Autoblog UK

Hyundai's wave of modernisation has affected the smaller models primarily. With the i10, i20 and i30, this wave broke just at the right time on our shores. Now it looks like the ix35 is set to follow the Tucson in continuing the success of the carmaker. More up-to-date, more good-looking, more powerful (to some extent) and yet more fuel efficient - a new model is launched in Europe. The ix35 confidently sorts out the poor range of diesel engines by offering not just one diesel but three. Prices have yet to be announced but we can assume that the ix35 will again offer the usual good value for money.

Hyundai launched a sixth-generation Sonata in Korea, but that car was never intended for the European market. Both design and name have been changed for its European debut in scheduled for 2011. According to reports, the vehicle will be called the i40 and will only be available as an estate car. This hatchback design is 4.8 metres in length and is visually far more interesting than its rather sober predecessor. Its styling is much sportier and the treatment of the radiator is sharper. Headlights and rear lights too have been given a more dynamic appearance.

Hyundai will have a number of eco-concept cars on show at their stand during the IAA in Frankfurt. The ix-Metro, a small, hybrid concept car, is set to debut in Frankfurt. According to Hyundai, it will emit less than 80g/km of CO2. An electric powered version of the i10 will also be on show. The i10 Electric will see limited series production in early 2010. In addition, two other Blue Drive vehicles will enjoy their European debut. They were premiered in April 2009 at the Seoul Motor Show: the Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Blue Will alias HND-4. Of course, the successor to the Tucson will also be present. The ix35 will surely become a hit, as it has already enjoyed success in Korea.

Hyundai first presented their Veloster concept back in 2007. At 4.10 metres in length and 1.45 metres in height, it is a 2+2 seater sports car with front-to-rear glass sun roof and a two-litre engine. The name Veloster was cobbled together from 'velocity' and 'roadster', with the aim of emphasising the sporty characteristics of the vehicle. The prototype was built at the company's own Design and Technical Center in Namyang. At the Auto Salon to be held in Seoul during the first week of July, the Veloster will be shown off in its final form. It is due to start rolling off the assembly lines in 2010.

The Koreans go from strength to strength. After sending the new Genesis saloon out onto the streets of Asia and the USA, Hyundai have now brought out its coupé sibling. With a bit of luck, we Europeans may also get to see this two-door model, which is every bit as robust as it is stylish. We should find out more at the Seoul Auto Salon (2nd - 5th July) when Hyundai unveil their smart and sporty coupé. And unlike its saloon counterpart, this model has all the necessary attributes to be a big hit here in Europe.

While the American car industry is in a flap, the South Koreans are presenting something that is flapping in a different way in order to fly over American competitors. The wild wings are owned by a bird named Hyundai Nuvis.

At the New York Auto Show, visitors were truly amazed when the Nuvis opened its doors. The dream pilots from the California Design Center had certainly come up with a few ideas. "It was our objective to create a living machine that is always on the move and that would be at one with driver and passengers", explained Studio design head John Krsteski. Not a single line on the concept car stands still. So is it really flapping? The outstanding style element are the large wing doors of this Korean four-seater. Its feathered cloak - or rather bodyshell - is to look like brushed aluminium to underscore the premium aspirations of the Nuvis. The central console is treated with blue acrylic paint and further blue elements are found inside in the shape of a lighting strip on the floor. This blue design concept is to suggest associations with flowing water. The vehicle is powered either in pure electric mode, by by the petrol engine alone, or by both working in concert. Hyundai wants to present this drive concept in America with the next Sonata generation.

Hyundai will be exhibiting the Blue-Will concept car at the Seoul Motor Show from April 2 to April 12, 2009. Beneath the futuristic bonnet of this concept lurks a 100% hybrid with a lithium in polymer battery. The Blue-Will is driven by a 100 kW electric motor and a petrol engine rated at 152bhp. In combination with its petrol engine, the range of this concept car is alleged to be in excess of 652 miles. Many biologically recyclable materials were used: The headlamp surrounds, for example, are made from recycled PET bottles.

At the LA Auto Show, they had been expecting a prototype of the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid. What the Korean constructor actually turned up with was a drivetrain for the new Sonata 2010.

'Blue Drive' is the name they have given to this hybrid system, plus they have signed up to the catchy slogan: "Blue is the new Green." What lies behind this is the target fuel consumption figure of 47mpg (6L/100km) in urban cycle that is being hawked by governments around the world. Hyundai is one of three manufacturers (the others being Honda and Toyota) who are aiming to establish a clear worldwide lead in the push for fuel economy.

The Blue Drive hybrid system functions with a 30KW battery and an automatic six-gear transmission. The three lowest gears have a more favourable ratio than conventional transmissions, so that the motor runs quite smoothly even at low speeds. The new electric motor compensates for the reduced mechanical components.

Hyundai have also announced the start of production for the HED-5 i-Mode. This concept made its debut at the 2008 Geneva Autosalon. The Los Angeles show gives the Americans their first chance to size up this vehicle. The HED-5 is a six-seater CUV (crossover utility vehicle) that has taken on certain elements from the i-Blue fuel cell concept. The new model is expected to appear in dealers' showrooms in about two years' time.

There will also be a Theta Turbo GDI version. Hyundai's Turbo GDI technology is also set to be incorporated into most of their other models.

Ford won't be the only automaker in the U.S. to have Microsoft technology underhood for long, as Hyundai has hooked up with the software giant on new infotainment technology partnership. The first new jointly produced system will provide voice-controlled connectivity between mobile devices for Hyundai and Kia vehicles beginning in 2010. Microsoft will also work with Korea's Institute for IT Advancement to open an Automotive IT Innovation Centre in Seoul. The Korean auto giant will partner with Microsoft on auto telecommunication, telematics, navigation systems, and improving Human Machine Interface technology.

Recent developments in automotive technology show that infotainment tech like Ford's SYNC and BMW's in-car Internet systems are hot. Microsoft appears to be capitalizing on the new trend by netting a second automotive partner, while Hyundai gets the new interactive tech that customers are craving. If its cars are anything to go by, Hyundai's version of the technology will probably cost less and do more.