Hyundai Blue Models And ix35 Hybrid Shown, Australian Debut Under Investigation

UPDATE: Hyundai Australia comment added.

Hyundai has kicked off its Paris show with a showcase of green-focussed models, each forming part of the Korean carmaker's Blue Drive family.

Among the engines powering the Blue Drive models are Hyundai's new downsized 51kW/94Nm 1.0 litre Kappa petrol engine and the 1.7 litre U2 diesel engine. Both engines benefit from a high-performance engine oil designed to reduce driveline friction.

Other eco-minded technologies applied to each Blue Drive model includes dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), tweaked combustion, gear ratio optimisation and revised engine control.

Hyundai's Idle Stop & Go system, cutting power to the engine when the transmission is disengaged and restarting the engine when the clutch is depressed.

Note: Hyundai has not issued fuel consumption figures for these models. Watch for an update as more details come to hand.

i10 Blue

The i10 Blue, due to go on sale internationally at the end of the year, is powered by Hyundai's Kappa engine. With revised aerodynamics and a tweaked powertrain, the i10 blue lists emissions as low as 99g/km.

i20 Blue

Scheduled for a 2011 international launch, the i20 Blue is powered by a 1.4 litre version of Hyundai's U2 engine, producing 55kW and 221Nm of torque, paired to a six-speed manual transmission. Emissions are listed at 98g/km.

ix20 Blue

Based on Hyundai's brand-new ix20 mini-MPV, the ix20 Blue is powered by the same 1.4 litre U2 diesel featured in the i20.

Matched with a six-speed manual transmission, the ix20's emissions are listed at 114k/km. The ix20 Blue is scheduled for a European launch later this year, alongside the regular ix20.

i30 Blue Concept

The new version of Hyundai's i30 Blue is also powered by the 1.4 litre version of the U2 diesel, tuned to produce 66kW and 240Nm of torque in the larger i30.

A six-speed manual transmission is fitted, and Hyundai claims the inclusion of a variable water pump, an overrun alternator decoupler and a high-efficiency alternator give the i30 performance figures on par with the regular i30's 85kW 1.6 litre diesel.

The i30 Blue also benefits from underbody panels designed to cover drag-inducing cavities beneath the car, along with low-rolling-resistance tyres and special brake pads designed to reduce drag on the discs.

ix35 Blue

Set to go into production later this year for an international debut, the ix35 Blue is powered by the 1.7 litre U2 diesel engine, developing 85kW and 260Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed manual transmission, the ix35 Blue lists emissions figures of 135g/km.

ix35 Hybrid

Described as a 'mild hybrid', the ix35 Hybrid is powered by a system that sees the company's 1.7 litre U2 diesel matched with 'Idle Stop & Go', a 5kW electric motor and a highly-efficient variable geometry turbocharger. 

Australia

Speaking with TMR today, Hyundai Australia's Senior Manager for PR, Ben Hershman confirmed that the Korean giant-killer's eco-minded cars are still some ways from an Australian debut.

"At this stage there is no plan to launch these cars in Australia. We are working with Hyundai Motor Company to determine the feasibility of bringing Blue Drive technology to Australia," Mr Hershman said.