Hyundai first revealed the HED-5 I-Mode Crossover back in 2008 at the Geneva Motor Show and now a prototype of the Crossover vehicle was spotted by the spy photographers who managed to get a shot of the inside and the heavily camouflage rear.

The spy flicks reveal that the van comes with contrasting leather tones as the driver seat is red while the passenger seat is gray. The contrasting trim usage is consistent through out the car while the light grey trim can also be spotted on the dashboard elements while and a tinge of white graces the multi-function steering wheel. On the outside the commuter is severely guised barring the rear taillights which look like LEDs.

The new Hyundai HED-5 I-Mode Crossover might be the big surprise from Hyundai at the Geneva motor show next month. [via WCF]

The production ready Hyundai Veloster was expected to retain 70% of the styling traits from the Concept that first debuted at the 2007 Seoul Auto Show. The first spy shots of the Coupe during its cold weather testing reveal that Hyundai is well and truly close to the concept with its final design. The images reveal an exaggerated wheel arch with a steep windshield design joining the intersection with the roof.

A far cry from the concept design is the way the car tapers off into the sidesill. The rear is more heavily camouflaged but one can still mark the similarities between the taillight placement of the concept and the factory ready model. As far as the headlights are concerned, the triangular shaped design has been again picked from the concept. Another design trait picked from the concept but modified slightly are the centrally placed dual-exhaust pipes. Under the hood, the 2012 model which will be available later this year or in early 2011 will come with a 140 hp engine that will render 40mpg as per the speculations.

The finalists for the 2010 South African Snoozefest Car of the year have been announced. The finalists in no particular order of monotony are:

• Alfa Romeo Mito 1.4i Turbo Petrol
• Audi Q5 2.0 T STronic
• Chevy Cruze 1.8 LS
• Hyundai i20 1.6 GLS
• Suzuki Alto 1(!) litre GLS
• Toyota Prius
• VW Golf 6 1.4 TSI 90 kw Comfortline
• Volvo XC60 3.0T Geartronic

From here on the finalists go on a couple of tests which include high speed dynamic assessment, parking ability, handling and other tests all while monitoring the fuel consumption.

I suppose they will have a proper car to tow some of these babies around to get them to high speed because on their own steam they won’t get there.

Anyway, which one do you think will win and why – leave a comment.

The Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec is the latest version of the Genesis Coupe 2.0T Track that shuns non essential equipment like the Bluetooth, trip computer, chrome accents, cruise control, and the multifunction steering wheel — hence reducing the weight and the cost, making for a tuner-ready vehicle that allows owners to choose their own aftermarket additions.

Meant for a SEMA debut next week in Las Vegas, the Coupe 2.0T R-Spec gets a track-tuned suspension, Brembo brakes, a Torsen limited-slip differential and Summer performance tires on 19-inch alloys (gunmetal-finished). Under the hood is an intercooled 2.0L turbocharged four-banger capable of rendering 210hp and a top speed of 137mph. All these start at $23,750. [via Jalopnik]

Hyundai is helping our world to stay a little greener, with their zero emission vehicle that is set for a 2010 trial release in Korea. This concept vehicle is the Hyundai i10 electric. Recently, unveiled in Frankfurt, the car offers a lot of promises. It’s powered with a 16kWh Lithium-Ion Polymer battery, and a 49 Kw electric motor and commuters can expect to travel 160 Km on a single charge. The Hyundai i10 electric provides comfortable seating for four with safety and weighs in at a low 1000 Kg. Part of the low weight is due to vacuum pump brakes eliminating excess weight associated with hydraulics, and the advanced batteries. Quite a ride, eh?

The new and improved 2011 Hyundai Sonata has been unveiled in Frankfurt. Following a “fluidic sculpture” design and mixed with outstanding performance, fuel efficiency and segment leading safety features, the new Sonata charms with its styling. There’s a panoramic sunroof, a parking guide system, an 8 inch LCD, an optional JBL premium audio system and a navigation system. Hyundai plans to introduce Sonata’s gasoline version with a 2.4 liter Theta II GDI engine in January next year, and also plan to bring it to the U.S market.

Hyundai Sonata which will be sold as the i40 in Europe has been through a series of photo leaks and there is more to add to that phenomenon with a fresh set of images coming from a Korean Forum. The evident styling here makes us realize that the i40 will try to compete as a sedan and a coupe model but that will depend on what is under the hood as well.

The speculation is that the model will come with a 2.4L Theta II engine assisted by GDI technology to produce 200hp. There will also be a 2.0L gasoline variant powering the Sonata. As far as the Koreans and Europeans are concerned, there will be a third option available to them- a 2.2 L ‘R’ diesel variant capable of churning out 204 whilst complying with Euro 5 emission standards. The North Americans might get luckier with a 250hp Lambda V6 Sonata. The i40 will debut in September and the Koreans might be able to purchase it in October. As far as North America and Europe is concerned, it will arrive in 2010.

Here is the latest set of spy shots of the Hyundai Sonata which reveals a lot about the interior of the car. Incidentally the spy shots were clicked when Hyundai was doing its own photoshoot for the promotional materials. Apparently the secret for well-lit interior shots has been revealed and that requires the roof to be taken off. Visibly enough, the cabin is more elegant and refined. A close proximity with the styling of the big and luxurious German brands can also be established especially if you look at the rear trunk and tail lights. A Sonata Hybrid is also in the wings which will be powered by Hybrid Blue Drive Architecture introduced by Hyundai last year. [via hyundai-blog.com]

There wasn’t much known about the scheduled release of the Hyundai Equus in the US until a couple of weeks back, but today we learned that Hyundai has now officially confirmed the luxurious Equus sedan for a 2010 debut in the US. The sedan will be launched with a new christening especially for States and it will compete with the likes of Lexus, BMW and Mercedes. As per Hyundai’s American president and CEO, John Krafcik, the response for the car has been great ever since it was revealed at the New York Auto Show which is comparable to the response Genesis (the award winning sedan) first got from the experts and the dealers across the country.

The high-end luxury models from all big names have an LWB model in their contingent and Hyundai has sort of realized that too take the competition to that level, there should be one in its kitty too. And the preparations for it have already been made with a LWB variant of the Hyundai Equus spied in Ulsan, South Korea. The spy shots revealed a different front-grille on a supposed recycled prototype design.

The biggest give away from the spy shot is the badge at the rear which reads VL500 meaning that the VS460 badge worn by the current Equus range-topper will not be the flagship any more. Indeed it will be a new 5.0-litre Tau V8 engine worth over 400hp that will now embrace the sedan. We expect this sedan to go public sometime next year (at least the Standard wheel base) as a 2011 model and will be priced around $50,000.

The new 2011 Hyundai Sonata  has been spotted summer testing under the hot desert sun (that can reach well over 45 degrees Celsius) of Dubai . After testing the vehicle at freezing temperatures in Sweeden, Hyundai’s new Sonata has been spied without clothes, in its actual size and stature. A bit curvier than the current model the 2011 Sonata will run on a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol or a more powerful 3.3-litre V6 for the petrol engines, the new 197hp 2.2-litre R-Type diesel and even a hybrid. Word is that the 2011 Hyundai Sonata will see daylight in May 2010 and that deliveries should begin late (October) next year. – via