Hyundai Reaches 5 Million Sales in Europe

South Korean carmaker Hyundai announced it has sold five million vehicles in Europe since the first Hyundai Pony was imported in 1977. The five millionth vehicle was an i30, which was launched in 2007 and has sold a little over 320,000 units on the continent. From the five million sales, the last million was achieved in just three years, a proof of Hyundai's accelerated growth in Europe. Read more »

Hyundai's European Plant Hits New Production Milestone with 300,000th Vehicle

The 300,000th Hyundai rolled off the firm's manufacturing facility in Nošovice, Czech Republic, marking a new production milestone for the company in Europe. The vehicle was a white i30 CW, which is the station wagon version of the European market i30 compact hatch.

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Hyundai Prices the i20 from £8,195 in the UK

The new five-door i20 will go on sale in the UK on January 15, with the first three-door i20s arriving in April, but Hyundai decided to announce full pricing for its Getz replacement model. When the i20 goes on sale in the new year, the entry level 1.2-litre Classic will start at £8,195 for the three-door with a five door costing an extra £450. All i20s will be equipped with air-conditioning, six airbags, active head restraints, remote locking, electric front windows and an aux-in socket as standard.

The mid-range Comfort model, which Hyundai expects to be the best seller, starts from £8,995 and adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body colour door mirrors and handles, electric rear windows, full iPod integration, steering wheel mounted audio controls, a trip computer and a six-speaker system. The flagship model of the i20 range is the Style and it comes with 16-inch alloys, climate control, part-leather upholstery, metal-look facia and front fog lights.

The i20 will be available with two new petrol and diesel engines, including a 78HP 1.2-litre 'Kappa' petrol and 100HP 1.4-litre petrol borrowed from the i30 and the 1.4-litre capacity diesel unit offered in two version with outputs of 75HP and 90HP.

New Hyundai i20 Supermini: Photo Galore

Set to be launched early in 2009, the i20 took its place for the first time on Hyundai’s stand at the Paris Auto Show. The Korean brand’s new proposal that replaces the aging Getz will compete in the European supermini segment against the Ford Fiesta and its ilk. Initially, the i20 will be offered in Europe as a 5-door hatchback with the 3-door variant scheduled to be introduced in January 2009. -Continued

At launch, the i20’s line-up will include three gasoline engines (78PS 1.2-liter, 100PS 1.4-liter and 126PS 1.6-liter) and four diesels (1.4 with 75 and 90 PS, and 1.6 with 115 and 128PS). With the exception of the flagship 1.6 diesel which comes with a 6-speed manual gearbox, all the i20s are mated to a 5-speed stick shift as standard with the 1.4 and 1.6 gasoline model being offered optionally with a four-speed conventional automatic transmission.

At the Paris Show Hyundai also unveiled an eco-conscious concept version of the i20 named Blue that’s equipped with a 1.4 CRDi diesel consuming on average a mere 3.75 liters/100km that translates to 63.7 MPG US. You can read more about the i20 Blue here and on the i20 by clicking here.

Hyundai i20 Blue Study with a Fuel Economy of 63 MPG

When Hyundai says Blue, what the Korean automaker actually means is green as the i20 Blue concept study that will debut in Paris incorporates a number of modifications to enhance the standard car’s environmental credentials. Based on the all-new i20 supermini, the ‘blue’ package involves revisions to the i20’s powertrain efficiency, aerodynamics and chassis that result to a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. -Continued

The i20 Blue runs on a 1.4-liter CRDi diesel engine producing 90PS and 220 Nm of torque, matted to a new six-speed manual gearbox – instead of the car’s usual five-speed unit – in which the ratios have been modified in 3rd, 4th and 5th gear. Hyundai’s engineers updated the engine’s electronic software and at the same time improved performance by minimizing driveline friction and utilizing high-performance, low-friction engine oil. Furthermore, the i20 Blue benefits from the addition of a Hyundai-specific ISG Start-Stop system.

In terms of aerodynamics, Hyundai reduced ground clearance by 15mm, added a full-length underfloor cover and performed subtle changes to the design of the grille and bodywork. The package is complemented by a set of Michelin Energy low rolling resistance tires

Together, these changes offer the i20 Blue a reduction of 15 percent in CO2 emissions over the standard car to just 99g/km and an improvement of 15 percent in fuel efficiency consuming 3,75 liters/100km or 63.7 MPG US. As for performance, the i20 blue accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in around 13 seconds and achieves a top speed of 176km/h or 110 MPH.

Hyundai i20: New Image Gallery and Official Specs

After a teaser announcement in early September, Hyundai decided to release a new set of images and further details on its new i20 supermini. At the Paris Show we’ll only see a five-door model but according to Hyundai, a sportier three-door i20 version will debut in January 2009. Based on an all-new platfortm with a 2,525mm wheelbase, the i20 is lower, longer and wider than the Getz it replaces. Designed and developed in Europe, the i20’s exterior styling is clearly inspired from the existing i30. -Continued

Hyundai has yet to release pictures of the five-seater interior but the Korean automaker said that the i20 will offer numerous ‘smart’ storage spaces along with a 40:60 split flat-folding rear bench with a low lip for easy loading into the 295-litre luggage compartment.

The i20 will debut with a range of seven petrol and diesel engines. The petrol line-up comprises of the 78PS 1.2-liter, 100PS 1.4-liter and 126PS 1.6-liter units all available with five-speed manual transmissions, with the option of four-speed automatic gearboxes on the 1.4 and 1.6 models. As for the turbo diesel powerplants, the i20 will be offered with a 1.4-liter unit available in two specifications – 75PS and 90PS – while the flagship 1.6-liter motor is available in 115PS and 128PS trim. Both 1.4 models come with five-speed manual transmissions, while the flagship 1.6 is mated to a six-gear manual drivetrain.

When the i20 goes on sale in Europe later this year, it will be offered in four trim levels – Classic, Comfort, Style and Premium. All trim levels feature six-airbags, ABS, climate control, a four-speaker radio, CD and MP3 audio system, a multi-function steering wheel, tire pressure monitoring system, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry and electrically operated windows and side mirrors as standard.

Hyundai i20: Getz Replacement Revealed, to Compete against Yaris and Fiesta

Hyundai has released the first photo of its all new i20, a five-door hatchback designed to replace the Getz and compete in the B-Segment against cars like the Ford Fiesta, Toyota Yaris and Fiat Grande Punto. Set to be launched early 2009, the new i20 will fit right between the new i10 and i30 in the Korean automaker’s European range. Styled at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the new five-door supermini is based on a new platform that has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, promising to offer improved interior space.

“The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs,” said Kun Hee Ahn, president of Hyundai Europe. “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 of standard equipment, fuel economy, interior space and style than many of its competitors,” he added. -Continued

Hyundai has yet to release any details on the new i20’s powertrain options, but expect to see a range of 1.2, 1.4 and 1.6-liter gasoline engines as well as a new 1.4 turbo diesel unit delivering 90 PS. The Korean automaker said that alongside the standard i20 it will also reveal at the Paris Auto Show an eco-friendly concept version wearing the ‘i-blue’ moniker.

Based on the i20, the i-blue concept will incorporate a series of modifications to reduc the standard model’s CO2 emissions and fuel consumption. Power comes from Hyundai’s new 1.4 CRDi diesel engine, which produces 90PS and generates 220Nm of torque. Key modifications include the replacement of the standard car’s five-speed manual gearbox with a six-speed unit, full-length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tires and high performance, low friction engine oil.

The result is a CO₂ output of just 99g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 68mpg UK which translates to 57mpg US or 4.2-liters of diesel fuel per 100 kilometres. The production version of the i20 i-blue is expected to arrive in the European market along with the three-door variants of the Korean supermini in mid-2009.