By on 2014-12-15 -
Sexy style takes
Hyundai forward
A SEXY new compact coupe is Hyundai's latest weapon in its bid to take a greater slice of the lucrative small car sector.
Its i20 Coupe was unveiled at Hyundai's Offenbach headquarters in Germany as part of the Korean manufacturer's Product Momentum project to launch 22 new models by 2017.
And in keeping with this drive Hyundai also launched another new model in the shape of a ‘hot' version of the face-lifted hatchback, the i30 Turbo.
But the real star of the launch is the super-sleek Coupe, which provides a car for the style conscious customer based on the latest generation i20 first seen at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Heading up a host of design changes is a remodelled rear end that swells the boot space by 10-litres to a class leading 336-litres with rear seats in position. Up front, a larger grille gives a more sporty face over its five-door sibling.
Both front and rear pillars have been raked sharply to elongate the coupe's side and is enhanced by the ‘invisible' blackened door pillar. Larger 17-inch alloy wheels and a unique Tangerine Orange colour trim to the seats help lend individuality to the interior.
Engine options will include the petrol 1.25-litre with 84ps and a tuned 100ps 1.4-litre, both from Hyundai's Kappa engine family.
The two diesel choices at launch will be a 1.1-litre 75ps and a 1.4-litre 90ps and each will compliant with new Euro6 emission regulations.
Transmission options include a choice of five- and six-speed manual gearboxes while the 1.4 petrol engine is also available with a four-speed automatic box. To boost economy still further an automated stop and go (ISG) system is available.
Also next year a new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine will be introduced as the Kappa 1.0-litre T-GDI to form the vanguard of a new generation of small turbocharged petrol engines from Hyundai.
Meanwhile, the i30 Turbo aims to be sporty without sacrificing real-world ride and driveability explaining its 186ps power output from it 1.6-litre turbo-charged motor producing a 0-62mph time of eight seconds and a top speed of 136mph.
Hyundai makes great play of the fact that the i30 Turbo was developed after extensive testing at Hyundai's facility in the grounds of the famous Nurburgring circuit so handling should be both sharp and compliant.
Yet again, design is the biggest feature with a host of changes including bespoke radiator grille, front and rear bumper with red detailing, new front LED design, twin exhausts and 18-inch alloy wheels.
Inside there's black headlining, sports seats with red detailing, sports instrument cluster and contrasting red details on the steering wheel, gear knob and door trims.
It will be available in both three-door and five-door hatchback body styles although only the five-door will make it to UK dealer showrooms unless customer demand for the three door persuade Hyundai otherwise.
Alongside the newcomers, face-lifted versions of both the i40 estate and saloon and the i30 hatch were revealed highlighting the brand's Fluidic design language.
The i40 enjoys some of the technology showcased in Hyundai's larger Genesis saloon including a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox, a three drive mode selector altering suspension, steering and engine mapping and also speed sign reading technology to alert the driver of the legal limits. On top of this there is automatic headlight dipping and electronic tailgate in the estate version.
The i30, too, can be specified with the seven-speed auto box, while it also gets heated front seats, automatic parking and lane departure warning technology.
All the models will be introduced to the UK during the first quarter of 2015 and prices are expected to be announced by the end of January.
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