Hyundai Motor Company will have three premiers at its Paris Motor Show press conference on 28 September, the elegant and dynamic Coupe, the cultivated Diesel Grandeur, and the stunning Arnejs, a design preview of its future C-segment volume model, codenamed FD.
The Hyundai Coupe has sold some 221,708 models worldwide since its launch, of which 73,670 have been sold in Europe. With the new facelift, emphasis has been placed upon upgrading the modern and sporty style that attracted so many customers. The new facelift effectively introduces the second evolution of the Coupe, and is designed and destined to capture even more fans.
Launched at the Geneva Auto Salon in 2005, the Hyundai Grandeur marked the company’s move into the European executive saloon market. Designed to compete directly against such cars as the Volvo S80, Audi A6 and the Peugeot 607, it introduced new levels of refinement, high build quality and distinctive design to Hyundai’s European line-up. As a flag-carrier during the Hyundai sponsorship of the FIFA 2006 World Cup, it also made many new friends for the company. The Grandeur is now fitted even more closely to the European market with the launch of the new 2.2 VGT common rail direct injection diesel version. In European trim this offers 110kW (150PS) at 4,000rpm and 340Nm torque at 2,000 rpm. It features inter-cooled turbo technology and offers a Euro 4 compliant particle filter.
As the designer preview Arnejs suggests, Hyundai’s up-coming FD C-segment vehicle will feature up-to-date technology and a very appealing design to compete with the volume C class models of major European car manufacturers. Led by Chief Designer Thomas Bürkle, the Hyundai Motor European design team in Rüsselsheim, Germany, based the Arnejs on the development plans for the production vehicle. Its form language is a continuity of design elements first introduced with the Genus concept, which were further developed in order to create a strong brand identity. With the FD, Hyundai expects to take another quantum leap in the next years, considerably boosting its sales and market share. Hyundai plans to launch the FD in late spring of 2007.
Further information about Hyundai Motor Co. and its products is available by visiting the Hyundai showroom, situated in Birkirkara Road, Birkirkara, open all day from Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6.30pm and Saturday from 9am to noon.