Six new Hyundai models, including the new Hyundai i20, 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.

New Hyundai i20 takes the spotlight

Taking centre stage for its World Premiere will be the new Hyundai 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.

Innovative design for new Hyundai i20

The all–new i20 sub– compact, due to be launched in Europe towards the end of 2008, will be a highly significant addition to the new generation of Hyundai vehicles identified by the ¡®i´ prefix. Designed at Hyundai´s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the chic new five–door i20 rides on a longer wheelbase than its predecessor model, the Getz, giving the i20 an athletic stance and spacious interior architecture.

Featuring Hyundai´s distinctive design motifs, a bold chrome–topped grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front and striking stacked rear light clusters – the i20´s modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour–co–ordinated bumpers, sills and wing mirror. The well–packaged interior boasts generous levels of standard equipment.

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

New Hyundai i20 i-blue concept

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

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

The new Hyundai 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.