Hyundai’s new MPV duo

Photos: Automedia

20th August 2010

It’s MPVs at the double for Hyundai! The Korean firm is preparing a pair of new people carriers which are set to take on the class leaders.

The first to arrive will be a five-seat Jazz-rivalling supermini MPV (last three pictures). It will be based on the Kia Venga, which was crowned supermini MPV of the Year in our New Car Awards, and is due to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show next month.

Codenamed the SO, the newcomer will be powered by a choice of 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines. The small car is likely to slot into the range between the i20 and i30 hatchbacks, and may carry the name im25.

But while the smaller car is likely to draw on the more sober look of the i20, the larger seven-seat people carrier is the one to watch out for (first three pictures).

Set to debut at Geneva next year, the Zafira and C-MAX rival is based on the i30’s platform and features a number of interesting styling details from the firm’s chief designer, ex-BMW man Thomas Burkle.

The triangular headlights and raked windscreen are evolved from the HE-5 i-Mode concept show at Geneva 2008, but the important new addition is the kinked shoulderline which drops at the rear passenger window to increase the amount of light entering the cabin.

The larger MPV, which may take the name im35, will be powered by the same engines as the ix35 – including 2.0-litre petrol and diesels, and a new 1.7-litre oil burner and 1.6-litre petrol.

The MPVs are two of a quartet of new models that Hyundai is set to introduce in the next eight months. A stylish replacement for the Coupe, based on the Veloster concept, is due to arrive at the LA Show in November, while the Mondeo-rivalling i40 is also expected to bow at Geneva as a stylish estate.

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