Europe: Hyundai launches emission-cutting i-Blue moniker
Debuted at the British Motor Show, Hyundai has launched a new range of low-emission vehicles under a new i-Blue marque. The first i-Blue model will be the i30 hatchback, powered by a 1.6L CRDi diesel engine. This model achieves 6g/km less emissions from the standard model. This was done merely by a change of gear ratios. In the UK, the i30 i-Blue will start at 13,155 (US$26,275) pounds. The drop in emissions lowers the country's annual registration fees (judged by emission levels) from 120 (US$240) pounds to 35 (US$70) pounds.
Hyundai will also tack on the i-Blue badge on every i10 with the new 1.2L Kappa engine (releasing this September) and manual transmission. This is due to the fact that the particular trim falls under the 120g/km emissions rating, qualifying it for discounts.
The automaker stated the future i-Blue vehicles will incorporate stop-and-go, hybrid powertrains, and hydrogen fuel-cell technology. Hyundai did not release details on the i-Blue's possible arrival into the US.
[Source: Motor Trend]
Continue reading to view one more image of the i30 i-Blue.