Author: Ralph Morton
HYUNDAI has squeezed more into one motorshow, just as Apple has squeezed more pixels into the glass area of the third generation iPad for even better screen resolution.
At Geneva, Hyundai brought into sharp focus three new models: the new i20 supermini, i30 estate car and the sporting Veloster coupe Turbo. A suite to match the new features of Apple’s high-definition new tablet.
The Hyundai i20 has been refreshed with new styling – Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language – but also exceptionally low CO2 emissions for company car drivers with an eye on their benefit in kind company car tax position.
Mated to its European developed 75PS three-cylidner 1.1-litre diesel engine with Blue Drive technologies, this i20 emits just 84 g/km of CO2 – a figure lower than any other car with a conventional powertrain says Hyundai. There’s also another another sub-100 g/km diesel – the upgraded 1.4-litre 90 ps engine emits 96 g/km, which would also qualify for 13% company car tax in the 2012/13 tax year.
Moving up a segment in size, Hyundai also revealed the i30 estate car at the Geneva show. Called the New Generation i30 wagon, the estate version of the i30 expands its boot area from 378-litres to 528-litres – and with the rear passenger seats folded down, cargo volume increases more than three-fold, to 1,642-litres. It comes to the UK later this year.
Topping off Hyundai’s i-generation trio at Geneva was the hot Veloster Coupe Turbo.
The intriguing coupe – which has a 2+1 door set up (so you don’t have to compromise style for a new family, for example) – features a new turbocharged T-GDI petrol engine that generates 186 ps and 270 Nm of torque.
Tony Whitehorn, president and CEO of Hyundai, commented: “UK drivers tend to prefer more torque from a lower engine speed, so our European engineers have specified a set-up that still provides a substantial increase in power – up from 140 ps to 186 ps – while also delivering the desired low-end torque. The resulting package is very competitive against the performance of competitors such as VW Scirocco and Vauxhall Astra.”
Tony continued: “Veloster has quickly established itself as a fun car and a unique proposition. The enhanced performance will increase the Veloster’s appeal for business car drivers who want the perfect combination of stand-out design, a fun drive and the practicality of a hatchback.”
All three Hyundai models will make company car management easier since the i20, i30 wagon and the Veloster Turbo all come with Hyundai’s standard setting peace of mind Five Year Triple Care assurance – a five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.
Prices of all three cars will be announced later, said Hyundai.
