Archive for the ‘Hyundai’ Category

New Hyundai Accent/Verna – Based on i20 platform?

The next generation Hyundai Verna (Code : RB) could use the i20’s platform

Secret New Cars published a couple of pictures of the next generation Hyundai Accent testing in cold weather.

Along with the pictures, the website mentions the new Accent/Verna, scheduled for a 2011 debut (and high possibility of an Indian debut almost immediately after), would sit on the i20’s platform. The website refers to the car as “miniature Sonata YF” and we can’t find another suitable description.

Previously, we understood that the regular CRDi engines and larger displacement 4 pot petrols will rest under the new Verna’s hood. There are also chances for the 1.6 GDi that produces 140bhp to make it on to the RB, but the Indian RB is likely to feature traditional CRDI engines and to the maximum extent, a petrol engine with variable valve timing – which again is our best guess.

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Entry posted on March 1st, 2010 and filed under Hyundai, Renderings

Now Hyundai recall the Sonata in US and Korea

YF Sonata – recalled in US and Korea

If there is one word, we are getting used to lately, it is “Recall”. Hyundai is the latest.

Yesterday, Hyundai have recalled 47300 Sonata’s in Korea and US. No problems in India as the model recalled is not sold here. Rather, the model “YF Sonata” has not been introduced in India yet. Just for the record, the YF Sonata also bagged the IIHS Top Safety Award for 2011 in US. The award is presented to the car that scores a good rating in front, side, rear and roll over crashes.

I must admit, this comes at a time, when Hyundai is actually doing well in the US. Considering Toyota’s problems, one of the biggest beneficiary in terms of sales in US is Hyundai. Of the 47300 vehicles recalled, only 1300 vehicles are from the US. That is a negligible number, but certainly one that the US market would not discount in the wake of recent trends.

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Entry posted on February 25th, 2010 and filed under Hyundai, Hyundai Sonata YF

Hyundai i10 facelift to hit showrooms by October?

The Hyundai i10 will get a superior engine and altered front fascia this October

If we can trust Google’s translation services and the very reliable Dutch publication Autotelegraaf, then we have hit upon something very intriguing.

India’s favorite Hyundai – the i10 is scheduled to go under the surgeon’s knife very soon. The new Hyundai i10 is expected with a new bumper, refreshed lamps and slightly modified interiors.

The changes are not reserved only to exteriors. Under the hood, the new Hyundai i10 will come with a more eco-friendly engine that will emit around 110g/km of CO2 emission. It is not clear if the refreshed i10 is for Indian customers when it comes out this October, though it looks very likely.

Although we have not heard anything from Hyundai, IAB feels variable valve timing could be a suitable addition to the Kappa engine. Variable valve timing helps in extracting more performance from the same engine, while consuming and discharging less.

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Entry posted on February 15th, 2010 and filed under Hyundai

Spied again – New Hyundai Verna (Code:RB)

While the spy shooters have been taking a lot of images of the new Hyundai Verna, the new photographs on a Korean auto forum provide a clearer idea of the boot and the roofline.

The next generation Verna and Elantra (spied on another occasion) have clearly borrowed a lot from the Sonata YF. They are also moving closer to being 4 door coupes. Hyundai’s design language is heading in the right direction.

The new Hyundai Accent will go on sale in 2010, so the Indian debut should not be very far away. We expect the car to reach India by the end of 2011. The regular CRDi engines and larger displacement 4 pot petrols will rest under the new Verna’s hood. There are also chances for the 1.6 GDi that produces 140bhp to make it on to the RB, but the Indian RB is likely to feature traditional CRDI engines and to the maximum extent, a petrol engine with variable valve timing – which again is our best guess.

We’ll keep an eye out for more news as well as test mules.

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Entry posted on February 12th, 2010 and filed under Hyundai, Spy pictures

Hyundai dealer takes i10 out for banger racing

Banger racing is a popular form of racing in the United Kingdom. It is like any other form of racing you’re used to. The concept is the winner is one who takes the checkered flag, except for one difference – You try and deliberately knock off your opponents on your way to the finish line. Injuries and deaths have been reported in this type of racing in the past. Not surprising.

While Banger racing is conducted using scrap cars and bunch of dudes who have nothing much to do in life, it is not often you see a new Hyundai i10 taking part in such an event.

In the latest edition of Car Dealer magazine, you will.

It is not clear if the bloke who took a new Hyundai i10 to the banger racing circuit was a dealer, but what’s he’s done to it is a sight not for the faint hearted. The bumpers have come off, the headlights disappeared. It is not clear if some of the components were removed prior to the race but nevertheless that car looks like it was run over by a tank.

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Entry posted on January 29th, 2010 and filed under Funny, Hyundai

Video – Hyundai i10 1.2 Kappa does 185kph!

You have to see this to believe it. The owner says wind and gradient could have played a role. He says it is a stock i10 with no upgrades. The only way to verify this is to head to the Autobahn and find out.

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Entry posted on January 29th, 2010 and filed under Hyundai

Hyundai i10 EV – Reality or Fiction?

Hyundai_i10_EVThe i10 EV stands next to a pretty woman at the Auto Expo

Looks reality from the company’s perspective. The Korean auto manufacturer who showcased the i10 EV at the Auto Expo last week (Don’t know? Then definitely Shah Rukh stole its limelight) is finding ways to put it in our homes.

The demand for EVs isn’t much in India, but will likely balloon in the future if the government takes steps to strengthen infrastructure and encourage use of non-polluting vehicles. Whenever that happens, Hyundai sees an opportunity to slide the i10 EV into the choice list.

Hyundai Motor India Ltd (HMIL) Director (Marketing and Sales) Arvind Saxena -

A growing awareness among consumers for all things green inspired us to introduce the electric version of our compact car i10

The i10 electric was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September last year and the company will make limited volumes for Korean market. The 5-door i10 EV hatchback is run by 49kW / 65HP electric motor and a 16kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that has been co-developed with Korea’s LG.

Driving range is expected to be in the range of 100 miles or 160 kilometers and a top speed of over 80 mph or 130 km/h makes it a nippy city hatch.

The petrol-engined i10 has clocked sales of over 3 lakh units since the time of its arrival in 2007.

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Entry posted on January 11th, 2010 and filed under Electric vehicles, Hyundai

Hyundai i10, i20 and i30 special edition lined up for new year

Hyundai_i20_TurkeyHyundai should consider such specials for the Indian market as well

A series of special-edition Hyundais are lined up for the UK market this new year. The company wants to start the year with a bang. By offering additional equipment for i10, i20 and i30 buyers the deal is sweeter.

The new models are all called Edition.

The Hyundai i20 edition comes with a choice of two optional exterior colours, half leather seat trim, AC and remote central locking feature.

The Hyundai i10 edition comes with alloy wheels, side mouldings, front fog lights, AC and electric windows.

There have been no indications of Edition from Hyundai for Indian buyers.

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Entry posted on December 29th, 2009 and filed under Hyundai

Hyundai i10 EV visits Delhi Auto Expo

Hyundai-i10-EVHyundai i10 EV has a 100km range and 130kph top speed

Korean auto company Hyundai announced today that it will showcase the i10 EV (Electric Vehicle) at the Auto Expo next month.

The 5-door i10 EV hatchback is run by 49kW / 65HP electric motor and a 16kWh lithium-ion polymer battery that has been co-developed with Korea’s LG.

Driving range is expected to be in the range of 100 miles or 160 kilometers and a top speed of over 80 mph or 130 km/h makes it a nippy city hatch.

Apart from the i10 EV, we expect the company to showcase the concept version of its small car. Media reports recently adds i30, i40, Tucson and Santa Fe to the speculative list.

Hyundai will also display the existing range and concept vehicles with futuristic technology at the event next month.

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Entry posted on December 28th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Hyundai

Spied – All-new Hyundai Accent/Verna (Code: RB)

Hyundai_RB_next_generation_Verna_Accent_4

The all-new Hyundai Accent is yet another Hyundai product after new Sonata and Tucson that carries the company’s new design language which is gaining rapid acceptance.

The forth-coming Hyundai Accent/Verna (Code: RB) incorporates Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design format and blends design languages of the new Sonata and the upcoming Elantra.

According to reports on other blogs, the new Hyundai Accent will go on sale in 2010, so the Indian debut should not be very far away. What is certain is the range of engines on the all-new Accent, which is going to be wide. The regular CRDi engines and larger displacement 4 pot petrols will give company to the new Verna but the most talked about engine is the 1.6 GDi which reportedly sends out 140hp to the front wheels.

There are also talks of a hybrid-electric version but that is irrelevant to the Indian customer. We’ll keep an eye out on the RB. Stay tuned to IAB.

click through to view the other spyshots

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Entry posted on December 15th, 2009 and filed under Hyundai, Spy pictures

New Hyundai Tucson/ix35 coming to 2010 Auto Expo?

Hyundai_TucsonSome say the new Hyundai Tucson/ix35 will come to the Auto Expo

A popular business channel on Indian television suggests Hyundai will display the new Tucson/ix35 at next year’s Auto Expo. Hyundai offered the first generation Tucson in India with 2.0-liter engine, but with little success. Around the world, the Tucson is thought of as a hugely successful SUV selling in millions.

Hyundai is coming with cars like the Genesis Coupe to the Expo, which are meant to be show cars. The Tucson could also be such an exhibit, but its absence in the SUV market for such a long period raises doubts on its introduction.

Hyundai would have learnt quite a few lessons selling the Tucson. Would they hand the Tucson another chance here in India? Or should I put it this way – Will the Indian customer give Tucson, the latest generation which has everything going for it, another chance to make a mark?

click through to view the Hyundai Tucson/ix35 Image Gallery

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Entry posted on December 8th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Hyundai

Hyundai’s Santa Fe touches 2 million sales mark

Hyundai_Santa_Fe_white2 million and still accelerating – India bound Santa Fe’s a global leader

Hyundai Motor Company’s mid-size SUV model Santa Fe, has reached cumulative sales of two million units worldwide.

The sub-20 lakh SUV from Hyundai will be launched in India during the course of next year. Auto expo appearance? a high likelihood.

Two million unit sales across the globe is a big achievement, but a quarter of that number comes from the Korean market alone. The Santa Fe is a global leader in its segment. It will come to India as CBUs, and assembling here will help avoid high duties.

Here’s an interesting fact from Hyundai – If the delivered cars are lined up bumper to bumper, the length is equal to eleven trips between Seoul and Busan. If the cars are piled up, your head could bump into one of the orbiting satellites – 390 times the height of the Everest mountain.

What creative minds Hyundai’s got. Even if they could have used a fraction of all this intelligence, we would not be exposed to the ugliness on the new Verna. Where were they that time?

Since its launch in June 2000, it has received so many awards and accolades including the Top Safety Pick from Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (2008) and Strategic Vision’s Total Quality Award (2008).

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Entry posted on November 26th, 2009 and filed under Hyundai

Hyundai Verna facelift coming to India?

new_facelift_Verna_Hyundai - 3new_facelift_Verna_Hyundai - 2

The ugly not-so-good-looking Hyundai Verna facelift launched earlier in Korea, will make its Indian debut shortly, reports Motoroids.

Ever since the launch back in 2005, new variants of the Verna have not been in shortage but the company is yet to give it a proper facelift. And after the arrival of a revamped SX4 and Fiesta, Hyundai’s think tank would be prompted to give a fitting reply by applying cosmetics to its ticket.

The arrival of the VW Polo sedan and Fiat Linea variants among others at the Auto Expo, should be another excuse for sending the Verna under the surgeon’s knife.

What we are not sure of is the facelift itself. The car’s front-end is inches away from resembling the masked bipedal alien’s face in the movie Predator.

Ironically, it self destructs itself after it is captured by its enemy.

click through to view the image gallery

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Entry posted on November 18th, 2009 and filed under Auto Expo 2010, Hyundai