USA - After gaining on of Kelley Blue Books 10 coolest cars, Hyundai adds a Value addition to the Veloster.

• 18-inch alloy wheels, panoramic sunroof, and premium audio are just a few of many features wrapped in a modestly priced package that adds even more versatility in 2017

As one of Kelley Blue Book’s “10 Coolest Cars under $18,000” in 2016, a new Value Edition comes to the hippest small car on the market for the 2017 model year. At just $21,350 the Veloster Value Edition with a standard 6-speed EcoShift® Dual Clutch Transmission delivers $950 in value savings and includes several desirable features.

2017 Hyundai Veloster Value Edition includes: 18-inch alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 tires Panoramic Sunroof Proximity key with push button start 7-inch Navigation system including Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ Automatic climate control Blue Link® Connected Car System Blue Linpeakers, external amp and subwooferk Remote Start Premium Dimension audio system, with 8 s

 “The Value Edition epitomizes our desire to provide consumers more for less,” said Mike Evanoff, Product Planning Manager. “These are amongst the most sought after options in a car, in one convenient value savings package.”

This new trim level bolsters an already solid Veloster line-up which starts at just $18,100.

FIESTY ENGINES, FRIENDLY TRANSMISSION CHOICES

Thrust comes from a 1.6-liter, Gasoline Direct Injection, Dual Overhead Cam, 16-valve, inline-4 engine, but you choose whether or not it also includes a turbocharger. 

The naturally aspirated unit produces a healthy 132 peak horsepower at 6300 rpm and 120 pound-feet of torque at 4850 rpm. Adding the twin-scroll turbo to the stainless-steel, integrated exhaust-manifold increases peak horsepower to a potent 201 at 6000 rpm and torque to 195 pound-feet at just 1750 rpm, and maintains the pull all the way through 4500. 

No matter the engine, choose between a six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmission, six-speed for naturally aspirated motors, turbos get seven speeds.

THREE DOORS AND A HATCH

Sixty-five percent of the Veloster’s structure is made from high-strength steel. This benefits everything from ride to road noise. It also makes an excellent foundation for a sport-tuned suspension. 

For even more control, the Veloster Turbo features brake-based torque vectoring to mitigate understeer and enhance its already impressive turn-on-a-dime nature. With a driver’s door, front and rear passenger doors, and capacious 15.5 cubic-feet of cargo space underneath the hatch, the Veloster offers both utility and excitement in a sharply styled package.

SAFETY

Great safety equipment come standard on every Veloster, including a NHTSA 5-star safety rating. Active safety comes from six airbags(two up front, as well as driver and passenger side and curtain airbags) along with front seatbelt pre-tensioners that hold folks tight rounding out the features. 

Passive safety comes from Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Traction Control (TC), Anti-lock Brakes (ABS), as well as a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), and Daytime Running Lights (DRL). That’s a lot of initials and a lot of ways to avoid an incident from ever occurring.

FOUR ON THE SHOWROOM FLOOR

Whether you choose a well-equipped standard car, opt for the Value Edition, or add forced induction to the mix with either the Veloster Turbo or R-Spec, it doesn’t matter, you receive great value. You chose style, class, and practicality. You chose cool.

Hyundai takes a double win at teh Carbuyer awards with the Ioniq and i10 both winners.

• Hyundai Motor wins three awards at annual Carbuyer awards
• IONIQ Hybrid named ‘Best Hybrid’ thanks to its styling, and value for money
• IONIQ Electric wins ‘Best Road-Tax-Exempt Car’ due to size and mileage capability
• Hyundai i10 is a favourite as ‘Best Car That’s Cheap To Insure’ for second year
• Hyundai Motor also receives recognition online for Best City Car – Hyundai i10, Best Innovative Car – Hyundai IONIQ and Best Congestion Charge-exempt for IONIQ EV

Hyundai Motor has excelled in the 2017 Carbuyer awards scooping three awards for the Hyundai i10, IONIQ Hybrid and IONIQ Electric. 

The new IONIQ Hybrid was named Best Hybrid, the IONIQ Electric was awarded Best Road-Tax-Exempt and the multi-award winning i10 received the ‘Best Car That’s Cheap To Insure’ title for the second consecutive year.

Stuart Milne, Editor of Carbuyer, explains: “The Hyundai IONIQ is the new hybrid on the block, offering a far more mainstream look than radically-styled rivals. 

It’s good to drive, with a conventional dual-clutch automatic gearbox as opposed to the Prius’ CVT. That contributes to a nicer driving experience, too. 

It’s capable of around 88mpg fuel economy and if you buy one before April 2017, it won’t cost you anything to tax. The real clincher here, though, is the IONIQ’s price. It’s possible to park one on your driveway for less than £20,000, which is £3,000 less than the cheapest Prius.”

“There are plenty of cars exempt from vehicle excise duty (VED) today, but changes coming into force in April 2017 mean only owners of zero-emission cars will pay no tax. The IONIQ Electric is one of the larger EVs on sale, meaning it makes for good family transport. Plus it’s capable of travelling 174 miles on a charge – more than a Nissan Leaf. Speaking of which, it’s also nicer to drive than the Nissan and has a more upmarket interior, too. Charging takes about four and a half hours from a home wall box, or 30 minutes to 80% from a DC fast charger.”

“The Hyundai i10 is a former Carbuyer Car of the Year and still one of the very best small cars you can buy. If you’re buying a car with running costs firmly in mind, the i10 should be at the top of your list. The entry-level i10 falls in group 2, which is affordable for all. But it's the all-round ability of the i10 that is the clincher here. With low insurance bills, you can still enjoy a small, practical car that's good to drive, spacious and comes with an excellent five-year warranty.”

On Hyundai’s latest award win, Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO, Hyundai Motor UK, commented: “We’re extremely proud that we continue to win such prestigious awards for our constantly evolving product line-up. Receiving two awards from Carbuyer for our latest all-new model, IONIQ is fantastic and a testament to our company’s ongoing commitment to introducing more eco-friendly vehicles across our range and making them accessible to more people.

“i10 is the most awarded car in our portfolio and one of our best-selling models in the UK.  The new i10, on sale in January 2017, builds on that success and features new advanced active safety and connectivity features from the segments above, as well as modern design refinements, including the new signature Cascading front grille.”

Carbuyer is one of the UK’s leading car reviews website, receiving more than 1.4 million unique users a month, viewing a total of more than 5.5 million pages. This year marks the fifth year of the Carbuyer’s awards, with the awards being based on the 20 biggest questions asked by consumers. 

CHINA - Hyundai opens its fourth production facility to meet growing demands for more if its products in China.

• Cangzhou Plant is Hyundai Motor Company’s fourth manufacturing facility in China and has an annual capacity of 300,000 units
• Hyundai Motor Company aims to seize the initiative in China with its ‘New Plant, New Model and New Strategy’ approach         
• Chinese strategic model ‘Verna Yuena’ to be produced at Cangzhou to expand market share further
• Cangzhou Plant creates 6,000 new jobs, benefitting the local community

Hyundai Motor Company has opened its fourth manufacturing plant in China in the strategically-important city of Cangzhou in north eastern China. The new plant, Beijing Hyundai Motor Company Cangzhou Branch, has an annual capacity of 300,000 units.

At the plant’s opening, Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-Koo looked ahead to a 10 million cumulative sales target for the company in China, declaring a new vision and greater resolve for Hyundai Motor in the country. Chairman Chung said, “Completion of our Cangzhou Plant is the foundation that enables Hyundai Motor to make a new leap forward in China. 

Together, Hyundai Motor and Kia Motors can now produce up to 2.4 million cars annually in China with plants in operation at eight strategic Chinese sites.”

The opening of the Cangzhou manufacturing plant coincides with Hyundai Motor’s 14^th year of operation in China after it started exporting automobiles as Bejing Hyundai Motor Company (BHMC) on October 18, 2002. Recording exponential growth every year, BHMC achieved cumulative sales of eight million units in August 2016.

New Plant – ‘Cangzhou Plant’

By opening its new plant, Hyundai Motor Company sets out to seize the initiative in the incrementally-competitive Chinese market with its ‘New Plant, New Model and New Strategy’ initiative. Cangzhou Plant begins operations just four years after Hyundai Motor’s third plant opened in Beijing in 2012. Cangzhou Plant’s competitive edge lies in its strategic location. It is situated only 200km southeast of Beijing, aligned with existing parts suppliers and Tianjin Port, Hyundai Motor’s logistics base.

Built on a 1.92 million square meter site, with a floor space of 250,000 square meters, Cangzhou Plant is fully equipped with press, body, paint and assembly lines, in addition to an engine plant. The facility’s initial capacity of 200,000 units will manufacture strategically important small cars. It will expand to its maximum capacity of 300,000 units by 2018.

A smart and environmentally-friendly plant, Hyundai Motor’s Cangzhou facility uses the latest automation facilities in press, body, paint and assembly, as part of a flexible production system to ensure maximum efficiency and capacity utilization. In particular, the body line features a 100% fully-automated system that utilizes 299 robots. Also, Cangzhou Plant will implement a comprehensive recycling system, including recycling gas emissions, water and waste.

New Model – ‘Verna Yuena’

At the Cangzhou Plant opening ceremony, Hyundai Motor unveiled Verna Yuena, the first model to be produced at new plant. Displaying Hyundai Motor’s determination to penetrate the Chinese market further, Verna Yuena is a strategic model designed after careful consideration of the needs of Chinese customers.

Verna Yuena was developed specifically to satisfy the demands of Chinese customers as a smart urban family sedan that competes successfully in this price-sensitive sector. Its concept was first introduced at the 2016 Beijing Motor Show boating dynamic and refined design, the greatest interior space in the segment, plus the latest safety and convenience features.

Verna Yuena’s exterior design features Hyundai Motor’s ‘Modern Elegance’ approach with dynamic and refined styling, a large hexagonal grill, and ample interior space. The Cangzhou Plant will produce the new model with a choice of two engines, a 1.6-litre, 120ps unit and a 1.4-litre with 100ps. Verna Yuena comes with latest safety technology, including VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and also latest convenience feature such as band type smart key ‘H-Band’, smart trunk, heated front row seats, and a sunroof. Verna Yuena will also fully support Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife.

New Strategy – ‘Blue Melody’

Hyundai Motor also announced its future strategy in China under the name ‘Blue Melody’. Encompassing Hyundai Motor’s future direction, the name Blue Melody takes the first letters of Hyundai Motor’s ‘Blue’-branded products and services: Blue Ecommerce, Blue Link, Blue Outlet, Blue Drive and Blue Youth.

The Blue Melody strategy focuses on customer satisfaction through systematic customer management and differentiated service. Through Blue Ecommerce, Hyundai Motor will utilize big data to enhance convenience for customers by establishing an integrated customer-tailored platform as part of its digital marketing.

In addition, Blue Link provides a new customer experience by applying Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife on Hyundai Motor flagship models. With Blue Outlet, Hyundai Motor will continue to enhance its sales competitiveness in key regions across China.

Blue Drive continues its proven success in enhancing competitiveness of eco-friendly cars especially in China where competition is intensifying in this key area of focus. Last but not least, Blue Youth strives to improve the company’s brand image by providing creative experiences for people in their 20s and 30s in China.

PARIS - Hyundai either has world premiere's or public debuts of the 2017 i20 WRC, new i10, Ioniq and New Generation i30 .

• Hyundai Motor’s DNA car in Europe, the New Generation i30, celebrates its public debut in Paris
• With the world premiere of the RN30 Concept, a born racing machine representing the N sub-brand, Hyundai Motor is celebrating its passion for performance 
• The New i10 is making its public debut with more emotional appeal and new advanced active safety and connectivity features, presented alongside the IONIQ, the world’s first car with three electrified powertrains
• Also live on stage in Paris: a preview of the new 2017 Hyundai i20 WRC

Hyundai Motor shows a host of new models in Hall 3 of the 2016 Paris Motor Show, including the world premiere of the New Generation i30, the RN30 Concept, the New i10 as well as a preview of the 2017 i20 WRC and the All-New IONIQ; the first car with three electrified powertrains to choose from.

A car for everyone: The New Generation Hyundai i30

The New Generation Hyundai i30 is the DNA car for Hyundai Motor representing the core of the brand in Europe. Available in early 2017, the third generation of the successful Hyundai i30 is a car for everyone delivering great value to single people, families, young and old. 

It is a smart and rewarding choice for those seeking an appealing design, an efficient and dynamic ride including the all-new 1.4 T-GDI petrol engine and a 10% more direct steering and a comprehensive safety package with features like Autonomous Emergency Braking and the new driver attention alert system. The New Generation i30 offers all the connectivity features customers are looking for today, like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, wireless charging and LIVE Services. Its quality and reliability are guaranteed by the unique, industry-leading 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. With design being the No. 1 buying reason for Hyundai customers in Europe, the New Generation i30 further evolves Hyundai Motor’s design language with precise and tensed lines, refined rich surfaces and a sculpted body to create a timeless and confident appearance featuring the new family identity: the Cascading grille.

“Our designers are driven by passion and enthusiasm, bringing pride and joy to Hyundai owners. You see and feel this spirit in the New Generation i30 – it is a proud statement,” explains Peter Schreyer, President and Chief Design Officer at Hyundai Motor Group. “With the New Generation i30 we are introducing our newly developed front grille: we call it the Cascading Grille. It will become the new identity of Hyundai.”

High-Performance Hyundai N concept revealed

Hyundai Motor is also presenting the RN30 Concept, building anticipation of the future high-performance ‘N’ models. The motor sport-inspired racing concept is developed to deliver passion and pleasure on the track. Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine featuring a 2.0-litre turbo engine with 380 PS and an all-wheel drive, developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport, Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. The striking concept is distinguished by its purposeful aerodynamic design and specialised high-performance technologies. 

“The RN30 embodies the concept of a strong, high-performance car that brings dynamic, sporty driving,” says Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development for Hyundai Motor, said. “Soon to evolve into our first N model, the RN30 is inspired by our passion to provide a high-performance car that everybody can enjoy effortlessly.”

More style and advanced technology for an even greater package: The New Hyundai i10

At the 2016 Paris Motor Show Hyundai Motor also debuts the New i10 enhanced with new advanced active safety and connectivity features from the segments above, as well as modern design refinements, including the new signature Cascading front grille to enhance its emotional appeal. Responding to customer demand for connectivity features, New i10 includes Apple Carplay, Android Auto and LIVE Services, all integrated into the new seven-inch touchscreen navigation system. In terms of safety it now comes with two new advanced features to actively avoid accidents: a Front Collision Warning System and a Lane Departure Warning System.

“The New i10 showcases Hyundai Motor’s promise to democratise technology by offering latest connectivity and safety features from the segments above responding to today’s customers’ needs,” said Thomas A. Schmid, Chief Operating Officer at Hyundai Motor Europe. “The excellent package of the i10, delivering highest value to the customers, has made it one of the best-selling cars in its class and popular with customers across Europe – a success story that the New i10 is set to carry on.”

Hyundai Motorsport previews 2017 WRC Challenger

Hyundai Motorsport presents a preview of its 2017 WRC challenger at Paris Motor Show which will make its competitive debut at the Monte-Carlo Rally in next season’s FIA World Rally Championship. The team, which is currently second in the WRC manufacturers’ classification with 201 points, has been testing its brand new 2017 prototype since April across numerous locations in Europe and in a variety of different conditions. The car, based on a three-door Hyundai i20, has been developed to meet the WRC’s 2017 technical regulations, which have given greater aerodynamic freedom to designers.

“The 2017 WRC regulations have allowed all teams to start from a blank page, which has offered us an exciting engineering challenge,” says team Principal Michel Nandan. “The changes will raise the level of entertainment in the WRC around the world with wider and more powerful cars. We have been putting our experience from two full WRC seasons into practice as we aim to build on our successful 2016 campaign.”

IONIQ – making low-to-zero emission driving accessible

Introduced at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show in March, the All-New IONIQ is also presented live on display at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The IONIQ is the world’s first car to offer hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric powertrains in a single model. This innovative approach from Hyundai Motor democratises e-mobility, making low-to-zero emission driving more accessible to everyone.

Jochen Sengpiehl, Vice President Marketing at Hyundai Motor Europe, said: “With IONIQ, we are appealing to a new customer group, with a shared mindset and attitude - we call them Generation IONIQ. We believe the IONIQ is the best value eco car in Europe, with the best warranty, the best driving range and offered fully equipped for a very competitive price - all with no compromise on great design, driving pleasure and new connectivity features. It’s a car that is truly driven by e-motion.”

The IONIQ Hybrid and the IONIQ Electric will be launched in European markets from autumn 2016 onwards. The IONIQ Plug-in will be launched in Europe during 2017.

PARIS - Hyundai reveals the RN30 Concept, a look to the future of a powerful suite of cars.

• Hyundai Motor builds anticipation of high-performance ‘N’ models with new RN30 concept
• RN30 Concept was created as a racing machine to demonstrate sporting DNA of Hyundai N
• RN30 delivers driver-focused technology and lightweight engineering to enhance the thrill of driving

Hyundai Motor today unleashed its latest high-performance N concept with the world premiere of RN30 at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The motorsport-inspired racing concept is developed to deliver passion and pleasure on the track.

Based on the New Generation Hyundai i30, the RN30 was born as a racing machine, developed in close collaboration with Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG), Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC) and Hyundai Motor’s Performance Development & High Performance Vehicle Division. 

The striking concept is distinguished by its purposeful aerodynamic design and specialised high-performance technologies that deliver thrilling high-speed driving. 

Albert Biermann, Head of Vehicle Test & High Performance Development for Hyundai Motor said; “RN30 embodies the concept of a strong, high-performance car that brings dynamic, sporty driving. Soon to evolve into our first N model, the RN30 is inspired by our passion to provide a high-performance car that our customers can enjoy effortlessly. We have drawn on our technological expertise – honed through our motorsport successes – to deliver emotional delight through an engaging blend of performance and control, the goal Hyundai’s N strives to achieve in future performance models.”

Hyundai N was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, bringing to life the company’s philosophy for providing engaging and thrilling driving pleasure for its customers.

High-performance powertrain boosts driving pleasure

RN30’s power is supplied by a high-performance 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, under development by Hyundai for N production models, upgraded with an enlarged turbo to increase thrust at full throttle. To manage the additional power, the engine blocks have been applied by forging parts, instead of casting parts, to increase their durability and resistance. As a result, the RN30 is primed for performance, boasting 380 PS (279.5 kW) and a maximum torque of 46 kgf.m (451 Nm).

Managing the impressive levels of torque is a wet-type dual-clutch transmission (DCT), delivering quicker responses during gear shifting and direct coupling to provide dynamic acceleration. To manage the car’s power while enabling precision driving at high speed, the RN30 is equipped with an all-wheel drive (AWD) system.

Specialised technologies maximize thrill of performance

The RN30 features specialised high-performance technologies designed to increase excitement for drivers and enable them to tame the most challenging of race tracks. Rev-matching encourages spirited driving by quickly and accurately revising the engine’s speed whenever the driver shifts gear while in sport mode. Adding to the sense of thrill for the driver, the Electronic Variable Exhaust system provides a surge of aural pleasure by emitting a strong exhaust sound consistent with the visceral sensations produced by the rapid acceleration.

Other technologies are specifically aimed at enhancing safety and control. The sophisticated electronic limited-slip differential system (eLSD) makes sure each wheel receives sufficient torque, measuring the driving force of the tyres. This helps prevent skidding and ensures fast, precise cornering when navigating high-speed curves – allowing drivers to control this powerful racing machine easily, accurately and confidently.

Engineering focus on lightweight and low center of gravity

When developing the RN30, Hyundai’s designers and engineers established a new approach to reducing weight and lowering the center of gravity. Instead of using carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) common to most high-performance cars, Hyundai broke the mould with all-new high-performance plastic materials, developed in collaboration with leading global chemical company BASF.

This weight-saving innovation is light, highly durable and environmentally-friendly and is used throughout the new concept to help boost handling and acceleration. Inside, redundant parts were removed, while heavier parts sit in the lowest possible position. The centre of gravity is lowered further by pushing back and lowering the seats, with all these elements combining to achieve a light weight, ideal for performance driving.

Exterior design formed by high-performance DNA

The silhouette of the RN30 is unmistakably inherited from the clean and cohesive lines of the New Generation Hyundai i30, but with a lower, wider stance to enable greater stability during high speed driving and cornering. To achieve the more purposeful proportions the width of the RN30 has been increased by 30mm compared to the i30, to 1,950mm. Height has been significantly lowered by 84mm to 1,355mm

Further exterior design details hint at the RN30’s capabilities and accommodate high-performance technologies and aerodynamic enhancements. A ‘floating’ fender over each wheel enhances the visual impact of RN30 and work with the side splitters to improve aerodynamic performance, producing the sensation that the car is being sucked-down onto the track.

The front design features Hyundai’s new signature cascading grill and high-tech headlamps, which creates a strong, aggressive image when combined with the distinctive daytime running lights. The airflow from the front to the rear passes through the mesh cascading radiator grill and the air intake, not only improving downforce but also optimising cooling for performance driving. On the upper part of the engine hood, a large air outlet hints at the dramatic engine power of the RN30.

The large rear spoiler, which generates downforce during high-speed driving, distinguishes the car, giving it aesthetically balanced proportions. Also, a fin placed along the central line of the roof and penetrating the rear spoiler, creates a unique rear look. For optimal and balanced downforce, the car features a large rear diffuser set above centrally-mounted white ceramic twin exhaust pipes, while the 19-inch light-weight alloy wheels complete the car’s dynamic appearance.

Interior design – optimised for performance driving

During the interior design process, RN30 designers and racing experts from Hyundai Motorsport (HMSG) worked together closely to ensure drivers can focus attention exclusively on the car and the road. A bucket seat, which perfectly fits the driver’s body and an integrated roll cage, which increases the vehicle body strength, support and protect the driver in all situations.

To capture the driver’s reactions and dynamic moments while on the road or track, image-stabilizing gimbal cameras are attached inside each A pillar, with an outside camera attached to the centre fin on the roof. Drivers can create professional-looking racing footage or present their experiences as if on television..

RN30 is the latest in a succession of high-performance sports concepts that point towards the future of N production models, furthering the ‘N’ model characteristics first seen in the Hyundai N 2025 Vision Gran Turismo, RM15 and RM16 concepts. All N performance models draw on Hyundai’s successful motorsport experiences and demonstrate Hyundai’s desire to put thrilling driver experiences at the heart of new car developments. The i30N model will soon be available next year, making our passion for high-performance driving accessible to everyone.

All N models are developed by passionate experts in Namyang, the heart of Hyundai Motor’s global R&D network – then pushed to their limits at Nürburgring, the world’s most challenging race track. The N logo represents the chicane of a race track – where the balance of cars is proven rigorously.