With its effortless style, sophistication and glamour, Paris seems the natural setting for Hyundai to showcase a new generation of cars. In the city where too much is never enough, it’s only fitting that Hyundai should reveal no fewer than five new models.

Alongside the new i20 – which will make its world premiere on 2nd October – Hyundai will also debut a low-emissions i20 i-blue concept, a luxurious seven-seat ix55 sports utility vehicle and a concept Santa Fe equipped with a petrol-electric hybrid. Hyundai’s dramatic Genesis Coupe show car will be present and the acclaimed Genesis saloon will be making its European debut.

All-new i20
Set to be launched early 2009, the new i20 will be a key addition to Hyundai’s highly successful i-range. Designed at Hyundai’s European Design Centre in Russelsheim, Germany, the stylish new five-door has a longer wheelbase than the existing Getz, and is both bigger inside and more dynamic in appearance.

In keeping with the i10 and i30, the i20 features Hyundai’s trademark chrome-topped grille and teardrop headlamps at the front, while striking stacked rear light clusters give the rear end a distinctive look. And, as you would expect from Hyundai, the cleverly-packaged interior boasts generous levels of standard equipment.

Kun Hee Ahn, President for Hyundai Motor Europe commented, “The i20 was designed and engineered to meet European tastes and needs.  It was built on an entirely new platform and much of the ride and handling development took place on European roads, which has created a firm and agile drive. At HME, we are confident the i20 will succeed in the fast paced sub compact sector, as it offers much more in terms of standard equipment, fuel economy, interior space and style than many of its competitors.”

i20 i-blue concept
Based on the all-new i20, Hyundai’s latest i-blue car concept incorporates a number of modifications, further enhancing the standard model’s impressive environmental credentials. These improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction.

Key modifications to deliver a significant reduction in CO2 emissions and fuel consumption include: full-length under floor covers, a 15 millimetre reduction in ground clearance, changes to the front and rear aerodynamics, low rolling resistance tyres and high performance, low friction engine oil.

The i20 i-blue concept is fitted with Hyundai’s all new state-of-the-art 1.4 CRDi diesel engine, which produces 90PS and generates 220Nm of torque. To further improve economy, it drives through a six-speed manual gearbox – instead of the car’s usual five-speed unit. With a CO2 output of just 99g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 68mpg, the i20 blue concept sets new standards for the sector.

Santa Fe Petrol-Electric Hybrid concept
Further demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to reducing CO2 emissions, the Santa Fe Petrol-Electric Hybrid concept maintains the overall design of the existing Santa Fe, yet is an entirely different vehicle under the skin.

Hyundai engineers have developed a new hybrid drive system, which mates the current 2.4-litre petrol engine to a six-speed automatic transmission and a 30kW electric motor powered by lithium-ion batteries. The end result? CO2 emissions of just 148g/km and a fuel consumption figure of 44mpg.

ix55 sports utility vehicle
Although not destined for British shores, Hyundai’s seven Seat iX55 sports utility vehicle will also make its debut in production-ready form at Paris. Based on the successful Veracruz already on sale in the USA, the ix55 has been extensively re-styled and re-tuned to match European requirements and driving styles.

Other Hyundai premieres at Paris
The new Genesis saloon will also be displayed at the Paris Motor Show. Based on Hyundai’s all-new, rear-wheel drive platform, the Genesis will be shown alongside the Genesis Coupe Show Car. Combining the dramatic looks of the production model, this one-off design study features bare carbon fibre bonnet and roof to reduce weight.