Hyundai Arnejs

By Chris Thorp

24th September 2006

The trickle of Korean cars is turning into a deluge! This is the next model to come from Hyundai, and it's set to be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.

Revealed as a drawing in last week's issue of Auto Express (Issue 927), the five-door Arnejs hatchback is more than simply a glitzy show model - it will go into production in 2007. But don't be surprised if the shape looks familiar, as the newcomer will share many parts with its Kia Cee'd sister model.

When it arrives in British dealers next summer, the Arnejs will see the marque go head-to-head with the likes of Vauxhall's Astra and Ford's Focus for the first time. With the firm's commitment to quality and keen pricing, top brass have high hopes for their latest compact family hatchback.

The machine aims to build on the recent success of the superb new Santa Fe 4x4. Engines will also be shared with the Cee'd, so a range of common-rail diesel units and a choice of petrol-powered motors is expected.

Designed at Hyundai's new research and development centre in Germany, the car borrows styling themes originally seen on the Genus concept, which was first unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year. European design and manufacture are central to the com­pany's strategy for getting a stronger foothold in western markets.

The production version of the Arnejs is set to be offered only as a five-door, and the range is expected to start from £11,500. Unlike any of the Hyundai's rivals, all variants will come with a five-year manufacturer's warranty.