Hyundai is not holding back with new products and concept vehicles. A total of five 'Blue Drive' models will be on display at the
Frankfurt Motor Show. A mixture of hybrid, electric and stop-start vehicles will be shown. The new ix35 SUV and updated Santa Fe will also make their European debuts.
The big news is the world debut of the ix-Metro, a hybrid compact utility vehicle, aimed at the sub-B market segment. Power comes from a 1.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that drives through a six-speed, dual-clutch transmission. The CO
2 emissions for the ix-Metro are claimed to be 80g/km.
Hyundai's other world debut is the i10 Electric, a production-ready electric supermini. Drive comes from a 49kW electric motor coupled to a 16kWh battery; claimed to be enough for a 100-mile range. Two charging circuits are fitted: a 220-volt system that will charge the batteries in five hours and a 415-volt industrial system that can give you an 85 percent charge in fifteen minutes.
Two Blue Drive vehicles will make their European debut. The Elantra LPI Hybrid is the first production hybrid with LPG power. The Blue Will Plug-in Hybrid Electric concept vehicle will also appear in Europe for the first time - following its launch at the Seoul Motor Show earlier this year.
The final Blue model is a frugal version of the i30. It combines a 1.6-litre diesel motor with idle stop and start technology. The CO
2 figure for this model is 113g/km.
Along with the green cars, the ix35 will make its first appearance at a European show, launching Hyundai's new 'fluidic sculpture' design language and a 2.0-litre diesel engine with automatic transmission.
John Lambert - 14 Sep 2009