Six new Hyundai models will make their international debut at this year’s Paris “ Mondial de l’automobile” . Hyundai Motor Company will use this event to showcase several production - ready vehicles designed and built for Europe , as well as demonstrate its ‘green’ credentials with two innovative concepts, the eye-catching Coupe show – car and the premium sedan Genesis.

Taking centre stage for its World Premiere will be the all-new i20 sub - compact, set to become a best-seller in the European Hyundai range. Also debuting will be the i20 blue concept, the latest model in Hyundai’s i-blue range of advanced low emissions concepts.  Alongside the eye-catching i20 will be the luxurious seven-seat ix55 sports utility vehicle, and Hyundai’s eco-friendly Santa Fe as Petrol-Electric Hybrid concept.

All-new i20

The all-new i20 sub- compact, due to be launched in Europe towards the end of 2008, will be a highly significant addition to the new generation of Hyundai vehicles identified by the ‘i’ prefix.  Designed at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the chic new five-door i20 rides on a longer wheelbase, giving the i20 an athletic stance and spacious interior architecture.  Featuring Hyundai’s distinctive design motifs – a bold chrome-topped grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front and striking stacked rear light clusters – the i20’s modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour co-ordinated bumpers, sills and wing mirror.  The well-packaged interior boasts generous levels of standard equipment.

A senior Hyundai official commented, “The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs. It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive. We are confident the i20 will succeed in the fast paced sub compact sector, as it offers much more in terms of standard equipment, fuel economy, interior space and style than many of its competitors.”

i20 blue

Based on the all-new i20, Hyundai’s latest i-blue car incorporates a number of modifications, further enhancing the standard vehicles already-impressive environmental credentials. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction.

Key modifications to deliver a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption include: full-length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and high performance, low friction engine oil. 

The i20 blue also runs the extremely efficient 1.4 CRDi diesel engine, which produces 90PS and generates 220 Nm of torque, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox – instead of the car’s usual five-speed unit.

The regular i20 stands out for its incredibly low CO₂ rating and fuel consumption and the i20 blue is even more impressive, with just 99g/km and 4.0 litres /100km.

Santa Fe Petrol-Electric Hybrid

Further demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to reducing CO₂ emissions, the Santa Fe Petrol-Electric Hybrid concept maintains the overall design of the existing Santa Fe, yet is an entirely different vehicle under the hood. 

Hyundai engineers have developed a proprietary parallel hybrid drive system, which mates the powerful but thrifty 2.4-litre Theta petrol engine to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30Kw electric motor powered by Lithium-ion batteries.  The result is reduced CO₂ emissions of just 148g/km on a combined cycle and a fuel consumption figure of 6.2l/100km.

ix55 sports utility vehicle

The seven seat iX55 sports utility vehicle will also make its debut in production-ready form on the Hyundai stand at Paris.  Based on the successful Veracruz already on sale in the North American market, the ix55 has been extensively re-styled and re-tuned to match European requirements and driving styles. 

Its evocative design is complemented by the all-new, advanced 3.0-litre V6 CRDi turbo diesel engine, which delivers 240 HP and will accelerate to 100km/h in just 10.4 seconds, while returning excellent fuel efficiency of 9.4L/100km on the combined fuel cycle and emitting 249g/km CO₂.

The seven-seat iX55 is a flexible and functional vehicle.  When not in use the 3^rd row seats can be folded flat, creating a huge cargo space of 598 litres (VDA) or, for even more luggage room, both of the rear rows of seats can be folded flat to provide 2,457 litres of space.

Other Hyundai premieres at Paris

The new Genesis saloon will also be displayed at the Paris Motor Show. Based on Hyundai’s all-new, performance-focused, rear-wheel-drive architecture, the Genesis has been engineered to deliver levels of perceived and actual quality in line with those of European leading premium-brand vehicles. 

Generous standard specifications give the Genesis saloon an edge over rivals.  Hyundai will be taking the opportunity to gauge the reaction of the European public towards this luxury vehicle before deciding whether to launch it on the continent.

The all-new, rear-wheel drive 2+2 Genesis Coupe Show Car will be another highlight of the show.   As a strict one-off, this car is the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai, it will bring stunning styling and advanced chassis technology.  

The Genesis Coupe show car takes the strong styling cues of the production model – its ‘Z’ bodylines and powerful curves – and exaggerates them to spawn a unique, arresting vehicle.  ‘Sonic Orange’ paint work gives the show car a dramatic appearance, which is enhanced by its bare carbon fibre bonnet and roof, and other customisations which help to reduce weight.

Hyundai as a brand has made significant strides on the back of sophisticated product design, leading-edge quality, safety technology and exceptional value. The last few years are of special significance for Hyundai – not only because Hyundai has become one of the top automotive brands in the world, but also because it has beaten some renowned brands in quality. One has to test drive and discover what millions of satisfied Hyundai owners already know – Hyundai stands for uncompromising quality.

OTE Group is the exclusive dealer of Hyundai’s range of vehicles in Oman . With a nationwide network of showrooms and service centers, OTE Group ensures that Hyundai customers are never far from getting a wide range of high quality after-sales service. It is this strong partnership that continues to lead more customers to join the Hyundai family.