Official: 2013 Hyundai HB20 launched in Brazil

The long-awaited 2013 Hyundai HB 5-door hatchback makes its official debut in Brazil!

Hyundai Motor Brasil has officially launched a brand-new 5-door hatchback that will be available exclusively in the Brazilian market.

Named Hyundai HB20, the sub-compact hatch will be produced in Hyundais plant in Piracicaba, with production officially beginning on September 20th. That means that the vehicle will become available for sale by the early part of October.

Chang Kyun Han, President of HMB attended the launching event and spoke about how the release of the all-new 2013 Hyundai HB20 is about more than just unveiling a new vehicle.

He noted that the car had been designed with the tastes of the Brazilian people and the driving conditions very much in mind. He also believes that the HB20 is perfectly positioned to drastically change the way in which Brazilian people view the small car segment.

The 2013 Hyundai HB20 will come in nine different versions, each of which will be equipped with the best technology in the car market today.

Standard features on all nine models will include hydraulic power steering, dual front airbags, air-conditioning, a spoiler with built-in brake lights, a rear windshield wiper and storage compartments for all passengers.

The name of the vehicle is derived from an acronym of Hyundai Brasil (HB), with the 20 signifying the way in which the automaker classifies vehicles in this particular segment.

The design of the new car has been more than 5 years in the making, with engineers from Brazil and Korea working on the project.

The goal was to create a car that met the specific needs of the Brazilian market, whilst also being able to perform in typical road conditions found throughout the country. That meant coming up with a car that was fuel-efficient and stylish, whilst also offering flex-fuel capabilities and advanced anti-theft functions.

The HB20 is a compact model that fits nicely within the Hyundai Fluidic Sculpture design concept. That means flowing lines and exterior attention to detail are the order of the day.

The cool design aspect also makes its way inside the HB20, most notably in options that include chrome, leather, and metallic enhancement to spice up the already stylish interior.

The inside of the HB20 has been designed with comfort in mind, which is probably best displayed in the fact that the interior is spacious and has the lowest noise and vibration levels in its class.

Hyundai HB20 engines, gearbox

The HB20 comes with three powertrain options: 1.0L and 1.6L, with a manual gearbox and 1.6L, with automatic transmission.

No matter which powertrain is chosen, it will come equipped with a flex-fuel engine, which will not only help with fuel efficiency, but will also lower emissions and maintenance costs.

The HB20 car also has a little bit of a kick under the hood, with the 1.6L version delivering power that is 23% above the segment average.

Brazilian consumers can expect to see sedan and crossover version of the 2013 Hyundai HB20 arrive sometime in 2013, and they will also be produced at the Piracicaba plant.

The new production facility already employees more than 1,600 people, with that number expected to jump to over 2,000 next year. All in all, the building of the new plant has led to the creation of over 20,000 jobs across the region.