Hyundai ix20, the ix35, the Veloster and the i40 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show

plans to unveil a brand-new C-segment model to replace the first-generation of its i30 at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month. Like the current model, the 2012 i30 is a product of Hyundai’s design and engineering center in Russelsheim, Germany and is designed exclusively for the European market.

Hyundai's European design boss Thomas Burkle says the i30's styling represents the next evolution of the firm's form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’. What this means is that it shares a lot of common design features with Hyundai's more recent models like the ix20, the ix35, the Veloster and the i40.

Recent spy photos suggest that the interior will also share many elements with the i40 and the Veloster coupe.

“When designing the new i30, we used strong, fluid lines to sculpt a car which looks athletic while exuding a sense of constant motion, even when stationary," said Burkle.

"From the rendering, you can see how we managed to give the car a bold stance, transmitting a confident attitude through sporty characteristics and dynamic proportions. In this way, the car is very close to the recently unveiled i40, and we want people to recognise the Hyundai design DNA on those two models,” continued Burkle.

Under the fresh sheetmetal, the i30 will likely feature MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link arrangement at the rear. Even though Hyundai is keeping its cards close to its chest, the engine line-up is believed to include the 140HP direct injection 1.6-liter gasoline unit from the ix35 as well as a more fuel efficient "Blue" edition.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “We expect this next-generation i30 to play a significant role in developing our brand image in Europe and strengthen the vehicle’s position as our best-seller in Europe.

Hyundai's Ford Focus and VW Golf rivaling i30 will be manufactured at the firm's plant in the Czech Republic before going on sale early next year.

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Hyundai Arnejs Concept : Previews Hyundai's VW Golf contendor, the 2007 FD

Following a previous release of a sketch, Hyundai came out today with live pics of its C-Segment concept, the oddly named Arnejs. Hyundai's VW Golf sized concept actually gives us a preview of next years FD production model (2007 Spring in Europe). To be honesty though, I highly doubt that it'll look so great when it rolls of Hyundai's production line as Arnejs's counterpart, the Kia cee'd production version very well proved to us a few weeks ago.

Press Release: 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 Burkle, the Hyundai Motor European design team in Russelsheim, 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, boosting sales and market share in the next years. Hyundai plans to launch the FD in late spring of 2007.