Hyundai has created a special Blue Drive Zone at the 2009 IAA in Frankfurt, where it will exhibit a wide array of its new eco-friendly technologies and products demonstrating its commitment to lowering emissions and improving the fuel economy of its vehicles. Centre stage is reserved for the world debut of the ix-Metro, a daring new Hybrid Electric CUV for the European sub-B segment which promises CO2 emissions of just 80g/km. The ix-Metro is powered by an inline three-cylinder petrol engine displacing just one-liter. Direct injection, dual CVVT, turbocharging are all combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission to make for a highly potent compact package. The other world debut Hyundai will be making at Frankfurt is the i10 Electric, a zero emissions urban commuter vehicle which will see limited series production begin in 2010 starting with the Korean market. Powered by a 49kW motor and a 16kWh battery, the i10 Electric promises a driving range of 160km and top speed of 130km/h. It features x-by-wire systems for steering, air conditioning, water pump and brake vacuum pump.
Hyundai is also using the occasion of The Frankfurt show for the European unveiling of its ix35, the European version of the all-new Tucson which made its debut in the Korean market earlier this month. Designed in Europe and to be built in Europe, the ix35 is the first production vehicle expressing Hyundai’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language. It’s fitted with the all-new R 2.0 diesel and six-speed automatic transmission.
