SEOUL, South Korea — Under the corporate Blue Drive umbrella, the Hyundai ix-Metro concept and the production-ready Hyundai i10 Electric will make their world debuts at the upcoming 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show.
Blue Drive is Hyundai's global initiative to develop vehicles with lower emissions and higher fuel economy.
Designed in Korea, the ix-Metro is a tiny gas-electric hatchback aimed at the European sub-B segment. Powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission, the ix-Metro emits only 80 g/km (128 g/mile) of CO2.
The i10 Electric is a battery-powered version of the Hyundai minicompact that is slated to go on sale in Korea in the second half of 2010. It is fitted with a 49kW (66 horsepower) electric motor and has a range of 100 miles between charges, with a top speed of more than 80 mph. The i10 can be fully charged in five hours from a 220-volt household outlet, or quick-charged to 85 percent capacity in 15 minutes from a special 415-volt industrial outlet.
Also slated to appear on the Hyundai stand in Frankfurt are the face-lifted Santa Fe and the all-new ix35, the European edition of the redesigned Tucson that just debuted in the home market. The ix35 was designed in Europe and will be assembled in Europe.
Inside Line says: Hyundai's eco-friendly campaign is beginning to pick up steam. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent
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