Three new Hyundai models headed for China

Three new Hyundai models scheduled to hit the fast-growing China market.

We have been revealed by a source close to Hyundai Motor Company that the South Korean carmaker plans to introduce three completely new models to Chinese consumers during the next 12 month.

With new models introduction, Hyundai is targeting consumers looking for niche models, such as sports cars and minivans. One of three models launched next year will be the long-awaited front-wheel-drive sporty coupe called Veloster. Sure, we don’t know whether Hyundai will call it that way, but there are some rumors circulating over the world wide web that Hyundai already trademarked the Veloster name for its new entry-level coupe.

Although the Veloster was rumored to make its official debut at the next week’s Paris Auto Show, it will probably appear for the first time in public at the 2011 North American International Auto Show in January. According to John Krafcik, CEO of Hyundai Motor America, the new Veloster is going to be a 40+ mpg sports car featuring Hyundai’s brand-new 1.6L GDI four-cylinder engine and six-speed transmission (manual or automatic).

The second new Hyundai model set to be introduced in China next year is a compact MPV model, which has recently been caught testing in the USA. There’s little known about the vehicle, but based on the spy shots provided by some of the automobile-enthusiast websites, the upcoming compact MPV will be about the same size as Kia Rondo and Mazda5 MPVs (both are on sale in the USA). It will provide seating for five or seven people.

The third Hyundai vehicle to hit the Chinese roads in 2011 will be also belong to the “people-mover” segment. It will be larger than the afore-mentioned compact Hyundai MPV and will be powered by 2.4L four-cylinder gasoline engine delivering maximum power of 174horsepower. The model will feature nine seats, three per each row.

All three above-mentioned vehicles will not be produced at Hyundai manufacturing plants in China, but rather imported from South Korea. Hyundai does not expect any of the above-mentioned vehicles to be a high-volume seller, but they will add an important share to the automaker’s growth in China market.