Hyundai puts “Blue” technology on display at Melbourne Auto Show
Hyundai i10 Blue and i30 Blue
Hyundai has showcased several new cars to the visitors of the 2009 Melbourne Auto Show. In addition to the striking Genesis Coupe and sub-compact i20 hatch, the South Korean company has also unveiled the i10 Blue and i30 Blue to Australian public.
The all-new i30 Blue and i10 Blue form a duo of latest low-emission cars that Hyundai Motor Company plans to introduce to the market “down under” by the end of next year.
The i30 Blue and i10 Blue are bringing the so called “Blue package” which involves the latest eco-friendly technology and several aerodynamic enhancements. Thanks to minor revisions made to the vehicles aerodynamics and chassis, both models deliver significantly lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
Externally, the i10 Blue and i30 Blue closely resemble the “standard” i10 and i30 cars. Bespoke badging on the rear hatch indicates that the cars belong to Hyundais Blue Drive technology family.
Fuel efficient engines
Hyundai has equipped both “Blue” models with its latest diesel engines. The i10 Blue is powered by highly-efficient 1.1L common-rail diesel engine, which produces 75 horsepower. The hp output seems quite high, especially when considering its small displacement, but even more impressive is its low CO2 output of only 95 grams per kilometer - 10 grams less than Toyota Prius hybrid!
The larger i30 Blue model features a very-well known 1.6L turbo diesel engine with CO2 output reduced from 125g/km to only 106 g/km (15 percent reduction). Internal tests conducted by Hyundais engineers estimate fuel economy figure of 4.1 litres of Diesel per 100 km, more than half a liter reduction over the standard i30 model (standard i30 model consumes 4.7 l/100km).
Engine efficiency has been improved by minimizing driveline friction and by utilizing high-performance, low-friction engine oil. In addition to that, Hyundai engineers also optimized engines electronic software, which manages timing, injection pressure and idle speed.
ISG (Idle Stop & Go)
One of the core technologies applied to both (i10 and i30) Blue models has been the ISG system - Idle Stop and Go. This innovative eco-friendly technology turns the engine off automatically when the car is stationary and restarts the engine when the clutch pedal is depressed. The system is particularly effective when you drive the car in the city. The ISG system brings the fuel consumption down by up to 15 percent.
Hyundai has yet to announce the exact production details, but since we know that Hyundai builds the i10 in India we expect the 10 Blue to be built at the same location. Since the i10 Blue will be made at Hyundais production hub for small cars in India, the i30 Blue will be manufactured at Hyundais first European manufacturing plant, which has been running since November 2008. The ultra-modern plant is located in Czech Republic and has an estimated annual production of 300.ooo vehicles.
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