Indian Auto Talk » Hyundai

Delhi 2010: Hyundai H1 Wagon

kj — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 07:19:14 +0000

Since the MPV van segment of India is getting discovered Hyundai might have brought its H1 wagon to Delhi. Nissan is getting into this segment with its NV200 van and Tata with its venturi. All these have rear slide doors for easy entry and are quite spacious than the current MPVs like Sumo and Xylo. More on this as the story divulge.

Image Gallery:

Hyundai & Suzuki hunting for new markets

kj — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:26:18 +0000

As the cash-for-clunkers like scrapping scheme is coming to an end in Europe, the Hyundai & Suzuki small cars which are exported from India is experience low sales. This was expected in advance and both the companies have long back identified new markets to sell off the European unsold.

Hyundai will be selling its i10 and i20 models in new markets like New Zealand, Australia, Iraq, Israel and Vietnam. Suzuki is venturing in to Western Asia, South Africa and Latin America with its A-star/Alto.

Hyundai might produce the Santa Fe SUV in India to avoid CBU taxing

kj — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 10:20:13 +0000

One more bad news and we would have to paint the front page black to show our condolences. But luckily Hyundai is putting up a smile on at least Indian faces with this one. CBU import taxing has been a played spoil sport for imports in India, with inflating the price by two folds with a merciless taxing of 110%. Sure this would attract companies of manufacture locally but not at this cost.

To get around this Hyundai is on the process of deciding to assemble it here in India. This would save the customers more than 10Lakh Rupees. The car is priced at around 24,000 US$. If imported it would cost approximately 24Lakh Rupees, but building it here would bring down the cost to a conceivable 14Lakhs. The Santa Fe was showcased at the Frankfurt Motor Show last month. It has a 2.4L inline 4-cylinder Petrol engine. Expected Indian launch in 2010.

Next Hyundai Verna under wraps!

kj — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 12:16:27 +0000

The 2011 destined Hyundai Verna was spied in Korea during a prototype test run. It is evident from the overall shape that this one shares design trend with the recently launched Sonata YF which was well received. This car will replace the current Verna in India by 2011.

Image Gallery:

Hyundai gears up to take on the Nano challenge

kj — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:17:06 +0000

Our sources claim that Hyundai has started the designing of a Nano competitor which will be completely designed and produced in Hyundai’s Chennai plant. The car is code named HN30 and will have a 3-cylinder engine unlike the Nano which just has 2.

i10 in UK is getting an engine upgrade (rather a downgrade) with an 800cc turbo-charged engine by next year. It’s our guess that the NH30 will be based on the same engine without it being turbo ready. The project is projected to be complete by 2012 and only then the HN 30 will see the day light.

Frankfurt 2009: Every car From Hyundai

kj — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 15:16:42 +0000

Santa Fe Facelift

This face lifted Santa Fe is awaiting its launch into the Indian market and we expect it to hit the showrooms by this November.

Photos:

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Ix-35/ Tucson

This is the new Tucson which will be replacing its uglier older self in India and elsewhere.

Photos:

i10 electric

i10 electric is the zero emission electric car from Hyundai which will be leased in Korea from 2010. The whole scale production will start from 2012. The i10 electric is Hyundai’s ticket into the electric car market.

Elantra HEV LPI

This one is special since it is the world’s first Hybrid to use lithium-ion polymer batteries and LPG instead of petrol.

i30 blue 1.6 CRDi

i30 is a one up on the i20 and this blue variant will sport the idle stop start technology, which reduces fuel consumption by 7 percent.

HND-5 ix-Metro

Cross over hybrid concept with a CO2 emission as low as 80grams per kilometer.

HND-4 Blue Will

This is the first ever Plug-in Hybrid concept from Hyundai.

Genesis Coupe

The Genesis Coupe is nothing new to us but it is the coolest Hyundai out there with great sales and reviews.

New Hyundai Sonata launched in Korea

kj — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 15:35:03 +0000

Man oh man could it look more prettier! Hyundai is nailing car designing in the recent times. The Genesis coupe and sedan designs have been critically acclaimed in the U.S. we expect the new Sonata to be even more acclaimed.

Hyundai launched the Sonata today in Korea for an US equivalent of $17,600 – $21,450 for the various variants. It also has the all the luxury you would expect in a premium sedan (We will get to you later on that). When something looks this good and costs this cheap, why would we say no.

We expect it to replace the current Hyundai sonata transform here in India by 2010.

Image Gallery:

Press Release:

Hyundai Unveils the New Sonata

Hyundai’s sixth-generation Sonata encompasses new `fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy
Features 2.0 Theta II MPi engine, 6-speed automatic transmission
(Note: All specifications and details in this release are based on the Korean domestic model)

(Seoul, Korea) Hyundai Motor Company’s all-new Sonata, being introduced today, is expected to shake up the world’s mid-size sedan market with its daring design.

The 2010 Sonata adopts Hyundai’s new “fluidic sculpture” design language, boasts outstanding performance with the segment-leading safety features and fuel efficiency. Incorporating state-of-the-art technologies, the new Sonata will further elevate the Hyundai brand.

“The Sonata will set a new standard for world class mid-size sedans with state-of-the-art technology, superior build quality and emotional design,” Euisun Chung, Hyundai’s Vice Chairman said at the launching ceremony for the car today in Seoul. “The new Sonata will raise Hyundai’s brand values.”

The ceremony, held at a trendy riverside cafe, was attended by more than 200 VIPs, company executives and media members.

Sonata has been the perennial best-seller in Korea since the first generation model was launched in 1985. The sixth-generation Sonata will continue this successful tradition with impeccable quality seen today in other Hyundai premium models, such as the Genesis and EQUUS.

Hyundai began developing the new Sonata in 2005 under the codename YF (Note: The car may be launched under a different name in some regions). The project took 4 years and 450 billion won (US$ 372 million*) to go from concept to customer.

Although it is a completely new vehicle, Hyundai is retaining the Sonata name as the mid-size car has been Korea’s most popular sedan. Applying a new design aesthetic of “fluidic sculpture,” the 2010 Sonata pursues a younger and sensuous image in its interior and exterior profiles. Inspired by nature, the “fluidic sculpture” tries to reflect sophistication and dynamism in the shape of the vehicle and will serve as the core of Hyundai’s future design identity.

The outer design of the new Sonata exudes a voluminous look that creates character through the refined and harmonized lines. The interior has a dynamic look that matches the exterior while not compromising comfort or convenience. The Sonata is available in nine exterior colors, from Remington Red to Blue Black to Espresso, satisfying the diverse tastes of younger customers.

The new Sonata delivers powerful performance through its 2-liter Theta II MPi gasoline engine (Max output 165ps, Max torque of 20.2㎏·m). Delivering the highest fuel economy in its segment at 12.8 kilometers per liter, fuel economy is more than 11% improved compared with today’s Sonata. Furthermore, all engines are offered with a new six-speed automatic transmission for heightened performance.

To meet the most stringent automotive safety and crash requirements, the Sonata is built with hot-stamped ultra high-strength steel while featuring six standard airbags.

In addition, safety has been upgraded with standard Vehicle Dynamic Control including Hill-start Assist Control and Brake Assist System functions-an industry first in this competitive segment.

The new Sonata comes with a three-piece panoramic sunroof, giving a sense of openness and freedom as well as a stylish look. The Parking Guide System (PGS) allows drivers to avoid obstacles during parallel parking or when driving in reverse. The Dimension premium sound system offers high-quality sound in three types of modes to satisfy customers’ wide-ranging musical tastes.

The Mozen system, a telematics service that debuted in 2003 in Korea, has evolved to become more sophisticated, offering more diverse and upgraded multi-media and IT functions. The newly applied Mozen Premium Wide Navigation system provides drivers with a faster communication service through the third-generation WCDMA wireless network. For two years, it also offers free safety services such as an SOS and anti-theft tracking service. The audio-visual functions have been upgraded with the 8-inch wide screen and JBL Premium Sound system.

In the new Sonata, Hyundai offers a wireless vehicle monitoring service-another industry first– through the Mozen Autocare service, linking the vehicle’s electronic control systems to a monitoring center. The center checks various components for errors, informs the driver of the analysis, and provides directions to nearby service centers, saving time for drivers.

Hyundai plans to sell 60,000 units of the new Sonata in Korea this year. Overseas, Hyundai will start production of the new Sonata at its Alabama plant early next year, while production and sales in China will start in early 2011. Hence, Hyundai expects to sell 450,000 units annually in all markets (Korea & overseas combined) beginning from the year 2011.

In addition, Hyundai plans to present the gasoline version in January next year with a 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine, which will be offered as a standard engine in the U.S. market.

The new Sonata’s price will range from 21.3 million Won to 25.95 million Won (US$17,600 to US$21,450).

Hyundai is confident that the new Sonata, with vastly improved features, will attract and satisfy new as well as current customers. The added specifications are as follows: VDC, Electronic Parking Brake, Amplitude Selective Dampers, High Mounted Stop Lamp, Rear Heated Seats.

Hyundai Getz gets special edition in Malaysia

kj — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 12:28:55 +0000

Getz was launched in Malaysia in 2005 and since that it has sold over 20,000 units. To celebrate this milestone Hyundai has launched a special edition Getz in Malaysia. The changes are mostly cosmetic with new bumper and radiator grill. The side mirrors now gets the LED indicators. On the rear it gets a new bumper with new sporty exhaust tail pipe.

The interior gets a new brushed aluminum treatment for the handles and knobs. There is lot of leather than the regular Gets. Even the steering wheel is wrapped up in leather. The special edition Getz will be available in a single color called “Icing White”. It’s just a Malaysian launch, which might be brought in to India as a facelift as it’s about time.

Image Gallery:

Hyundai i10 electric launched in Korea

kj — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:05:19 +0000

Hyundai launched an electric version of the i10 in Korea. This i10 will be powered by a 49Kw electric motor and a 1Kw lithium-ion polymer battery which will push the i10 electric to a top speed of 120kmph and an acceleration of 0-100kmph in 15 seconds.

The i10 electric will have a range of 150kms on a single charge. The party piece of the i10 electric is how quickly it gets charged, the battery can be charged to 85% capacity in 15 minutes. Full charging will take up to 5 hours. This is attributed to the lithium-ion polymer battery which offers a weight drop of 30%, volume drop of 40% and efficiency boost of 12% compared to nickel batteries.

Everything looks bright until we arrive at the cost factor. The battery unit in the i10 electric itself costs Rs. 6lakh, which is more than the price of a basic i10. Hyundai sees electric as the future and due to the recent introduction of tax incentives from electric cars in Seoul Hyundai developed this variant.

However due to the heavy price of the battery, it is going to be on lease. The full fledged production of the i10 will start in 2012. From the looks of it, it is going to be one for the future and also not a one for India.

India knocks out China in Car export!

kj — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 12:08:41 +0000

According to the statistics released by SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufactures), India’s car exports between January-July 2009 stands at 229,800 units, a considerable increase of 18% from last year for the corresponding period. China has recorded an export of 164,800 units during Jan-July 2009 which is a decline of over 60% from last year.

The reason for this mammoth take over might be the fact that India is fast becoming the small car hub for leading automakers like Hyundai, Suzuki and Nissan (which is soon to open up its shop). The other factor is, it is easier to set up export bases in India than china which requires the carmakers to collaborate with local companies as a part of the export deal.

The numbers from SIAM also reveal that India is the only exporter to have registered a positive note in the entire pacific ring. Thailand has registered a decline of 43% and South Korea which is the car exporting giant in Asia registered a decline of 31% at 1.12 million units.