Toyota Sales Plunge More than 33% in May, Chrysler Group up by 10%

The numbers for U.S. auto sales for the month of May are out and as expected, Japanese automakers continue to be hit hard by the ongoing production disruptions caused by the March 11 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster in their home market. As a result, Toyota’s sales plunged 33.4% over the year-ago month to 108,387 units, while rivaling Honda saw its sales fall 22.5% to 90,773 vehicles, Nissan recorded a 9.1% drop to 76,148 units and Mazda 17,875 vehicles, down 20.9%.

General Motors dealers in the United States delivered 221,192 vehicles in May posting a decline of 1%, while the Ford Motor Co. said its sales decreased by 0.1% to 192,253 cars, trucks and SUVs.

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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 »

All-New Hyundai i40 Tourer Priced from £18,395 OTR in the UK

Hyundai has priced its entry into the medium family estate car market, the new i40 Tourer, announcing that it will take from £18,395 (equal to US$30,340 or €21,100) for UK buyers to park one under their house. In comparison, the Ford Mondeo Estate starts from £18,955 for the 1.6i 120HP model, while the Vauxhall Insignia Sports Tourer from £19,350 with the 1.8-liter engine.

The estate version of the i40 will arrive in British showrooms this September followed shortly after by the sedan model, which was unveiled at the Barcelona International Motor Show in May.

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Hyundai Prices Refreshed 2012 Genesis Sedan, 429HP 5.0 R-Spec Model Starts from $47,350

We had our first motor show look at the facelifted 2012 Hyundai Genesis sedan earlier this winter in Chicago, but now, as it reaches dealers across the country, the South Korean automaker is ready to talk about pricing. In the U.S., buyers can choose from three models, the entry-level 3.8 V6 starting at $34,200, the 4.6 V8 priced at $44,500 and the all-new 5.0 R-Spec with a starting price at $46,500. None of the above prices include an $850 freight charge. Read more »

Hyundai Set to Become Sixth Biggest Automaker in the U.S. In 2011

In the realm of U.S. automotive sales, 8% is a magic number. When an automaker hits 8%, they know they’ve become one of the big guns. Ford, Chevrolet, Toyota, Honda, Dodge and Nissan have all made it, and 2011 is expected to be Hyundai’s year.

So sayeth market research firm Polk, and I’m tempted to agree. Hyundai and its partner-brand / internal rival Kia have steadily been evolving into truly world-class carmakers. They’re keenly priced, inoffensive to look at and comprehensively covered quality-wise – everything the vast majority of new car buyers want in this day and age.

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New Hyundai i40 Sedan Bows at Barcelona Motor Show, gets 177HP 2.0-liter Engine

This is Hyundai’s all-new i40 sedan and it was unwrapped today at the 2011 Barcelona Motor Show. It follows the presentation of the i40 station wagon showcased at the 2011 Geneva Salon in March, and it’s Hyundai’s submission in the highly competitive D-segment in Europe with rivals such as the Citroen C5 and the Volkswagen Passat.

In terms of design, Hyundai’s newcomer may look very similar to the latest Elantra sold in North America and other parts of the world. However, measuring 4.74 meters (186.6-in.) in length, the i40 approximately 380 mm or 15-inches longer than the compact sedan. Europe’s equivalent of the Sonata rides on a wheelbase of 2.77-meters, with Hyundai claiming it offers best-in-class room for front head, shoulder and leg. The Korean carmaker also boasts that the i40 will provide passengers with "the most comfortable ride available in the D-segment".

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New Hyundai i45 gets a Smaller Engine in Australia

The Australian market version of Hyundai’s Sonata mid-size sedan, called i45, has received a smaller displacement engine that becomes the new entry point for the range. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine delivers a maximum output of 121kW (162HP) at 6,200 rpm and a peak torque of 198Nm at 4,600 rpm, and is mated to either 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmissions. Read more »

Hyundai Sketches All-New i40 Sedan for Europe, will Debut in Barcelona

Just a couple of months after debuting the i40 Station Wagon at the Geneva Salon in March, Hyundai is now getting ready to lift the covers off the sedan version of its mid-size model, which will receive its world premiere at the upcoming 2011 Barcelona Motor Show on May 12th. The South Korean automaker released the first teaser rendering of the i40 Sedan, which will effectively replace the older generation of the Sonata in the European market and compete in the D-segment against the likes of the Opel Insignia, VW Passat, Toyota Avensis and Citroen C5. Read more »

2011 NYIAS: Hyundai Pulls the Wraps off U.S. Market 2012 Accent

With fuel prices on the rise again, efficient sub-compact models like the Accent are coming back to the spotlight. At the 2011 New York Auto Show, the South Korean automaker pulled the wraps off its latest iteration of the Accent in U.S.-spec. Slated to hit dealerships this summer, the 2012 Accent is offered in both five-door hatchback and four-door saloon body styles and promises to deliver a best-in class fuel economy of 30mpg city and 40 mpg highway.

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Shanghai Auto Show: Hyundai Elantra Puts on a New Face for China

The Hyundai Group is now pointing its arrows to the world’s biggest auto market with the unveiling of two new models for China at this week’s 2011 Shanghai Auto Show, the Elantra Yuedong compact sedan and the mid-size Azera, which is badged as Grandeur in some markets.

If the Elantra Yuedong looks familiar, that’s because it is a facelifted version of the fourth generation model sold in the States until 2010. The most prominent change on the outside concerns the revised front that draws on the Azera’s styling.

According to Hyundai, the interior has also been upgraded with higher quality materials and new convenience and safety features such as a smart key / button start, front side airbag, Motor Driven Power Steering (MDPS), Navigation, USB2.0 port and eco-driving guide system.

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2012 Hyundai Accent: #Pointless Sneak Peek of N.A-Spec Hatch on @Twitter

Unless Hyundai’s sneak peek has something to do with the interior décor of the 2012 Accent shown at the annual Coachella Valley Music And Arts Festival, there’s really not much to say about the South Korean firm’s cropped photo-posting on Twitter.

True, Hyundai will premiere its new sub-compact for the first time in the USA at the upcoming New York International Auto Show, but it won’t be a first per se as we’ve seen the new car in Beijing, in Moscow with a different name and face and more recently, at the 2011 Montreal Auto Show in January (see the video after the break).

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Hyundai’s Futuristic Viral Ad Campaign for the New Accent [with Video]

In a very interesting melding of the virtual and real world, Hyundai has crafted a new viral ad to showcase its 2012 Accent sub-compact and highlight the brand’s new slogan “New Thinking. New Possibilities.". What makes this futuristic video intriguing is that the viral includes an actual 2012 Hyundai Accent suspended on a wall with a driver walking down the side to get into the car. At the same time, we see a film being projected on the wall creating an eye-catching combo.

See both the shorter and full version of Hyundai’s new viral of the 2012 Accent right after the jump.

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Hyundai Blue2 Concept

Hyundai has just unveiled the all-new Hyundai Blue2 Concept car at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show in Korea. 2011 Hyundai Blue2 Concept aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe. Hyundai Blue2 concept is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW (1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/l.

The concept is the Korean automaker's first sedan-style FCEV. Hyundai did not disclose production plans for the Blue2, which it says is read as "Blue Square," but it appears to be focusing more on hybrid and fuel-cell vehicles than pure electric vehicles at this point. Hyundai says that the name comes from a combination of the company's "Blue Drive" and the number 2 from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Aesthetically speaking, the Blue2 Sedan Concept has an exterior whose design language is being described as ‘Intersected Flow’ with other external features complementing the contoured form of the car, including the LCD screen panels on both the front and back, side cameras in place of the standard side mirrors, a roof camera, and automatic opening doors.





Press Release

Hyundai to Showcase New Thinking at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show

• Hyundai unveils next-gen FCEV sedan concept ‘Blue2' and Sonata Hybrid

• Cutting-edge eco-friendly and telematics technologies show Hyundai's future

• Separate booth displays Hyundai's latest commercial vehicle technology

Hyundai Motor Company, South Korea's largest automaker, showcased its latest `new thinking' on products, technologies and services to the world at the 2011 Seoul Motor Show, which opened today under the theme of ‘Evolution, Green Revolution on Wheels.'

Hyundai unveiled its latest eco-friendly creation, the Blue2 (Read as "Blue square") concept vehicle, the company's first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV) powered by hydrogen. The automaker also introduced its first gasoline-hybrid vehicle, the Sonata Hybrid, to its home market. Most importantly, Hyundai applied its new brand direction, "New Thinking. New Possibilities.", throughout its exhibition, including its customer-oriented booth design, entertaining displays and cutting edge future technologies.

"Hyundai's goal is not to be the biggest car company, but the most loved. We want to be a reliable partner to our customers, supporting their happiness, rather than a company that pursues its own interests," said Steve S. Yang, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor. "We will ceaselessly introduce world-class products of the best quality to overcome the difficult market environment and turn it into an opportunity, while modestly listening to the voice of the customer." In particular, Hyundai will focus on "improving quality, creating new values through new thinking, and developing advanced eco-friendly technologies to contribute to a greener society," Yang said.

Blue2

Hyundai Motor staged a world premiere of its new concept car, Blue2 (codenamed HND-6), a mid-size FCEV which shows a blueprint for future sedans. The name ‘Blue2' is a combination of Hyundai's sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive' and the number `2' from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Aiming at gaining early leadership of the FCEV market, Blue2 is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW(1.65kW/L) and fuel economy of 34.9km/?. The Blue2 is materialized in a sporty and luxurious style, a combination of futuristic, flowing designs and eco-friendly features. The Blue2 is equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance, while the car's interior design encompasses a futuristic look by using eco-friendly new materials.

Hyundai's concept keywords for the exterior design are ‘Intersected Flow,' featuring innovative and dynamic designs. The vehicle's condition is visible via unique and futuristic images on the exterior of the car through outside LED screen panels, which are located on both the front and rear of the car. Blue2 also features a welcome system which recognizes the driver, while an automatic opening door system enhances the driver's convenience. Conventional side mirrors are replaced by side cameras and a roof camera, offering a state-of-the-art driving environment.

The exterior designs flow inside the vehicle, with asymmetrically-designed dashboards and doors to optimize a driver's convenience and add emotional value. Wider seats enable people to get in and out of the vehicle more comfortably.

Hyundai combined the cluster and center fascia, applying an advanced Transparent Organic Light Emitting Diode (TOLED) monitor and ultra-light tempered glass, called Gorilla® Glass, providing more accurate and vivid graphic information. The infotainment system is operated by a Motion Sensor Moustick, a haptic wheel and motion sensor that respond to the driver's touch and hand movements, respectively, giving drivers a new experience.

Blue2 aims to satisfy all the senses of future drivers, including the air they breathe: A cluster ionizer freshens the air inside the vehicle, while antibacterial genuine leather with leaf-shaped patterns, called ‘eco-graphic perforation,' enhances an eco-friendly look and feel.

Sonata Hybrid

Hyundai also unveiled its first gasoline hybrid model, the Sonata Hybrid, to its home market. The Sonata Hybrid, which made its world debut at the 2010 New York International Auto Show, also encompasses Hyundai's new thinking, as Hyundai developed the world's first full parallel hybrid system and applied lithium-ion polymer batteries to a hard type hybrid model for the first time in the world.

Equipped with a Nu 2.0 Hybrid engine, a 6-speed hybrid automatic transmission and a 30kW hard type hybrid electric motor, the Sonata hybrid delivers a peak output of 191ps (engine: 150ps, electric motor: 41ps) and the best fuel economy in its class at 21.0km/? (All specifications limited to the Korean market).

The Sonata Hybrid, which is based on Hyundai's best-selling mid-size sedan, differs from the gasoline model with its dynamic `hexagonal grille.' The vehicle also has an `Eco Guide Gauge' on its cluster to help drivers build more economical driving habits. The Sonata hybrid will go on a sale in the Korean market in the first half of this year.

i40, Curb, and In-Vehicle Technologies

Along with Blue2 and the Sonata hybrid, Hyundai introduced i40, a mid-size wagon exclusively developed for the European market, which made its world debut at Geneva in March. Hyundai also displayed Curb (codenamed HCD-12), a compact Urban Activity Vehicle (UAV) concept unveiled at Detroit in January. Curb, targeted at the next generation of Hyundai buyers, is also a test bed for future Hyundai in-vehicle connectivity technology.

In order to promote its advanced eco-friendly technologies, Hyundai built a ‘Blue Drive Zone' at its booth, which displays its first Full Speed Electric Vehicle (FSEV) BlueOn and its electric bicycle ECCOV. Hyundai's most advanced powertrain technology will also be on display - some for the first time - including its 6-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission) and 8-speed auto transmission, as well as its 1.6 Gamma Turbo GDi, Nu 2.0 GDi and Nu 2.0 CVVL (Continuously Variable Valve Lift) engines.

The ECCOV (Eco Community Vehicle), introduced at Geneva in March, boasts a maximum speed of 30 km/h and can travel as much as 50 km on a single charge in electric mode.

A total of five new future in-vehicle technologies introduced at the 2011 CES early this year were also on display: Smart Connectivity System, which allows drivers to connect their smart phones and tablet PCs with the vehicle; Motion Sensor Moustick, which recognizes the driver's hand movements through sensors to control the car's audio and navigation system; Dynamic Cluster, an LCD gauge and information system that is driver-customizable; Car Browser System and Web Platform, a fully functional Internet terminal; and Multifunctional Safety Vision System, a four-camera, 360-degree view around the vehicle.

Commercial Vehicles

Hyundai Motor set up a separate booth for its commercial vehicles under the concept of ‘Enjoyable Sensation Truck & Bus,' displaying three new models: The New Trago 27t Dump, Mega space-cab Tractor and the 2011MY Universe.

In order to promote its future eco-friendly technology, Hyundai's commercial vehicle booth also created a ‘Green zone,' showcasing its electric bus, diesel hybrid mega truck, hydrogen fuel cell bus cutaway and a new eco-friendly power system technology.

In particular, ‘Elec-City' is a zero-emission electric bus developed in-house. A test fleet of Elec-City will be operated in some metropolitan bus routes starting this year, while Hyundai plans to mass produce the buses starting in 2013. During the G20 Seoul Summit in 2010, Elec-City was used as the official shuttle bus for organizers and officials.

Equipped with three 100kW motors, Elec-City delivers a peak output which is equivalent to a combustion engine's 402ps and maximum speed of 100km/h. It can run 120 km on a single charge.

Hyundai also displayed two new commercial vehicle technologies: The Commercial Vehicle Telematics System, which collects real-time data from the vehicle to enable more efficient freight transportation management; and the 3.5t AMT system, which allows drivers to enjoy the convenience of an automatic transmission, with the fuel efficiency and power of a manual transmission.

New Thinking for Customers

Hyundai's new thinking could be seen in its booth layout and services, as well. By reversing the conventional thinking that motor shows are for cars, Hyundai brought a new concept that motor shows are for ‘visitors,' which means everything should be designed to maximize their enjoyable experience.

Hyundai's new booth enables visitors to comfortably view the cars, while the entire space on the second floor of the booth is used as a lounge where customers can relax and get a view of the whole booth. Hyundai is also providing FCEV shuttle bus services to and from the parking lot to the exhibition hall. Staff members at the booth will provide product information using tablet PCs.

As part of its efforts to evolve from simply an auto manufacturer that provides transportation to an automaker that creates an auto culture, Hyundai presented its virtual-driving Veloster game machine, as well as a 4D theater showing ‘Robocar POLI,' a 3D animation for children presented by Hyundai Motor, Roi Visual and EBS.

New Hyundai Blue2 Fuel Cell Concept Debuts at Seoul Motor Show

The 2011 Seoul Motor Show that runs in South Korea from March 31 to April 10 plays host to the world premiere of the all-new Hyundai Blue2 concept study. The name ‘Blue2’, which is read ‘Blue square’, is a combination of Hyundai’s sub eco-brand ‘Blue Drive’ and the number `2’ from H2, the symbol for hydrogen gas.

Codenamed HND-6, the prototype is Hyundai’s first sedan-style Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle (FCEV). The four-door saloon is powered by a fuel cell electric system that delivers a stack power of 90kW or 121HP and fuel economy of 34.9km/ℓ (of hydrogen, of course), which is equal to 82mpg US and 2.9lt/100km. The concept is also equipped with low-resistance tires and alloy wheels which are designed to improve aerodynamic performance.

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More than 280,000 Hyundai Elantras Recalled Over Air-Bag Problems

Hyundai has issued two separate recalls for its Elantra sedans over air-bag related problems. The first action covers approximately 95,783 Elantras from the 2007-2008MY manufactured from July 14, 2006, through August 29, 2007. In this case, the air bag control module may receive an unstable electrical signal from the seat track position sensor and cause the driver's airbag to deploy at a higher pressure than intended. To fix the problem, the South Korean firm’s dealers will reprogram the air bag control module free of charge.

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BMW, Hyundai and Renault Donate for Japan Earthquake Relief

After Japan’s local automakers, foreign car companies are also rallying to support people affected by the earthquake and the tsunami that hit the Asian nation on Friday. BMW has offered an emergency aid worth €1 million ($1.4 million) destined for the treatment of traumatized children, emergency aid and reconstruction work. The money will be split evenly between the international non-profit organization “Save the Children” and the Japanese Red Cross. Read more »

Hyundai’s Model Naming Conventions: From 0 to Fubar in Just 4 Years

Hyundai is one of the world’s biggest automakers, and the most visible of South Korea’s business and industrial acumen. So you would think a company that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Toyota and pre-bailout GM would be pretty consistent with its model naming conventions, right?

Well, not exactly. When Hyundai first launched the i30 hatchback in Europe, Australia and other markets, it seemed that familiar nameplates such as Elantra and Sonata would soon be dead and buried. Not so. In fact, the i30 CW (basically, the station wagon version of the i30), is still sold in the U.S. as the Elantra Touring.

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Hyundai Drops New i40 Mid-Size Estate at the Geneva Motor Show [Gallery and Video]

Making its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, is the estate version of Hyundai’s all-new, Europe-specific D-segment model, the i40. Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, with European buyers in mind, the i40 will fill the gap left by the outgoing Sonata model in the South Korean automaker's range and will compete against the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. A four-door sedan version will be introduced this year, with most bets going towards the 2011 Frankfurt Auto Show in September.

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Hyundai i40 Estate

Hyundai has unveiled the all-new Hyundai i40 Estate wagon prior to its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show in a couple of weeks.The new Hyundai i40 Estate reflects the company's spirit of change and a new concept of modern premium. The Hyundai i40 Estate will be powered by a 1.7-litre diesel engine, named UII, with a 113 g/km CO2 emissions level.

This being a premium vehicle it features a range of innovative features including heated and reclining front and rear seats; a heated steering wheel; and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen. As for the powertrains the i40 Estate will get a 1.7-litre diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, will emit from just 113 g/km of CO2 emissions.

i40 will features some very interesting extras like heated and reclining front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, and an active de-mist system that automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.




Press Release

NEW HYUNDAI i40 Estate TO STAR AT THE GENEVA MOTOR SHOW

Hyundai has revealed the first pictures of the new i40 Estate, ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show. The debut of i40 Estate comes as Hyundai launches its new brand slogan ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ The i40 Estate reflects the spirit of change at Hyundai, and represents the company’s bold new concept of ‘modern premium’ – the philosophy that premium quality and characteristics should be accessible to everyone.

The i40 Estate is the company’s first D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market, with a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for European tastes. It will be shown in Geneva in estate form, and this will be the first i40 Estate bodystyle to be introduced to Europe, with a saloon to follow later this year.

Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s R&D headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the i40 Estate is the latest Hyundai model to have a purely European identity.

Taking styling cues from Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, it maintains signature features such as the hexagonal grille. The grille is flanked by two jewel-like headlamps, for a contemporary, confident look that is accentuated by the characterful lines that connect the front and rear of the vehicle, adding to the i40 Estate’s eye-catching, sophisticated style.

In line with Hyundai’s commitment to make premium products and features available to everyone, the i40 Estate has a class-leading level of standard equipment. Among the specification are new technologies for Hyundai, including: heated and reclining front and rear seats; a heated steering wheel; and an active de-mist system that
automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.

The ‘modern premium’ concept is also evident in the efficient powertrain choices available to i40 Estate buyers. The i40 Estate’s 1.7-litre diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, will emit from just 113 g/km of CO2 emissions – a best-in-class figure that also demonstrates the advances the company is making towards global leadership in eco-technology.

Hyundai’s unrivalled customer care package, Five Year Triple Care, will come as standard on i40 Estate. The industry-leading package offers total peace of mind, with a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Offering more for less has always been a fundamental principle at Hyundai, and now we are advancing this with our new brand direction under the ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ slogan. The i40 Estate is a perfect example of how we are offering the best and making it accessible to everyone. From stunning design and specification, to industry-leading technology and aftersales care – the i40 Estate sets itself apart from its competitors.”

The i40 Estate will be joined on stage by Hyundai’s ground-breaking new 1+2 door Veloster coupe, set for launch in Europe later in 2011. The Curb concept will also be shown, highlighting the latest telematics technology from Hyundai in an ‘urban-ready’ design. Both cars received their world premieres at the North America International Auto Show last month, and will be making their European debuts in Geneva.

The company’s press conference will take place in Hall 1 at 12:30 (CET) on Tuesday 1st March 2011.

2011 Hyundai i10 facelift

Hyundai has released new details for the facelifted i10.

The facelifted i10 comes with a brace of new or revised engines: a new 1.0 three-cylinder Kappa engine replaces the 1.1 Epsilon unit, while the 1.2 is upgraded with 13% more power and 9% less CO2.
The 1.0 now averages 67.3mpg on the combined cycle.

The new Blue model is powered by the all-new 1.0-litre three-cylinder Kappa engine, which returns combined cycle fuel consumption of 4.2 litres/100km and CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

The upgraded 1.25-litre engine is 33 percent more efficient than the unit it replaces, packing 63kW, using 4.6 litres/100km and emitting 108g/km CO2.

Inside, the cabin has been upgraded with a new instrument cluster (with an eco-shift indicator), improved seats, additional chrome accents, and a rear seat cup holder. Four trim levels are available, but all models come nicely equipped with air conditioning, a six-speaker audio system (with iPod connectivity), power windows, and central locking.




Press Release

NEW CHAPTER STARTS FOR AWARD-WINNING HYUNDAI i10

• Comprehensively enhanced version of Hyundai's best-selling city car
• Introduction of the all-new Hyundai i10 Blue with 99 g/km CO2 emissions
• First of a new family of ultra-efficient Blue Drive vehicles
• New engines (1.0-litre & improved 1.2-litre) and Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) technology
• Cheapest five-seat car on the market to achieve sub-100g/km CO2
• i10 Blue - Road tax and London Congestion Charge exempt
• Still great value: priced from £8,195 with class-leading specification

Hyundai has comprehensively updated its award-winning i10 city car range. The range-wide update - which goes on sale 1st March - marks the arrival of Hyundai's first sub-100g/km Blue model, along with specification and design upgrades for the rest of the line-up.

The new and improved version of Hyundai's entry-point model represents a significant step forward over the outgoing i10. Chief among the changes are enhancements to the i10's design - both in the cabin and on the exterior of the car. These key design changes are in keeping with the brand's bold and progressing design language, bringing a clear family resemblance between the new i10 and other recently launched Hyundais, including the sleek ix35 and ix20 models.

A new and improved range of Euro V compliant engines blend clean performance with excellent fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. The latest i10 introduces the all-new 1.0-litre ‘Kappa' engine, which replaces the old 1.1-litre ‘Epsilon' unit. This cutting-edge three-cylinder engine achieves a remarkable 67.3mpg combined: the sort of cheap-to-run credentials that will resonate with customers as the cost of motoring continues to rise. The popular 1.25-litre ‘Kappa' engine has also been improved giving 13% more power (85bhp), 9.2% less CO2 (108g/km) and 8.7% better fuel consumption (61.4mpg) than the outgoing 1.25-litre ‘Kappa' engine.

To make the most of the efficient new 1.0-litre engine, Hyundai has introduced an all-new model - the i10 Blue. This special ‘eco' edition of the i10 emits an astonishingly low 99g/km CO2, so it gains exemption from VED and the London Congestion Charge. It is currently the only sub-£10k five-seater car on the market to achieve this, and the first of a family of Blue models that will underscore Hyundai's commitment to environmental technology.

The revised range consists of four trim grades - Blue, Classic, Active and Style - all of which offer exceptional value for money. Equipment specification across the i10 range remains impressive, with usually optional features, such as air conditioning and the addition of an iPod plug-in, standard fit on all new i10s. As part of a class-leading equipment list, customers will also find four airbags, a six-speaker stereo, electric windows and central locking all as standard on all models. Prices start at £8,195 for the entry-level Classic model.

All new i10s come with Hyundai's world-beating Five Year Triple Care package, for total peace of mind. This package includes five-year unlimited mileage warranty, five years' roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks. It's an offer that is yet to be matched by any of Hyundai's rivals.