Hyundai has revealed a collection of eco-focused vehicles at the 2010 Paris Auto Salon. The ix20 Blue and ix35 hybrid concept, i10 Blue, i20 Blue, i30 Blue concept, and ix35 Blue.

All these cars including the  ix20 Blue and ix35 hybrid concept which are making their debut at Paris Motor Show 2010 are already part of the company’s cutting-edge Blue DriveTM programme.

This initiative is driving the company towards its target of global automotive leadership in environmentally-conscious technologies.

The eco-friendly variants in the Blue DriveTM vehicle line-up incorporates a number of real-world modifications to further enhance the standard cars’ already-impressive environmental credentials. The improvements are achieved without compromising performance, reliability or driver satisfaction, making all Blue DriveTM models a realistic solution for contemporary motorists.

Power train
All Blue DriveTM models employ the latest energy-efficient power train technology developed at the Hyundai R&D Centres in South Korea and Europe. The new, downsized 1.0-litre Kappa petrol and 1.7-litre U2 diesel engines, are enhanced with a number of environmental improvements including high-performance low-friction engine oil to considerably reduce driveline friction, dual continuously variable valve timing (CVVT), improved combustion efficiency, gear ratio optimisation and engine control optimisation, all contributing to increasing engine efficiency.

A noticeable change from the driver’s perspective is the application of Hyundai’s Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system. This innovation cuts the engine when the car is stationary and the gearbox is disengaged, and instantly restarts the engine when the clutch pedal is depressed. This is particularly effective at minimising emissions and fuel consumption in stop-start urban traffic.

Hyundai has complemented the ISG system with the addition of an alternator management system to maximise energy regeneration during braking and to provide good acceleration performance by minimising the alternator workload.

Reduced Driving Resistance
To improve these new Blue DriveTM vehicles’ aerodynamics and lower their rolling resistance, a variety of innovations have been implemented.

Underbody panels have been installed on i30 Blue to cover the drag-inducing cavities that negatively affect fuel efficiency. Certain models also feature reductions in brake-pad drag on the discs – and wheels fitted with low rolling resistance tyres, inflated to a higher pressure.

Externally, the vehicles closely resemble their ‘standard’ equivalent models, but can be easily identified by bespoke badging and paint colour. A logo on the rear indicates the car belongs to the Blue DriveTM family, and all models are finished in the same unique shade of Lavender Blue paint with complimentary bodywork graphics.

Real contenders
The i10 Blue, which goes on sale at the end of 2010, employs the new and extremely efficient 1.0-litre Kappa petrol engine, which produces 51kW @ 6200 rpm while generating 94.1Nm of torque, and is fitted with a dual continuous variable valve timing (CVVT) system.  By tweaking the car’s aerodynamics and making refinements to the power train, CO₂ emissions in the i10 Blue have been reduced to just 99g/km.

The i20 Blue features the U2 1.4-litre diesel engine, designed and engineered at the R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and produces 55kW @ 4000rpm while generating 221Nm maximum torque. This engine is mated to the latest six-speed manual transmission and produces just 98g/km of CO₂ emissions. The i20 Blue is scheduled to go into production in 2011.

The all-new ix20 Blue, scheduled to go on sale at the same time as the standard model later this year also features the U2 1.4-litre diesel engine mated to the six-speed manual transmission. Its CO₂ emissions figure of 114g/km is one of the lowest in the SUV segment.

The i30 Blue concept utilises the U2 1.4-litre engine, which produces 66kW @ 4000 rpm, while generating 240Nm of maximum torque, and features a six-speed latest generation manual transmission with optimised gear ratios. Changes to the engine mapping of the ECU (engine control unit), the inclusion of a variable water pump, an overrun alternator decoupler, and a high-efficient alternator have allowed Hyundai engineers to deliver an engine performance equivalent to the conventional 1.6-litre diesel engine. An CO₂ emissions output of just 94g/km will position this car as an extremely attractive package for customers.

The ix35 Blue, which goes into production at the end of 2010, is available with an extremely impressive CO₂ emissions figure of just 135g/km, positioning it not only as a rival to leading compact SUV models, but also to many compact hatchbacks. The U2 1.7-litre diesel engine also designed and engineered at the Rüsselsheim R&D centre, produces 85kW @ 4000rpm, while generating 260Nm of peak torque. This engine is also mated to the latest six-speed manual transmission.

Powered by the U2 1.7-litre diesel engine with maximum power rated at 85kW and a 5kW electric motor, the ix35 hybrid concept boasts an outstanding CO₂ emissions figure of just 117g/km. Featuring the Hyundai six-speed manual transmission, the mild hybrid system is complemented by a number of Blue DriveTM developments including the adoption of a high efficiency variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), reduced engine friction, a full under car cover to improve aerodynamics, the application of Hyundai’s Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system and use of low-rolling resistance tyres.