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Hyundai has revealed the first pictures
of the new i40, ahead of its world premiere at the 2011 Geneva Motor
Show. The debut of i40 comes as Hyundai launches its new brand slogan
‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’ The i40 reflects the spirit of
change at Hyundai, and represents the company’s bold new concept of
‘modern premium’ – the philosophy that premium quality and
characteristics should be accessible to everyone.
The i40 is the company’s first
D-segment vehicle to be developed specifically for the European market,
with a package of powertrains, equipment and technology tailored for
European tastes. It will be shown in Geneva in estate form, and this
will be the first i40 bodystyle to be introduced to Europe, with a
saloon to follow later this year.
Designed and engineered at Hyundai’s
R&D headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany, the i40 is the latest Hyundai
model to have a purely European identity. Taking styling cues from
Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language, it maintains signature
features such as the hexagonal grille. The grille is flanked by two
jewel-like headlamps, for a contemporary, confident look that is
accentuated by the characterful lines that connect the front and rear of
the vehicle, adding to the i40’s eye-catching, sophisticated style.
In line with Hyundai’s commitment to
make premium products and features available to everyone, the i40 has a
class-leading level of standard equipment. Among the specification are
new technologies for Hyundai, including: heated and reclining front and
rear seats; a heated steering wheel; and an active de-mist system that
automatically detects and clears mist on the windscreen.
The ‘modern premium’ concept is also
evident in the efficient powertrain choices available to i40 buyers.
The i40’s 1.7-litre diesel engine, codenamed ‘UII’, will emit from just
113 g/km of CO2 emissions – a best-in-class figure that also
demonstrates the advances the company is making towards global
leadership in eco-technology.
Hyundai’s unrivalled customer care
package, Five Year Triple Care, will come as standard on i40. The
industry-leading package offers total peace of mind, with a five-year
unlimited-mileage warranty, five years’ roadside assistance and five
years of vehicle health checks.
Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President
and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Offering more for less has
always been a fundamental principle at Hyundai, and now we are advancing
this with our new brand direction under the ‘New Thinking. New
Possibilities.’ slogan. The i40 is a perfect example of how we are
offering the best and making it accessible to everyone. From stunning
design and specification, to industry-leading technology and aftersales
care – the i40 sets itself apart from its competitors.”
The i40 will be joined on stage by
Hyundai’s ground-breaking new 1+2 door Veloster coupe,
set for launch in Europe later in 2011. The Curb
concept will also be shown, highlighting the latest telematics
technology from Hyundai in an ‘urban-ready’ design. Both cars received
their world premieres at the North America International Auto Show last
month, and will be making their European debuts in Geneva.
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