Hyundai announces green future

Hyundai is set to introduce a new range of high economy, low emissions models to its range.

The Korean firm's i-Blue range will include i10 and i30 models that will lower emissions to 95- and 106g/km of carbon dioxide respectively.

A new 0.8-litre turbocharged engine is also on the cards that will run on compressed natural gas to produce just 65g/km emissions.

The i-Blue range will be launched later this year and will also include energy saving measures such as improved aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and lowered suspension.

Hyundai also plans to equip the i-Blue models with higher gear ratios to reduce revs at higher speeds and also fit a Stop-Start system switch off the engine when the car is at a standstill.

Looking further ahead into Hyundai's future, the Korean company showed off its HED-5 MPV concept.

This five-seater has a new 2.2-litre turbodiesel engine that will be seen in production Hyundais from 2009 onwards.

The HED-5 also showcased Hyundai's self-healing paint, which expands to cover any scratches.

Nearer to showroom reality are the revised Sonata and Matrix models.

The Sonata has a fresh new look and Hyundai has improved the interior's build quality.

There's also a range of revised engines for more power and better fuel economy, and Hyundai says it has improved the ride quality for European roads.

The Matrix has a mild facelift that mostly consists of now offering blue or red seat cloth options instead of the previous car's grey-only seats.

Alisdair Suttie

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