The Genesis Coupe show car, on display at the Mondial de l’Automobile in Paris, takes Hyundai to a new level of performance and styling. A strict one-off, this show car is based on the all-new, rear-wheel drive 2+2 Genesis Coupe, which is scheduled to join the Hyundai lineup in North America early in 2009. 

The Genesis Coupe will be the most dynamic performance car yet from Hyundai and will bring stunning styling and advanced chassis technology. The Genesis Coupe will become Hyundai’s second 300-plus horsepower, rear-wheel drive vehicle, following the unveiling earlier this year of the Genesis sports saloon.

The Genesis Coupe show car takes the strong styling cues of the production model – its ‘Z’ bodylines and powerful curves – and exaggerates them to spawn a unique, arresting vehicle.  The bonnet, grille and other details will be different when the production car reaches showrooms next year, but the proportions and overall character of the show car reflect the reality of the production model. ‘Sonic Orange’ paint work gives the show car a dramatic appearance, which is enhanced by its bare carbonfibre bonnet and roof, and other customisations which help to reduce weight. 

It is powered by an all-aluminium 3.8-litre V6 petrol engine, producing 303PS, mated to a six-speed manual gearbox.  It uses the same flexible rear-wheel-drive architecture originally developed for the Genesis saloon, with a MacPherson strut dual-link front suspension and a five-link rear suspension setup.  Large front and rear Brembo discs provide excellent braking performance, while grip comes from Dunlop 255/35 ZR front tyres and Dunlop 275/35 ZR rear tyres.

“The mission with the Genesis Coupe show car was to create a pure performance car with a design which would capture the imagination of hardcore automotive enthusiasts,” said Joel Piaskowski, chief designer at the Hyundai Design Center in Irvine, California, USA, where the vehicle was designed.  “With its aggressive look from just about any angle, I think we have been able to do that.” The look of the Genesis Coupe show car was inspired in part by Le Mans race cars and in part by the drifting scene, and it makes a striking visual statement.  The sills are pulled close to the ground, to deepen the bodysides, while the 20” lightweight alloy wheels and low-profile tyres sit close to the sleek bodywork.  To complete the aggressive look, the depth between the bumpers and the glasshouse has been maximised, giving the show car a menacing appearance from every angle. 

The powerful curves, surface detail and ‘Z’ bodyside lines come straight from the same underlying inspiration that guided two earlier, well-received Hyundai concepts: the HCD9 Talus and the HCD8 sports tourer.  The undulating beltline borrowed from the Talus adds intrigue while enhancing outward visibility for both the driver and rear passengers.  The HCD8 sports tourer’s sensual body forms influenced the overall design direction for the Genesis Coupe, including the assertive headlight and taillight designs.

The show car’s interior takes its lead from the cockpit of the production Genesis Coupe.  An in-car information display screen features an outside temperature reading, audio system information and settings for the climate control.  Analogue gauges include a large speedometer and tachometer positioned so the driver can immediately access critical driving information.  The instrument cluster features Hyundai’s signature blue-gauge illumination. 

Music lovers will welcome the inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks to accommodate and charge audio devices, including MP3 players.  Among the other refinements are an Infinity audio system, sports bucket seats and heated front seats.  The sporting experience is completed by the presence of a push-button starter.

Introduction

With its fresh and head-turning styling, versatile interior, class-leading safety and engaging driver dynamics, the sparkling new i20 takes centre stage on the Hyundai stand at this year’s Paris Mondial de l’Automobile.  Building on the reputation for peerless reliability and exceptional cost-effectiveness established by its Getz predecessor, i20 offers drivers more of everything – enhanced functionality from the intelligently configured cabin layout, higher levels of luxury, convenience and safety equipment, engaging handling from its all-new chassis and tuned suspension, and an extensive seven-strong line-up of punchy petrol and frugal turbo-diesels engines, with the choice of manual or automatic transmissions.  Designed and developed in Europe to meet the high expectations of European drivers, and benefiting from Hyundai’s unlimited mileage three-year warranty, the i20 arrives fully armed to succeed in Europe’s ultra-competitive supermini sector.  Initially available as a five-door model, a sportier three-door i20 version will debut in January 2009. 

Style and Design

Designed at Hyundai’s European headquarters in Russelsheim, Germany, the chic new i20 follows in the stylish European footsteps of the acclaimed i10 and i30 models.  Lower, longer and wider than the Getz it replaces, the five-door i20 rides on an extended 2525mm wheelbase, enhancing both its athletic stance and spacious interior architecture.  Featuring Hyundai’s distinctive design motifs – a bold chrome-topped grille flanked by piercing teardrop headlamps at the front and striking stacked rear light clusters – the i20’s modern lines are further strengthened by neat detailing, including colour-co-ordinated bumpers, sills and wing mirrors, integrated antenna, mechanical boot release, flush-mounted door handles and chunky standard-fit 16-inch 12-spoke alloy wheels.  And new i20 arrives with a palette of 10 new solid and metallic exterior hues – including fashionable Crystal White.

Interior

Luxury and versatility blend seamlessly in the new i20’s spacious and generously appointed cabin.  With all four trim levels – Classic, Comfort, Style and Premium – featuring climate control, a powerful four-speaker radio, CD and MP3 audio system with integrated data display screen, a multi-function steering wheel, tyre pressure monitoring system, height-adjustable driver seat, keyless entry and electrically operated windows and side mirrors, i20’s list of standard features puts it head and shoulders above the majority of its rivals. 

Suspension, Ride Quality and NVH

In keeping with its dynamic styling, i20 rides on an all-new platform that delivers an athletic and agile driving experience.  With much of the car’s ride and handling development work undertaken on European roads – hot weather testing was carried out in Spain, cold weather testing in Sweden and high-speed testing in Germany – Hyundai’s ride and handling engineers have ensured i20’s front MacPherson strut and rear torsion beam suspension delivers the taut and alert ride quality favoured by the European market.  The new rack and pinion steering setup has also been tuned to deliver quick and accurate responses resulting in excellent urban agility.  Extensive use of advanced noise reduction materials throughout the development process – particularly in the diesel-powered models – has resulted in exceptionally high levels of refinement, imbuing i20 with a sophisticated and cosseting cabin ambience.

Powertrain

Hyundai’s new i20 debuts with a range of seven petrol and diesel engines that have been extensively revised to deliver greater performance, enhanced economy and lower emissions than before.  The Euro IV-compliant petrol line-up comprises the 78PS 1.2, 100PS 1.4 and 126PS 1.6 all available with five-speed manual transmissions, with the option of four-speed automatic gearboxes on the 1.4 and 1.6 models.  Posting a low CO₂rating of just 124g/km and returning just 5.2 l/100km on the combined cycle, the all-new 1.2 all-alloy engine delivers an excellent combination of performance and economy. Geared up to meet the high European demand for diesel power, i20 arrives with four Euro IV -compliant turbo diesel engines, fitted with CPF diesel particulate traps as standard for 1.6 (115ps & 128ps) diesel engine. The 1.4 comes in two specifications – 75PS and 90PS – while the flagship 1.6 is available in 115PS and 128PS trim.  Economical and clean, the 115PS variant returns a class-leading CO₂figure of 115g/km and 4.3l/100km on the combined cycle.  Both 1.4 models come with five-speed manual transmissions, while the flagship 1.6 is mated to a six-gear manual drivetrain. 

Safety

Hyundai is synonymous with class-leading safety, and the new i20 debuts with exceptionally high levels of active and passive safety equipment.  Its outright agility and responsiveness play a key role in keeping the i20 driver out of harm’s way, but should the worst occur those on board are protected by the extensive use of high-tensile steel in the Hyundai’s robust chassis, six airbags – front, side and curtain – fitted as standard, active headrests, front seatbelt pretensioners and latest generation ABS anti-lock brakes, ESP electronic stability control, EBD Electronic Brakeforce Distribution.  This safety package is further enhanced by an advanced tyre pressure monitoring system, Isofix mounting points in the rear and seatbelt reminders for all five occupants, which means i20 arrives on the market as one of the safest cars in its class.  Hyundai is confident of a full five-star Euro NCAP adult occupant protection and child protection crash test result for the i20. 

Convenience

The i20’s five-seater interior may pamper, but it also majors on everyday practicalities with a 40:60 split flat-folding rear bench with a low lip for easy loading into the a roomy and regularly-shaped 295-litre rear loadbay, numerous intelligently positioned interior storage spaces including a large cooled passenger glovebox and two cupholders, and excellent all round visibility.  These elements are complemented by the reach-and-rake adjustable steering wheel, complete with integrated audio controls and keyless central locking actuated by i20’s ergonomically designed folding keyfob.

The all-new 11-seater Hyundai Starex sets the trend of large group mobility in luxury and comfort without compromising in safety, style, performance and economy. Groups of 11 people no longer need to travel in a cramped and uninspiring vehicle.

The occupants can get into and out of the jumbo-size rear interior with utmost ease through the two large sliding doors. Accommodating them in full comfort are three rows of adjustable seats with ample leg and shoulder rooms to stretch on long journeys.

Further comfort inside the Hyundai Starex comes in the form of niche entertainment features that include ceiling-mounted LCD screen, sound surround speakers and CD changer; all hand installed by master craftsmen to create a luxurious ambience.

Luxurious interior

Ensuring a cool and enjoyable journey even under the unforgiving tropical heat, there are large air condition outlets on the dashboard, six on the edges of the ceiling and another two on the flat floorboard as standard fittings.

Designed from ground up to meet the needs of modern lifestyle, the Hyundai Starex should revolutionise group travels. The stylish overall design of the Hyundai Starex starts with a distinguished and prominent nose featuring trendy headlamp clusters, large radiator grille and front bumper. Every arrival in the large Hyundai Starex is with admiration all round.

Ultra luxurious seats on the concept 7 seater variant of the Grand Starex

Large flared wheel arches create the sporty image while carefully sculptured rear of the Hyundai Starex culminates the signature design of the latest people carrier in town. In fact, the simple addition of a set of light alloy wheels is all that is needed to heighten up the looks of the Hyundai Starex.

Looks alone are not the only strong point of the Hyundai Starex. Beneath the rigid and tough body are state-of-the-art automotive technology features found mostly in expensive high performance sedans. All round coil spring suspension and disc brakes fittings are enough to drop the jaws in awe of even the most sporting motorists. These items enable the Hyundai Starex to soak up the worst road conditions with ease and stop a lot safer and faster.

More super hot standard features are the turbo-charged green engine with common rail direct injection (CRDi) and variable geometry turbocharge (VGT) that ensure the Hyundai Starex moves a lot faster yet more economical than anything in its class.

If those items are enough to satisfy the most discerning motorist, there are more. How about the 5-speed seamless automatic transmission found mainly in expensive Continental sports sedans?

In short, the Hyundai Starex revolutionises how to be a star among large people carrier with its looks, features and value for money. It is also a good base for those bold enough to create a truly personalised version as demonstrated by some units shown at the launch in One Utama.

L to R: Deputy General Manager of Hyundai Asia Pacific, Mr. CJ Park with Chief Operating Officer of Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors, Mr. Dennis Ho

In the grand version, one can add special leather seats, pop-up 15-inch TV, electrically powered footrests, foldaway coffee table and Mahogany side tables. There is actually no limit in personalising the interior into a mobile living or bed room but the fact remains that the Hyundai Starex is the perfect base vehicle to start with.

With a base model price of RM138,888 (OTR without insurance for private ownership), the Hyundai Starex 2.5 CRDi Auto offers true value for money. Even with the full customising, the Hyundai Starex would still be a very affordable MPV.