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Hyundai baby claims best CO2 title

 Hyundai has released the first image of its upcoming i20 ahead of its world premiere at the 2012 Geneva auto show.

The new model - the previous model was launched in SA in 2010 - has refreshed styling, enhanced equipment and, Hyundai says, the lowest CO2 emissions of any conventional power-train car on sale today. Among the four engine  options will be the new 1.1-litre, three-cylinder U-II diesel engine that generates 56kW.

When mated to Hyundai’s Blue Drive technologies, this derivative emits only 84g/km of CO2 - a figure lower than any other car with a conventional engine.

REVISED SHELL

The engine was developed at Hyundai’s Diesel Centre of Excellence – part of the European research and development operation in Rüsselsheim, Germany – and showcases Hyundai’s expertise in clean-diesel technology.

This "groundbreaking engine" will be offered alongside another sub-100g/km diesel. When combined with Blue Drive technologies, the upgraded 1.4-litre U-II 68kW engine emits 96g/km.

The cars' debuts will also include the introduction of what Hyundai calls "fluidic sculpture form language" to Hyundai’s mini.  The revised shell design carries the hallmarks of Hyundai styling, including the company’s signature hexagonal grille and new headlights.

LOOKS THE SAME, BUT ISN'T: The 2012 Hyundai i20 is slightly longer than its predecessor and has some new styling cues.

Updating their own design from the original i20, the stylists at Hyundai’s European studio have further modernised the i20 with a more contemporary profile for the front and rear bumpers, a new sculpted bonnet and new wheel designs.

BROADER APPEAL

The cars have the same width (1710mm), height (1490mm) and wheelbase (2525mm) of their predecessors but are 55mm (30mm front, 25mm rear) longer than at 3995mm.

Allan Rushforth, CEO of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: "The i20 has been very popular with buyers since it came to market in 2009, thanks to its combination of efficiency, quality, practicality and value.

"With an enhanced, clean engine line-up and sharper styling, the i20 will appeal to a broader range of buyers, including younger people. The assurance of our industry-best, comprehensive, five-year care package makes the i20 an even more attractive proposition.”

The face-lifted i20 will be launched in South Africa in June or July but, it seems, our poor-quality diesel precludes the introduction of the super-clean engines and will continue with a 1.4 petrol engine. The 1.6-litre version will be discontinued.

Further information about Hyundai’s world-premiere products, including the new i20, will be announced at the company’s media conference at the Geneva auto show on March 6, 2012.

Read more reports about the 2012 Geneva auto show.
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