Hyundai i10 Mini Gets new 1.2-liter Engine

Hyundai is refining its i10 mini car with the introduction of a new 1.2-liter petrol engine which will be available in the UK from this September. Compared to the 1.1-liter unit, the new all-alloy engine’s output has been improved by 18 percent to 77PS while torque rises from 98Nm to 118Nm. As a result the top speed rises from 94 (151 km/h) to 102mph (164 km/h) and the benchmark 0-62mph (100 km/h) sprint drops by nearly three seconds to 12.8 seconds. -Continued

Despite this the CO2 emissions and combined fuel consumption are identical to the smaller 1.1-litre engine at 119g/km and 56.5 mpg UK (47.0 mph US). According to the Korean automaker, the price of the 1.2-liter Style model rises by £150 compared with the 1.1-litre to £7,995, while the Comfort rises by £200 to £7,545.

Hyundai Coupe 2.0 “Cool Emotion” Limited Edition Version

While it remains unclear whether or not Hyundai will offer the all-new RWD Coupe in Europe, the Korean automaker’s German division has unveiled yet another limited edition version of the current FWD Coupe (Tiburon in the States). Called Coupe 2.0 “Cool Emotion”, the 2+2 seater is offered in “Crystal White” and “Carbon Grey” combined with red colored leather seats. Based on the 143Hp 2.0-liter variant, the Cool Emotion sports 18-inch Borbet alloy wheels, aluminium trim in the interior and automatic climate control. Prices are set at €25,590 with production limited to 100 units. -One more pic after the jump

Hyundai Developing $3,500 Minicar for India

Following the example of Tata Motors and the Renault-Nissan Alliance, Hyundai has revealed plans to develop a super low-priced mini car in India by 2011 or 2012. The announcement was made to Indian reporters by Hyundai India’s managing director, H.S. Lheem, on the sidelines of a traffic event on Friday. Lheem also noted that the small car would not be limited to India as there is high demand for such vehicles in many other countries around the world.

2009 Hyundai Genesis Priced from $33,000

Even though Hyundai didn't deliver its promise for a sub- $30,000 sticker nevertheless, the all-new Genesis is more than competitively priced at $33,000 for the the entry-level 290Hp V6 model -about the same as the BMW 328i ($32,400), and at $38,000 for the top-of-the range 375Hp V8 version.

When referring to the new Genesis, Hyundai’s people like to describe it as "a car the size of the BMW 7 Series with the performance of the 5 Series and at the price of the 3 Series." Though we find it hard to believe that anyone looking for a German premium sedan will give the Genesis a chance (for various reasons that don’t always have to do with the car itself), we gather that those shopping for a Japanese or an American model won't have a problem adding the Korean luxury sedan to their list. -Details after the jump

HYUNDAI GENESIS

Genesis 3.8 V6 – Standard Equipment

All Genesis 3.8 models come very well-equipped, including a 3.8-liter DOHC V6 engine, Aisin six-speed automatic transmission with ShiftronicTM, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with traction control, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and 17-inch alloy wheels with P225/55R17 tires.

Additional standard equipment includes advanced front airbags, front and rear seat-mounted side airbags, roof-mounted side curtain airbags, electronic front head restraints, fog lamps, automatic headlights, dual power heated side mirrors with turn signal indicators, leather seating surfaces with heated front seats, power seats, cruise control, Hyundai’s signature white and blue interior lighting with electroluminescent cluster, proximity entry with electric push button start, leather-wrapped tilt steering wheel with audio controls, dual front fully automatic HVAC, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, AM/FM/CD/MP3/XM (3-month subscription) with iPod/USB and auxiliary input jacks, Bluetooth and floor mats.

Genesis 4.6 – Standard Equipment

The Genesis 4.6 builds on the standard equipment found on the Genesis 3.8, adding a 4.6-liter DOHC V8, ZF six-speed automatic transmission, unique 18-inch hyper-silver alloy wheels with P235/50R18-inch tires, chrome lower bodyside moldings, ultra-premium leather seating surfaces, leather-wrapped dash and door trim inserts, power glass sunroof with tilt and slide, power tilt and telescopic steering column, integrated memory system, Lexicon 15-speaker surround sound audio system, six-disc CD changer, illuminated scuff plates, wood-trimmed leather steering wheel, electrochromic auto-dimming interior rearview mirror with Homelink and compass, power rear sunshade and rain-sensing wipers with auto defogger windshield.

Hyundai and Kia Scrap Pickup Truck Plans

Crumbling pickup truck sales and rising gas prices have led Hyundai and its affiliate Kia to abandon (for now at least) their plans to build pick-up trucks in the U.S. “Because of high oil prices, the light-truck market has been declining,'” Kim Dong Jin, Vice Chairman of the Hyundai Motor Group said in an e-mailed statement today. “We don't think it's the right time.” -Continued

As for Kia’s new Georgia plant where the two Korean carmakers considered building their pickup trucks, the company now says that it will be used to produce the revamped Sorento SUV.

Via: Bloomberg

Hyundai Genesis Coupe: Korean Version Debuts at the 2008 Busan Show

Painted in a vibrant green color and adorned with several Korean “femme fatales”, the rear-wheel drive Genesis Coupe made its Korean debut at this year’s 2008 Busan International Show. The highly anticipated Genesis Coupe will be offered in its homeland with the same 215Hp (est) 2.0-liter Turbo and 303Hp (est) 3.8-liter V6 engine units as the US spec version. Hyundai will begin domestic sales of the Genesis Coupe in September, gradually expanding sales to the U.S., China and other regions. -More pics after the jump

Hyundai i800: New 8-Seater Full-Size Minivan

Following its debut in the Korean market last year as the Starex (see here), Hyundai is introducing its full-size minivan in Europe as the i800. The 2009 Hyundai i800 features three rows of seats capable of accommodating eight adults. The two last rows feature a 60:40 split-fold and recline while the centre row also slides forwards or backwards.

All of the rear seats are accessed through a pair of sliding doors. Hyundai says that the 5.125mm (201.8-in.) long i800 has a more than adequate 851 liters of space in the boot even with all eight-passengers aboard.

Although the i800 is based on the H1 Commercial vehicle, Hyundai has enhanced its people carrier with a purpose-made coil sprung rear suspension system with five locating links. In Europe, the i800 is powered by Hyundai’s new 2.5-liter four-cylinder CRDi diesel engine which features a variable-geometry turbo, developing 170Hp and 392Nm of torque. Power is transferred to the rear-wheels via a 5-speed manual gearbox. -Continued

According to the Korean carmaker, the diesel-powered i800 features combined fuel economy figure of 27.7 US mpg or 8.5 lt / 100 km. Combined with a 75 liter tank, the i800 MPV can theoretically go more than 560 miles or 900 km between fill ups.

In the UK, the i800 will go on sale on 20th June costing £19,495 or about $38,000 / €24,700. It will be joined later in the year by a lower power, lower specification version at a more competitive price.

Hyundai Recalling MY 2006-2008 Sonata Models

A total of 393,714 MY 2006-2008 Hyundai Sonata vehicles are being recalled this month due to an issue with the passenger airbag system. In particular, the occupant classification system (OCS) in the right front seat which disables the air bag when it detects the presence of a child restraint system or small child may misclass a small stature adult as a child causing the air bag not to deployed in an accident.

The recall is expected to begin on or about May 26, 2008 with Hyundai dealers removing the right front seat cushion assembly and shipping it to an evaluation and repair facility.

Hyundai i30 White Edition - Production Limited to 300 Units

Hyundai has launched a limited version of its i30 subcompact hatch in Germany called “White Edition”. Production will be limited to 300 units and apart from the white paint job, the special edition i30 features 17-inch dark alloy rims wrapped in 225/45 R17 rubber, a radio CD with USB and iPod connection. The White Edition is equipped with Hyundai’s 109Hp 1.4-liter engine and prices in Germany kick off from 15,990 euros.

Rusting Hyundai Sonatas Prompt Investigation as Suspension Corrosion Can Even Cause Wheels To Fall Off!

UPDATE: New Recall Over Same Issue for MY2001-2004 Sonata and XG300 & 350

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an official investigation on the Hyundai Sonata after receiving 40 individual complaints about front subframe corrosion in the 1999 through 2002 model year Sonatas.

There are 19 complaints for MY 1999 Sonatas, 16 for MY 2000, 3 for MY 2001 and 2 for MY 2002 with most of the complaints (35) from States that use large amounts of salt on the roads during snowy months.

NHTSA supports that the corrosion in the subframe is pretty severe as consumers have reported 'fist-sized holes in the frame'. According to NHTSA investigators, this can result to complete or partial suspension control arm detachment from the vehicle, wheel collapse or separation, half shaft detachment resulting in sudden vehicle disablement and/or steering anomalies. -Continued

Incident speeds range from 5 to 65 mph. NHTSA reports that one incident allegedly resulted in the vehicle becoming disabled in the traffic lanes of a parkway at night with the driver and child passengers stuck in the car while passing traffic swerved around the vehicle at high speeds.

Another complaint alleged the failure resulted in the vehicle becoming "stuck in the middle of a dangerous intersection" while a third complaint indicated that the vehicle was declared a total loss by the insurance carrier due to damage caused by the lower control arm completely separating from the frame, causing the half-shaft to detach from the transmission and resulting in damage to the wheel housing and quarter panel from the partially detached wheel.

2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan to Debut in China

At this year’s China Auto Show that takes place in Beijing from April 20 to 28, Hyundai will present the facelifted version of its Elantra sedan. Compared to the U.S. market model, the Chinese Elantra features a completely restyled front end inspired from the i30 / Elantra Touring models while changes in the rear-end include the new bumper, taillights and the slightly redesigned trunk. Although it sounds quite logical for these styling changes to pass onto the North American market Elantra, Hyundai has not made any announcement of the kind. –More images after the jump

2009 Hyundai Elantra Sedan to Debut in China

At this year’s China Auto Show that takes place in Beijing from April 20 to 28, Hyundai will present the facelifted version of its Elantra sedan. Compared to the U.S. market model, the Chinese Elantra features a completely restyled front end inspired from the i30 / Elantra Touring models while changes in the rear-end include the new bumper, taillights and the slightly redesigned trunk. Although it sounds quite logical for these styling changes to pass onto the North American market Elantra, Hyundai has not made any announcement of the kind. –More images after the jump

2009 Hyundai Coupe – Tiburon TSIII Limited Edition

Hyundai has announced the introduction of a new limited edition model of its Coupe (Tiburon in the U.S.) for the UK market. Called the “TSIII” -don’t ask why, we have no idea- the special edition version is based on the 141Hp 2.0-liter model and it features extra styling enhancements, an Eibach sport springs kit and exclusive colour options.

In particular, four paint colour options of Stone Black, Rose Red, Crystal White or Carbon Grey are available. Crystal White and Rose Red have never been offered on the Coupe before and are exclusively available on the TSIII in limited numbers. To complement and contrast with these colours, Hyundai has equipped the Coupe TSIII with new 17” alloy wheels finished in anthracite. Moreover, the Korean carmaker fitted the Coupe with new quad exhaust pipes that deliver a sportier engine note, while there’s also a larger boot spoiler with integral brake light. –Continued after the jump

Inside the cabin, the Coupe TSIII features leather sports seats and matching quilted door trims, chrome sill guards with a TSIII logo, metal trimmed pedals and footrest. As for standard equipment, the TSIII comes with air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats and cruise control along with iPod compatible stereo and metal-look finishes on the steering wheel, centre console and air vents.

The Coupe TSIII is already available for order at Hyundai dealerships in the UK with prices starting at £19,595 –about €24,800 or $38,900.

2009 Hyundai Coupe – Tiburon TSIII Limited Edition

Hyundai has announced the introduction of a new limited edition model of its Coupe (Tiburon in the U.S.) for the UK market. Called the “TSIII” -don’t ask why, we have no idea- the special edition version is based on the 141Hp 2.0-liter model and it features extra styling enhancements, an Eibach sport springs kit and exclusive colour options.

In particular, four paint colour options of Stone Black, Rose Red, Crystal White or Carbon Grey are available. Crystal White and Rose Red have never been offered on the Coupe before and are exclusively available on the TSIII in limited numbers. To complement and contrast with these colours, Hyundai has equipped the Coupe TSIII with new 17” alloy wheels finished in anthracite. Moreover, the Korean carmaker fitted the Coupe with new quad exhaust pipes that deliver a sportier engine note, while there’s also a larger boot spoiler with integral brake light. –Continued after the jump

Inside the cabin, the Coupe TSIII features leather sports seats and matching quilted door trims, chrome sill guards with a TSIII logo, metal trimmed pedals and footrest. As for standard equipment, the TSIII comes with air conditioning with climate control, heated front seats and cruise control along with iPod compatible stereo and metal-look finishes on the steering wheel, centre console and air vents.

The Coupe TSIII is already available for order at Hyundai dealerships in the UK with prices starting at £19,595 –about €24,800 or $38,900.

Brand New Hyundai Genesis Sedans Get a Bit Too Intimate...

Yes, accidents can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. Still, and even though we’re not exactly sure how the sliver 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan fell off from the transport truck onto its blue-colored sibling somewhere in Korea, we certainly wouldn’t want to be in the driver’s shoes when he called in to report the incident… -More images of the accident after the jump




Pics: Zeanon

Brand New Hyundai Genesis Sedans Get a Bit Too Intimate...

Yes, accidents can happen to anyone, anytime and anywhere. Still, and even though we’re not exactly sure how the sliver 2009 Hyundai Genesis Sedan fell off from the transport truck onto its blue-colored sibling somewhere in Korea, we certainly wouldn’t want to be in the driver’s shoes when he called in to report the incident… -More images of the accident after the jump




Pics: Zeanon