Hyundai Showcases Six New Cars At Paris Auto Show 2008

Six new Hyundai models have made their international debut at the Paris Motor Show 2008. Hyundai has showcased the i20 blue, the Santa Fe blue Hybrid, the new seven-seater ix55 luxury utility vehicle, the Genesis Coupe show car and the Genesis sports saloon.

Multimedia material available includes phot stills and video from the press conferece, soundbites with Hyundai executives, including the i20 blue and the new seven-seater ix55, and the company's stand.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company ]

This from Hyundai Press Release:

Introduction – Hyundai i20

With its fresh and head-turning styling, versatile interior, class-leading safety and engaging driver dynamics, the sparkling new i20 takes centre stage on the Hyundai stand at this year’s Paris Mondial de l'Automobile.  Building on the reputation for peerless reliability and exceptional cost-effectiveness established by its Getz predecessor, i20 offers drivers more of everything – enhanced functionality from the intelligently configured cabin layout, higher levels of luxury, convenience and safety equipment, engaging handling from its all-new chassis and tuned suspension, and an extensive seven-strong line-up of punchy petrol and frugal turbo-diesels engines, with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.  Designed and developed in Europe to meet the high expectations of European drivers, and benefiting from Hyundai’s unlimited mileage three-year warranty, the i20 arrives fully armed to succeed in Europe’s ultra-competitive supermini sector.  Initially available as a five-door model, a sportier three-door i20 version will debut in January 2009.

Style and Design

Designed at Hyundai’s European headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the chic new i20 follows in the stylish European footsteps of the acclaimed i10 and i30 models.  Lower, longer and wider than the Getz it replaces, the five-door i20 rides on an extended 2525mm wheelbase, enhancing both its 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 mirrors, integrated antenna, mechanical boot release, flush-mounted door handles and chunky standard-fit 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels.  And new i20 arrives with a palette of 10 new solid and metallic exterior hues – including fashionable Crystal White.

Interior

Luxury and versatility blend seamlessly in the new i20’s spacious and generously appointed cabin.  With all four trim levels – Classic, Comfort, Style and Premium – featuring climate control, a powerful four-speaker radio, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, a multi-function steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring system, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry and electrically operated windows and side mirrors, i20’s list of standard features puts it head and shoulders above the majority of its rivals.

Suspension, Ride Quality and NVH

In keeping with its dynamic styling, i20 rides on an all-new platform that delivers an athletic and agile driving experience.  With much of the car’s ride and handling development work undertaken on European roads – hot weather testing was carried out in Spain, cold weather testing in Sweden and high-speed testing in Germany – Hyundai’s ride and handling engineers have ensured i20’s front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension delivers the taut and alert ride quality favoured by the European market.  The new rack and pinion steering setup has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in excellent urban agility.  Extensive use of advanced noise reduction materials throughout the development process – particularly in the diesel-powered models – has resulted in exceptionally high levels of refinement, imbuing i20 with a sophisticated and cosseting cabin ambience.

Powertrain

Hyundai’s new i20 debuts with a range of seven petrol and diesel engines that have been extensively revised to deliver greater performance, enhanced economy and lower emissions than before.  The Euro IV-compliant petrol line-up comprises the 78PS 1.2, 100PS 1.4 and 126PS 1.6 all available with five-speed manual transmissions, with the option of four-speed automatic gearboxes on the 1.4 and 1.6 models. 

Posting a low CO₂rating of just 124g/km and returning just 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle, the all-new 1.2 all-alloy engine delivers an excellent combination of performance and economy.

Geared up to meet the high European demand for diesel power, i20 arrives with four Euro IV -compliant turbo diesel engines, fitted with CPF diesel particulate traps as standard for 1.6 (115ps & 128ps) diesel engine. The 1.4 comes in two specifications – 75PS and 90PS – while the flagship 1.6 is available in 115PS and 128PS trim.  Economical and clean, the 115PS variant returns a class-leading CO₂figure of 115g/km and 4.3l/100km on the combined cycle.  Both 1.4 models come with five-speed manual transmissions, while the flagship 1.6 is mated to a six-gear manual drivetrain.

Safety

Hyundai is synonymous with class-leading safety, and the new i20 debuts with exceptionally high levels of active and passive safety equipment.  Its outright agility and responsiveness play a key role in keeping the i20 driver out of harm’s way, but should the worst occur those on board are protected by the extensive use of high-tensile steel in the Hyundai’s robust chassis, six airbags – front, side and curtain – fitted as standard, active headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners and latest generation ABS anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability control, EBD Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.  This safety package is further enhanced by an advanced tyre pressure monitoring system, Isofix mounting points in the rear and seatbelt reminders for all five occupants, which means i20 arrives on the market as one of the safest cars in its class.  Hyundai is confident of a full five-star Euro NCAP adult occupant protection and child protection crash test result for the i20.

Convenience

The i20’s five-seater interior may pamper, but it also majors on everyday practicalities with a 40:60 split flat-folding rear bench with a low lip for easy loading into the a roomy and regularly-shaped 295-litre rear loadbay, numerous intelligently positioned interior storage spaces including a large cooled passenger glovebox and two cupholders, and excellent all round visibility.  These elements are complemented by the reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel, complete with integrated audio controls and keyless central locking actuated by i20’s ergonomically designed folding keyfob.

i20 blue

Following the unveiling earlier this year of the first of its i-blue range of advanced eco-dynamic vehicles, Hyundai Motor Europe has revealed the latest addition to the family: the i20 blue.

Based on the all-new i20 B-segment car, premiered at the 2008 Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, this ‘blue’ variant incorporates a number of real-world modifications to further enhance the standard car’s already-impressive environmental credentials.  These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making the i20 blue a realistic solution for motorists.

The ‘blue’ package involves revisions to the i20’s power train efficiency, aerodynamics and chassis, to deliver a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption, positioning the i20 blue alongside the leading performers in the segment.

While the regular i20 achieves notably low figures for CO2 emissions and fuel consumption – 115g/km and 4,3 litre/100km respectively – the i20 blue delivers even more impressive results: just 99 g/km and 3,75 litres/100km.  In other words, the i20 blue offers a reduction of 15 per cent in CO2 emissions and an improvement of 15 per cent in fuel efficiency, compared to the already-competitive i20.

 

Introduction – Hyundai ix55

Hyundai’s luxurious new seven-seater ix55 luxury utility vehicle makes its European debut at this year’s Paris Mondial de l'Automobile.  The flagship ix55 sits ahead of the current Tucson and Santa Fe models and effectively completes the company’s dynamic and engaging SUV range. Based on the acclaimed Veracruz from the North American market, ix55 has undergone an extensive redevelopment program to prepare it for the European market. The single-model line-up is powered by a sparkling new V6 CRDi turbo diesel engine mated to a slick six-speed automatic transmission.  Both the diesel power plant and the gearbox are firsts for Hyundai, and the refined and powerful V6 diesel power train has been tuned specifically for the European market.

Similarly, ix55’s dynamics have been extensively recalibrated for Europe, with updated suspension and a more direct and feel some steering set-up resulting in engaging and spirited ride and handling characteristics.  Sleek and modern styling, meticulous attention to perceived and actual build quality and exceptionally high levels of standard luxury, convenience and safety equipment all underpin Hyundai’s commitment to meeting – and exceeding - the expectations of the demanding European market.

Style and Design

Hyundai’s ix55 follows in the bold design footsteps of the new i10, i20 and i30 with sleek and modern styling that’s distinctly European in look and feel.  From its bold, optional Xenon headlamps and imposing grille, its muscular flanks, chunky 17” and 18“-inch alloy wheels and rakish roofline, to its wrap-around taillights and integrated exhaust pipes, ix55 cloaks its robust stance with sleek styling and balanced proportions.  With its raised ride height and robust on-demand drive train that delivers all-wheel traction the instant it is needed, ix55 is perfectly equipped for towing horseboxes or boats, as well as tackling snowy or muddy passes and unsurfaced roads.  This go-anywhere ability is complemented by a spacious, sumptuously appointed and intelligently configured cabin. With its flexible seven-seat layout, it offers real-world versatility for families on the move.

Interior

As befits its flagship status, the ix55’s cabin is the last word in luxury.  Using high-grade woods and leathers, Hyundai’s designers have created a spacious cabin that is both versatile and elegant.  Standard equipment levels are class-leading and include suede-covered seats – electrically adjustable for the driver – RDS radio and a high-specification Infinity MP3-compatible audio system, multi-function trip computer, rear privacy glass, blue backlit instrumentation, dual-zone climate control with separate controls for rear passengers, a leather-wrapped fully adjustable multifunction steering wheel and cruise control. There is an equally extensive list of options, available through four additional equipment packages.

Suspension, Ride Quality and NVH

The new ix55 – based on the award-winning Hyundai Veracruz sold in North America – has undergone an extensive dynamic overhaul to ready it for arrival on the European market.  Its front strut and multi-link rear suspension is fitted with up rated springs and dampers for tauter and more athletic ride and handling characteristics, while the steering’s geometry and assistance have been retuned for a more positive feel.  The ix55’s advanced 3.0-litre V6 CRDi turbo diesel is an all-new power train, and its latest-generation common-rail fuel injection system and variable geometry turbo technology deliver exceptionally quiet and smooth power delivery.  The compacted graphite iron block is immensely stiff and significantly increases running refinement, as does the power train’s ISS (Instant Start System) and advanced EGR exhaust gas recirculation cooling system.  The ISS technology ensures the CRDi’s glow plugs heat instantly for immediate ignition in even the coldest conditions, while the EGR system lowers the temperature of the exhaust gas to boost its thermal efficiency.

Power train

New ix55 marks the global debut of Hyundai’s all-new clean and muscular 3.0-litre V6 CRDi turbo diesel engine.  With its aluminum head, compacted graphite iron block and hollow camshafts, this compact and lightweight Euro IV-compliant power plant was designed specifically for Europe and features a high-pressure, 1,600-bar common rail fuel injection system with sophisticated Piezo injectors to deliver 240PS at 3,800rpm and an impressive 451Nm of torque at 1,750-3,500rpm.

Breathing through an innovative variable intake system with swirl control technology, the 24-valve engine features an electronically controlled VGT variable geometry turbocharger to ensure instant throttle response throughout the rev range.  A DPF particulate filter will be available from early next year.

Driving the iX55’s torque-on-demand all-wheel drive train through a smooth shifting six-speed automatic gearbox – a Hyundai first – with the option of Shiftronic manual gear selection, the ix55 posts an exceptional combination of performance and economy.  It will accelerate to 100km/h in just 10.4 seconds and onto an electronically limited 200km/h top speed, while returning an excellent fuel economy figure of 9.4l/100km on the combined fuel cycle and emitting 249g/km CO2.

Safety

The arrival of ix55 reinforces Hyundai’s class-leading safety levels.  With its robust computer-optimized unitary passenger safety cell, sure-footed all-wheel drive, piercing Xenon headlamps, powerful brakes and high-riding visibility, ix55 offers an exceptionally high degree of on-the-go security for those on board.  This is complemented by its extensive list of standard safety features six airbags with side curtain airbags for all three rows of passengers as well as the latest generation of ESP electronic stability programme, TCS traction control system and ABS with EBD electronic brake assist.  Further safety elements fitted to ix55 include active front headrests, three-point seatbelts for all seven passengers with pre-tensioners and load limiters, seatbelt reminders for driver and passenger.

Convenience

The new ix55 has been developed from the ground up to deliver exceptional family-oriented versatility.  Key to this is the flexibility in its full seven-seat layout.  When not in use, the two rearmost seats fold flat into the cargo floor to create a huge 598 liters (VDA) of luggage space.  When additional seating is needed, the rear chairs, complete with three-point seatbelts, can be quickly and easily erected. Hyundai’s engineers have installed an easy access system to the rear seats, too with easy walk-in access from both sides.  And of course, both second and third rows offer split folding mechanisms, allowing ix55 drivers to easily juggle passenger and luggage space, with a vast 1,746 liters of space available.  Factor in a myriad of storage facilities and intelligent features like numerous 12v outlets, memory function that save power mirrors, seat and steering wheel settings, a cooled centre console glove box, keyless proximity entry, rain-sensing wipers and parking sensors, and ix55 comes fully equipped to handle the rigours of modern life.

... notes from The EDJE