Hyundai will consolidate its strong position in the UK market post-scrappage with the launch of several new models in the next year, including this new five-seat MPV.
The new MPV, likely to take the firm’s ix badge used on its more spacious models, will be based on the i20 supermini and is the sister car to the recently launched Kia Venga. It is set to be revealed at the Paris motor show this autumn and will be on sale in the UK early in 2011, priced from around £11,500.
Engines will be shared with the i20 and Venga, meaning 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and diesel powertrains will be offered. Styling is expected to be inspired by Hyundai’s i30-based HED-5 concept from the Geneva motor show in 2008, as well as featuring some of the firm’s new design language featured on the ix35 crossover, especially at the front end.
The launch of the new compact MPV, which is a replacement for the unloved Matrix, will be followed in 2011 by a larger seven-seat MPV based on the i30. This isn’t expected to be seen until next year’s Geneva motor show at the earliest. Splitting the two models will be the launch of the Hyundai’s new i40. This will reach the UK in March 2011 in estate form and will be followed that summer by the saloon.
Other new models planned by the firm include a comprehensive facelift of its popular i10 city car later this year, an all-new i30 in 2011/12 and its halo Veloster coupe this time next year. The radical ix-metro baby SUV concept from last year’s Frankfurt motor show is also tipped for production in 2012.
Thanks to: Autocar