2011 Hyundai HED-5 Based MPV Spied Cold Weather Testing

HYUNDAI IS DEVELOPING a new mid-sized MPV for the European market, where it will square off against the likes of the Volkswagen Touran and Opel Meriva.

Based on the HED-5 concept revealed at the 2008 Los Angeles Auto Show, the new model is expected to enter production toward the end of this year. It is unclear at this stage if an Australian debut is on the cards, with the new model's primary market being the right-hand-drive European nations.

While few of the HED-5 concept's extravagant styling features are likely to make it to production without major changes, certain elements - such as the headlights and heavily raked A-pillar - appear to have retained at least some of the concept's flare.

The prototype seen here is reportedly powered by a 1.7 litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 85kW and 250Nm of torque, although less diesel-friendly markets are expected to get a version powered by Hyundai's direct-injected 2.0 litre Theta II GDI petrol engine.