who have bought cars from us under the scrappage scheme” said Tony Whitehorn, Hyundai’s managing director in the UK. “They love transparent pricing. They hate haggling. And if they see a good deal they will snap it up. What we are offering post scrappage will build on this experience and will change the way cars are bought in the UK for ever.”

Trade & Upgrade will offer the 6.4 million owners of seven to 10 year old cars in Britain the same £2,000 allowance offered to scrappage customers.

Unlike similar schemes from other manufacturers, Trade & Upgrade allows buyers to choose any new car from the Hyundai range, not just the more expensive models.

It’s not only old car drivers who can benefit. Happy Returns will allow those who were savvy enough to buy a Hyundai using scrappage another chance to pick up an unbeatable deal and own another new Hyundai.

Owners who bought a new i10, i20 and i30 last year will be invited to swap it for a brand new Hyundai wearing the new ‘10’ registration. The swap can be made any time up until the car’s first anniversary, saving the customer the cost of the first service and tax disc renewal. The new car will of course also have a new five year warranty.

The customer’s contribution to the deal will be £499 for an i10, £599 for an i20 or £749 for an i30. Customers will be able to trade up and down the range if they want to switch to a different car or add options.

Once the price of a service and tax disc are taken into account, it could mean that the ‘cost to change’ for an i10 customer could be around £250 – that’s just £20 per month in depreciation. For the i20, buyers will be upgrading to a 2010 model year car with ESP as standard and an improved interior.

The scheme has been made possible because of the exceptional residual values of Hyundai ‘i’ cars and the high demand for quality used cars in the Hyundai network.

There is a further treat in store for existing Hyundai customers. All 33,000 buyers who made use of scrappage will be sent a ‘Friends and Family’ voucher which will allow them to give relations and acquaintances something more than just good car-buying advice. They will also be able to offer a £250 voucher to spend on any new Hyundai.

“Our scrappage customers have an expectation of what a Hyundai will be like, and they are amazed at the quality and technology they are getting” said Whitehorn. “As a result they have become our best advocates. We want to reward them and allow thousands more drivers to own a new Hyundai.”