Special Coverage
Geneva
Auto Show
Three new Hyundai Motor Co. Ltd. models will debut at next month’s Geneva auto show, led by the dramatic HED-6 compact SUV, which showcases future generations of this type of vehicle, a Hyundai spokesman says.
“The HED-6 will be flanked on the (Geneva) stand by a new i30 Blue version of the i30, our first production vehicle featuring stop-start technology,” he says. “We will also debut our new i20 3-door hatch version, which is a low-cost variant designed to appeal to youthful buyers.”
The HED-6 was developed at Hyundai’s center in Russelsheim, Germany, and is labeled an “urban nomad” that reflects styles from chic European fashion centers such as London, Paris and Berlin.
The175-hp 1.6L GDi turbo mill hints at future engine applications, the spokesman says. The promotional material states the HED-6 has a “muscular design and everyday utility to fit comfortably in an urban or out-of-town environment.”
The new concept features a hexagonal grille, angular styling lines, back-swept light-emitting diode front headlamps and 21-in. mirror-polished alloy wheels.
The sculpted rear window is formed from high-performance plastic and the vehicle is coated with a new “Ice Blue” exterior finish that contains advanced pigments to achieve a brilliant shine.
“The HED-6 brings an entirely new look to Hyundai’s SUV lineup,” Allan Rushforth, vice president of Hyundai Europe, says in a statement. “It fuses a robust exterior with a fresh and elegant interior, making for an eye-catching package, while its latest-generation powertrain highlights Hyundai’s clean-technology expertise.”
The i30 Blue is Hyundai’s first production version of a mild hybrid with stop-start technology Hyundai calls ISG.
The designation “Blue” will be applied to all Hyundai models equipped with this type of powertrain technology, the spokesman notes.
Produced at the Nosovice plant in Czech Republic, Hyundai says the i30 Blue has a 1.6L gasoline engine that attains 7% better fuel efficiency and lower emissions than an i30 equipped with the traditional 1.6L mill.
The i30 Blue goes on sale in the second quarter in 5-door hatchback and CW Estate versions, with a choice of 1.4L or 1.6L gasoline engine.
“The ISG engines eventually will be offered in other Hyundai models, as well,” the spokesman says.
The i20 3-door hatchback that debuts in Geneva also goes on sales in the second quarter.
“It’s designed as a youthful lower cost version of our popular i20,” the spokesman noted.
