A new hybrid powertrain...
A new hybrid powertrain, which uses a three-cylinder petrol engine mated to an electric motor, is being developed by Lotus Engineering.
Unveiled at the Seoul...
Unveiled at the Seoul Motor Show in the brand"s South Korean homeland, it"s badged Velostar, and boasts a bold front end with a deep front splitter, as well as large, upswept headlamps.
The sporty theme continues with flared wheelarches filled with enormous 20-inch alloys, along with curvaceous body panels and low side skirts. Under the bonnet is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine which drives the front wheels through a five-speed automatic gearbox.
The car is shorter yet wider than the current Coupé, and features a full-length panoramic glass roof, complete with a body-coloured central beam.
Inside, it has a 2+2 layout - much like the Honda CRX from the Eighties - and uses a combination of retro detailing and modern minimalist touches, including brushed aluminium switchgear. The Velostar has plenty of technology, too, such as a docking station for MP3 digital music players in front of the gearlever.
The styling of the newcomer is very significant for the company. Hyundai"s vice president of design, Oh Suk-Geun, told Auto Express: "We wanted to try something really different with this car as we"re aware that we need radically new products to attract younger buyers. This is a really bold direction for us." Hyundai also debuted the estate version of its new i30 small family car at the Seoul expo.
The Ford Focus-sized load-lugger - badged FD Wagon in Korea - was styled in Germany, and has a built-in roof rack for added practicality. There"s also a USB port, so occupants can link their iPod to the car"s stereo. Priced around ÷£12,000, the i30 Wagon arrives in the summer, alongside the hatch.