Updated Hyundai i20 WRC Looking Good for the Geneva Motor Show

While Kia has chosen to build and sell actual sporty versions (the Cee'd and Pro_Cee'd GT) of their regular road-going cars, in order to boost the sporting credentials of their brand, sister-brand Hyundai has chosen a slightly different approach in order to achieve the same basic goal – participation in the World Rally Championship.

Their i20 WRC is being worked on and incrementally-improved in preparation for the car's official debut onto the world rally stage, which is set to take place next year.

First revealed at the Paris Motor Show, last year, the i20 WRC has since received several upgrades, and while it's not really finished, it really looks the part with the latest body upgrades and a revised livery, which combines Hyundai's trademark light-blue color with traditional Korean script.

Aside from the cosmetic and aerodynamic alterations, the car has also had its suspension setup retuned, under the supervision Michel Nandan – a WRC veteran. He now heads the newly-created Hyundai Motorsport GmbH, which operates out of Alenzau, Germany and has developed the car along with Hyundai's own research and development team, based in Namyan, Korea.

No technical specifications have been released, but it will most likely be powered by a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine, with just under 300 hp, powering all four wheels. Private test sessions will be arranged at various locations around Europe later in the year and more details will be provided along the way.

Articles Source : Carscoop

Category › Auto Show , Geneva Motor Show , Hyundai , Hyundai i20 WRC , News

Hyundai Delivers Its First Special Edition Veloster RE:MIX

Last October, Hyundai rolled out the production version of its Veloster RE:MIX at the SEMA show in Las Vegas, Nevada. Embracing the RE:MIX ethos of “individual creativity, passion and connectivity,” the limited-edition Veloster was rumored to be hitting dealers before the end of 2012.

It actually took until mid-February for Hyundai to get inventory into dealer hands, which is why the first Veloster RE:MIX has just now been delivered to Brittany Carmona, a customer of Sterling McCall Hyundai in Houston, Texas.

RE:MIX Velosters will be available in Sprint Gray, Century White, 26.2 Yellow, Marathon Blue, Ultra Black and Boston Red. Outside, each wears a custom body kit, 18-inch gunmetal-painted alloy wheels, LED headlight accents, LED taillights, custom graphics and RE:MIX badging.

Inside, the custom Veloster gets a 450-watt Dimension audio system, a leather steering wheel and shift knob, interior accent lighting, keyless entry with push button start and  RE:MIX floormats. A manual transmission is standard, while a dual-clutch automated manual is an available option.

What the car doesn’t get, however, is any bump in output from its 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, which makes 136 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. There’s no change to the Veloster’s suspension or brakes, either.

On the other hand, that’s probably OK with Veloster RE:MIX shoppers. In the words of a Sterling McCall spokesman, “The Veloster RE:MIX represents the ultimate Hyundai lifestyle coupe... customers today are looking for individual design expression, exclusivity and smartphone connectivity.”

While all Veloster models deliver connectivity and a degree of design expression, only the Veloster RE:MIX can deliver exclusivity. Pricing starts at $20,475 for the the manual transmission version (including a destination charge of $795), so if you want to park one in your own driveway, now is the time to visit your local Hyundai dealer. 

Articles Source : motorauthority

Category › Delivers , Hyundai , News , Veloster

Hyundai, Kia delaying and updating new Sonata, Optima Hybrids?

Given the recent debacle regarding overstated fuel-economy estimates from Hyundai and Kia, we wouldn't blame the companies for being a little gun-shy about new vehicle releases. That just might be the case for the 2013 Hyundai Sonata and Kia Optima Hybrids.

With the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) not including those two models under its 2013 model-year list (it only lists the 2012 versions and 2013's gas-only versions), Hybrid Cars is wondering if the two companies aren't pushing back their debuts for some late tweaks. At the moment, only the 2012 Optima Hybrid shows up on Kia's website, and the same goes for the Sonata Hybrid. A Hyundai representative told Hybrid Cars that the 2013 Sonata Hybrid is being redesigned in Korea, with announcements possibly coming in the next month or two.

It would seem to make sense that Hyundai and Kia are takign some extra time readying their 2013 model-year hybrids. In late 2012, Hyundai and Kia had to drop fuel-economy estimates on many of its 2012 and 2013 model-year vehicles after reporting inaccurate mileage estimates. The companies agreed to give money back to about 900,000 vehicle owners, with the amounts varying based on the MPG adjustment to their models and the owners' odometer readings. In all, the companies set aside about $412 million for refunds. Both the 2012 Sonata and Optima Hybrids are now rated at 36 miles per gallon combined.

Articles Source : Autoblog

Category › Hyundai , Kia , News

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

The i30 3-door is the third member of the i30 family, joining the Hyundai i30 Tourer and i30 5-door hatchback which made their public premiere earlier this year.

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

Set to debut at the up-coming Paris Auto Show, the all-new i30 3-door’s styling is influenced by the carmaker’s latest “fluidic sculpture” design language. The new model features a slightly redesigned hexagonal grille, flanked by redesigned front foglights and daytime running lights.

Back at rear, the 2013 Hyundai i30 3-door sports a slightly redesigned bumper and restyled set of fog-lights.

Under the hood, the forthcoming i30 coupe will offer the same range of four-cylinder engines as the Hyundai i30 5-door, along with six-speed manual and automatic transmission options.

A more potent sporty variant is also headed for the Hyundai showrooms, according to latest rumors which suggest that the South Korean carmaker is preparing to launch a 200+ horsepower i30 turbo sometime next year. The car will kick-start the arrival of a host of future performance Hyundai models.

Full details of the 2013 Hyundai i30 3-door coupe will be released at the 2012 Paris Auto Show, where the model will make its inaugural public premiere before going on sale in Europe in the first half of 2013.

Articlea Source : Hyundaiblog

Category › 2013 , Hyundai , i30 3-door , Paris Auto Show

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

Following in the footsteps of the award-winning new Hyundai i30 Hatchback launched in March 2012, the i30 Wagon is the fifth new model that Hyundai has launched in the UK in 2012. Like the hatchback, the Tourer offers customers a stylish design combined with exceptional levels of comfort, refinement and efficiency with the additional benefit of increased luggage space.

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

The Wagon adds greater load-carrying capability to the new generation i30's overall package, measuring 185mm longer than its hatchback sibling and offering 150 litres of additional luggage space with the seats up and 326 litres with the seats down. Load space is amongst the best in the class, with the all-new i30 boasting a larger luggage capacity than the majority of its key C-segment rivals.

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

In addition, the Hyundai i30 Wagon has a greater luggage capacity than some D-segment estates with 528-litres available with seats up. With the seats folded fully flat this increases to 1,642 litres and for added convenience there are underfloor storage compartments too, adding to the Hyundai i30 Wagon's versatile nature.

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

The flowing lines of the exterior, incorporating Hyundai's Fluidic Sculpture design language, make the Wagon stand out from the traditional and boxy estates. It boasts a sleek and sporty profile yet cleverly conceals a spacious interior.

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, says: "The New Generation i30 Wagon will help grow Hyundai's presence in the C-segment. The Hyundai i30 Wagon is able to meet the demands of both retail and fleet customers as it offers space and versatility along with a range of clean and fuel efficient engines. Running costs are also substantially lower, not only compared with the outgoing i30 Estate, but with key competitors too. Owners benefit from improvements to fuel economy and emissions plus VED and Benefit in Kind and some of the lowest insurance ratings in class."

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

There is a choice of two engines in the range with customers able to choose either the 120PS petrol unit or alternatively the 1.6 CRDi diesel unit, in the form of a 110PS or a higher-powered 128PS variant. Both engines are coupled to a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

2013 Hyundai i30 Wagon

Versus the outgoing Comfort 1.6 CRDi 115PS i30 Estate, the Hyundai i30 Wagon Active 1.6 CRDi 110PS Blue Drive is 12 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor - returning 67.3mpg on the combined cycle - while emitting 11 per cent less CO2 at 110g/km.

The versatile Tourer is expected to account for 15 per cent of New Generation i30 sales in the UK and provides both retail and fleet customers with a high-quality, stylish and efficient all-rounder.

Similar to the five-door hatchback, the Hyundai i30 Wagon was designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, with production at Hyundai's manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic.

Pricing and specification for the Hyundai i30 Wagon with the entry level 1.6-litre 120PS Classic is available from £16,195 OTR, while Active trim starts at £17,295 OTR moving up to Style and range-topping Style Nav trims, which start from £20,095 OTR and £21,095 OTR respectively.

The Hyundai i30 Wagon has been created from start to finish to provide customers with a stylish, efficient, spacious and safe estate. It is manufactured using Hyundai steel and robots to ensure maximum quality throughout and the belief in the product translates into one of the industry's leading vehicle warranty - the 5 Year Triple Care assurance package.

Whitehorn adds: "Like all new Hyundai passenger cars, the New Generation Hyundai i30 Wagon is backed by our renowned 5 Year Triple Care Package. This means owners benefit from exceptional aftersales back-up and total peace of mind as it includes a five-year unlimited mileage warranty, five years vehicle healthchecks and five years free roadside assistance."

Articles Source : netcarshow

Category › Hyundai

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

The New Generation i30 provides the best evidence yet of Hyundai's commitment to producing cars in Europe, for Europe - combining the design and engineering expertise of the team at the European R&D centre with the proven manufacturing excellence of the company's Czech factory.

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

The arrival of the company's first ever 'made for Europe' 3-door in the segment will further extend the appeal of the i30 range, joining the five-door and wagon versions.

Conceived solely for Europe, the New Generation Hyundai i30 3-door strengthens Hyundai's presence in one of Europe's most competitive vehicle segments - the segment in which the brand has seen its greatest success since 2007. The new bodystyle will contribute to increased sales and, just as important, greater brand awareness and enhanced consumer perceptions of Hyundai in Europe.

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

Visually, the styling differences between the five-door model and the new 3-door are immediately apparent. While both cars bear the influence of the 'fluidic sculpture' form language that has been inspiring the design of all new Hyundai production vehicles since the ix35 was introduced in 2009, clear contrasts in the front, side and rear aspects mark out the 3-door from its better known sibling.

2013 Hyundai i30 3-door

New grille, fog lamps and lower bumper at the front are echoed at the rear, while the profile is noticeably more sporty thanks to a sharply raked beltline, more angular glasshouse silhouette and longer front doors. In addition to the existing 17-inch alloy wheels, the New Generation Hyundai i30 3-door also offers exclusive 16-inch alloy wheels and a new orange colourway for the interior trim - including contrasting orange stitching on the steering wheel, gear shift knob, upper dashboard and door armrest - complete the visual transformation for the 3-door model.

The longer front doors - 170 mm longer than the five-door's - not only generate an impression of sportiness, but also provide a wider aperture ahead of the B-pillar, making access to the front seats even easier. Rear seat passengers in the New Generation i30 3-door enjoy plentiful space, with 38 mm more hip room than the five-door and only 21 mm less shoulder room. Other external and internal dimensions are the same as for the five-door model.

Dynamically and in terms of specification, powertrain options and efficiency, the 3-door retains the positive characteristics of the five-door, engaging the driver with Europe-tuned ride and handling, and providing quality, equipment and comfort to make travelling in and owning an i30 a true pleasure.

The highlight of the powertrain range remains the U-II 1,6-litre diesel engine, generating 128 ps while emitting only 97 g/km of CO2 with the Blue Drive package. Together, these figures make for the best power-to-efficiency ratio in the segment.

The in-house developed technologies known from the five-door are also all available, including Hyundai's own six-speed manual and automatic transmissions and its FLEX STEER system with three settings for variable steering assistance depending on driver preference and prevailing conditions.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented: "The 3-door bodystyle is a valuable addition to the New Generation i30 family, extending the appeal of this truly European model for its European target audience. We expect to attract more consumers from a wider demographic range to Hyundai, including younger buyers drawn to the more dynamic styling and the 3-door proposition."

Demonstrating its confidence in the durability and quality of its products, Hyundai offers customers of all newly-launched products in Europe the industry-best, fully-transparent Five Year Triple Care. This award-winning package provides five years of unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks, and is fully transferable between owners.

Articles Source : netcarshow

Category › Hyundai

2013 Hyundai i30

Hyundai Motor UK is confident that its new generation i30 will build on the remarkable success achieved by the original model. It will maintain Hyundai's sales in the most hotly contested segment of the market by offering consumers a stylish and more refined alternative with improved comfort and packaging, more standard features and lower emissions.

2013 Hyundai i30

Designed and engineered at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, Hyundai i30 is the latest model from Hyundai to be developed specifically for the European market. The original i30 heralded a new era for Hyundai when it was launched and the new-generation model will play a major role in further raising brand awareness.

2013 Hyundai i30

"The original i30 has grown its UK market share every year since launch in 2008. Now, the Hyundai i30 will appeal to young, progressive buyers who want a car that not only performs well but also looks great. It will ensure greater sales success, growing brand awareness and enhancing British consumers' perceptions of Hyundai," comments Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK.

2013 Hyundai i30

On sale from March 12, 2012, the i30 is produced in Europe at Hyundai's manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic. Prices start from £14,495 (on the road) and rise to £20,795 - spanning 16 models and four trim levels (Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav), across the range.

2013 Hyundai i30

The all-new Hyundai i30 is longer, wider and lower than its predecessor - generating sportier exterior proportions without compromising interior functionality. Overall length is increased by 20 mm (to 4,300 mm), width is enlarged by 5 mm (to 1,780 mm) and height has been reduced by 10 mm (to 1,470 mm). The 2,650 mm wheelbase, one of the longest in the C-segment, is carried over from the original i30 model.

It offers buyers in the UK a line-up of four engines with five power outputs from 90 to 128 PS, with six-speed transmission for every model, plus CO2 emissions starting below 100 g/km.

Under its Blue Drive sub-brand, Hyundai is continuing to develop its clean diesel technologies. The new 1.6-litre diesel unit, featuring Intelligent Stop & Go technologies, delivers an impressive power to efficiency ratio, providing an output of 128ps and emissions of just 100 g/km. This will make this model one of the most efficient vehicles in the C-segment.

"Our Blue Drive i30 models will make an outstanding proposition to fleet operators and to company car drivers. Achieving CO2 emissions from 97 g/km, the i30 will be the lowest priced sub-100 g/km 5-door model in the C-segment with the lowest fuel consumption and the lowest BIK at £876 per year for 40% tax payers," concludes Whitehorn.

Demonstrating its strong self-belief in the durability and quality of its products, Hyundai offers its customers in the UK an industry-leading Five Year Triple Care package. This includes a five year, fully-transferable, unlimited-mileage warranty, five years of roadside assistance, and five years of vehicle health checks.

Compared to the original i30, total cost of ownership for the new model will be reduced, helped by improved fuel efficiency, lower CO2 emissions, lower insurance group rating classifications and lower servicing costs.

Articles Source : netcarshow

Category › Hyundai

2013 Hyundai i20

The 2013 Hyundai i20 has been developed with a variety of significant changes. Hyundai i20 coupled with a selection of more efficient and clean engines. Then, on the exterior, this car is designed to accept a number of other enhancements to provide a better visualization of the i-range. The quality of the new i20 has been enhanced with the best plastic material, a revised center console along with an increase in seat trim.

2013 Hyundai i20

The 2013 Hyundai i20 is available in three trim levels, Classic, followed by active and style. Starting with the classical model is presented with a variety of low-cost specification including remote central locking, six airbags, ESP and VSM (Vehicle Stability Management). In addition, the Hyundai  is also add i20 on active trim package, consisting of 15-inch alloy wheels, a Bluetooth connection with voice recognition, electric door mirror, front fog lights, leather steering wheel and gear knob and electric rear window when compared with the classics.

2013 Hyundai i20

As a President and CEO of Hyundai Motor UK, Tony Whitehorn stated that: “The New 2013 hyundai i20 is yet another model to join Hyundai’s new-look model range and will appeal to existing customers but will also prove an attractive choice for young buyers who may not have considered Hyundai in the past. It has been given a thorough revision both inside out. With high levels of specification will appeal to customers who want value for money without compromising on quality. In addition, the i20 range will feature the cleanest internal combustion diesel engine emitting just 84g/km. This showcases Hyundai’s considerable efforts in optimising existing technologies to reduce fuel consumption and emissions from its range of cars. As with all new Hyundai cars, the i20 is backed by our 5 Year Triple Care warranty for complete peace of mind.”

2013 Hyundai i20

2013 Hyundai i20

2013 Hyundai i20 will be priced at around £ 9.995 on-the-road for the three-door 1.2 petrol Classic models, while at the other end of the spectrum the range-topping 90ps 1.4 CRDi Style model costs £14,295.

Articles Source : automotorcar

Category › Hyundai

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The Hyundai Veloster got off to a solid commercial and critical start in 2011, and while the eccentric hatchback has only been on the market for a few months, it's already found its fair share of friends, outselling competitors like the Honda CR-Z and Scion tC straight away.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

We can see why – Veloster offers a unique mix of cut-price mix of funkiness, utility, connectivity and efficiency. However, it's also fair to say that its direct-injected 1.6-liter Gamma four-cylinder skews far more eco than sport. The Veloster's 138 horsepower and 123 pound-feet of torque is enough to have fun on curvy roads if you're really willing to stick your foot in it, but its performance is hardly neck snapping.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Given the three-door's sporty styling, some have suggested that there's a bit of a disconnect between the way the Veloster accelerates and the way it looks. Hyundai has apparently heard those barbs, and they've turned to forced induction for the answer. Enter the 2013 Veloster Turbo seen here, which rings up 201 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 194 pound-feet of torque from 1,750 rpm thanks to the addition of a twin-scroll turbo and a unique motor-actuated wastegate. Those power figures put it in the thick of the hunt with pricier performers like the Volkswagen GTI, not to mention the Honda Civic Si and Mini Cooper S, with a better weight-to-power ratio than any of them.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

Visually, there will be no mistaking the Veloster Turbo for its normally aspirated kin – the new front end should make sure of that. While the Turbo retains the same headlamps and a similar overall form, Hyundai has replaced the standard car's modest chrome-edged grille slot and lower fascia with a massive hexagonal opening for better breathing and rearview mirror intimidation. The gaping maw extends both above and below the bumper, and it's bookmarked by a new set of foglights.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The profile of the Turbo remains largely unchanged, though there are new 18-inch alloys with flashes of chrome wrapped in Kumho Solus rubber. Out back, the Turbo gains LED taillamps and a pair of large round exhaust outlets that Hyundai promises are attached to a freer-flowing and more vocal exhaust (there's a retuned intake manifold for a throatier sound, too). The pipes are surrounded by a new lower fascia with integrated diffuser and a pair of rather bizarre outboard reflectors. As the standard Veloster's drivetrain is surprisingly quiet, we're hoping that Hyundai has come up with something significantly more vocal for this higher performance model.

2013 Hyundai Veloster Turbo

The Korean automaker isn't releasing performance figures for the Turbo just yet, but with the standard Veloster routinely ringing up 60 miles per hour in the mid-to-high eight-second timeframe, we're ballparking in the low sevens for the force-fed model. Despite the power bump, Hyundai says that the Turbo should still ring up fuel economy numbers of 27 city and 38 highway with the six-speed manual – figures comfortably ahead of its rivals.

Other changes include a quicker steering rack with meatier feel, although interestingly enough, Hyundai has left the standard car's suspension alone. Inside, there's a new Graphite Black interior with blue trim and special headliner graphics, plus with a new driver information display that relies on two TFT screens in the gauge cluster. Finally, the Turbo comes with standard heated seats with "Turbo" stitching on the backrests.

Interestingly, the Matte Gray paint seen here isn't just a showcar shade – it's Hyundai's first foray into the world of shine-free finishes. It's also the first application of this sort of paint that we can recall at anywhere near this price point.

Speaking of prices, we're not quite sure what the Veloster Turbo's MSRP will be, but the standard 2012 model starts at $18,075 delivered. A fair assumption is that the Turbo's price will start somewhere in the very low 20s when it arrives this summer.

Articles Source : autoblog

Category › Hyundai