Hyundai presents ix20 for the MPV segment

Hyundai’s Vice Chairman, Euisun Chung has presented at the 2010 Paris Motor Show the brand’s bet for the MPV market this autumn, the new ix20.

The ix20 model is the latest model to be added to the company’s hugely popular ‘i-range’ line-up of vehicles, with Hyundai promising it to be the benchmark for future B-segment offerings.

With the ix20 Hyundai will be offering European consumers quality, style, and comfort. The all-new B-segment MPV features Hyundai’s groundbreaking Five Year Triple Care package, which includes a five-year, unlimited-mileage warranty; five years of roadside assistance and five years of free vehicle health checks.

“The ix20 is a modern mini-MPV which has its own personality, offering the right balance of dynamic style and functionality,” said Allan Rushforth, Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe.  “With ix20 we are giving young European families a vehicle that not only suits their lifestyle, but also appeals to their sense of adventure.”

Hyundai has set an ambitious sales target of 55,000 units annually for the ix20 and hopes that the model will help the brand increase sales volume and market share in Europe. Hyundai will be hoping to seduce with the ix20 the C-segment MPV owners.

The production of the new ix20 has already started at Hyundai’s newest European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic. With 4.1 metres of length the ix20 has an unusually long wheelbase for its class (2.615mm) and a 1.600mm high roofline. These dimensions give the ix20 a cabin space typical of many larger C-segment vehicles.

The Hyundai ix20 is the second European model to adopt the brand’s new ‘fluidic sculpture’ form language. The B-MPV vehicle was designed and developed at Hyundai’s R&D centre in Russelsheim.

The new design language can be spotted in the hexagonal front grille, a key visual element of the brand’s new European family ‘look’. With a grille that was designed to offer the MPV a ‘friendly’ face, Hyundai is willing that the ix20 will invite potential buyers to explore the car further.

The all-new ix20 will be available with a choice between two petrol engines and two diesel, al of them Euro 5 compliant. They will be available with either manual or automatic transmissions.

Except for the 1.6 with automatic transmission, all the engines in the ix20 range will be available in Blue Drive™ form, which includes Integrated Stop & Go (ISG) technology, low rolling-resistance tyres and an alternator management system (AMS).

“The ix20 is an integral part of Hyundai’s overall business strategy,” added Rushforth.  “Its launch will help to increase our sales performance before the end of the year, keeping us on target for our 2010 market share goal of 2.75%.”

“With its dynamic design, economical powertrains, unique versatility, and uncompromising safety, the ix20 builds upon what European consumers have come to expect from the Hyundai brand.  The arrival of ix20 kicks off our intensive model launch period, and it is sure to set a high standard for our future models.  In the next couple of years Hyundai will introduce another 12 new models and derivatives,” he concluded.