Blue DriveTM program extended –
diesel engines now benefit from efficiency savings

Making its motor show debut at the Frankfurt IAA, the i30 Blue diesel is the first diesel-powered model to be introduced under Hyundai’s Blue DriveTM eco-initiative. Powered by the company’s CRDi diesel technology, the i30 Blue diesel features the same innovative ISG ‘stop-start’ system which has been successfully applied to petrol-engine derivatives of the i30 C-segment range, bringing reduced fuel consumption and lower CO2 emissions.

The i30 Blue diesel runs the latest iteration of Hyundai’s 1,6-litre CRDi engine – dubbed ‘UII’ – with a choice of two power outputs: 90PS and 116 PS. Both units already have exceptionally low levels of fuel consumption and CO2 emissions, thanks to a meticulous engineering focus on operational efficiency. Now, twinned with the Integrated Stop & Go (ISG) system, the i30 diesels produces even more impressive numbers. The 90PS model emits 113g/km of CO2 (a reduction of 2g/km) and consumes just 4,3l/100km of diesel (an improvement of 0,1l/100km), while the 116 PS version lowers emissions to 117g/km – again, shaving 2g/km from results of the non-ISG car.

The petrol versions were launched in Europe earlier this year in either 1,4-litre or 1,6-litre guise, with CO2 emissions savings of up to 12g/km and fuel efficiency improvements of as much as 1,0-litre/100km on the official combined cycle over the equivalent ‘standard’ models.

Manufactured at Hyundai’s state-of-the-art production facility in the Czech Republic, the i30 Blue diesel will reach European showrooms by the end of this year.

i30 Blue’s broad appeal
Accommodating growing consumer and fleet demand for practical, competitively equipped, high-value packages with low running costs, all i30 Blue engines are available with both the hatchback and CW estate body styles. The i30 Blue puts motorists in a preferential position in relation to the CO2 tax ratings which operate in many European markets. Fleet managers who are keen to lower the emissions and increase the efficiency of their vehicle fleets will be among the target market for i30 Blue. Private buyers can also take advantage of the benefits of Blue, thanks to reduced operating costs.

The newly-expanded i30 Blue range is expected to help boost Hyundai’s share of European sales. The i30 Blue diesel arrives as the brand is driving towards a 2,5% market share in the region.

About ISG
Developed by premium parts manufacturer Bosch, the ISG system monitors the car’s status using a stronger starter motor connected to an upgraded ECU. The ECU unit uses various sensors positioned in different areas of the vehicle before deciding to switch the engine on or off.

Ensuring there is enough energy for continuous stop-and-start driving, a highly efficient alternator suppresses electrical power demand during acceleration and recharges the car’s battery during deceleration. In the unlikely event that there is insufficient power to restart the engine, ISG would be deactivated.

Blue DriveTM
Launched in 2009, Hyundai’s Blue DriveTM program is an all-encompassing initiative which aims to set Hyundai ahead of all other automotive manufacturers in terms of vehicle efficiency and environmental consideration. Blue DriveTM will bring to market new and innovative applications of technologies that will make a significant impact on reducing CO2 emissions while improving running costs and maintaining the highest standards for vehicle quality and ownership experience. The program will encompass extensive research into hybrid technologies, plug-in vehicles, ever-cleaner diesels, flex-fuel cars and fuel cell electric vehicles.

Intensive research and development has already seen the launch of ‘cleaner’ production models such as the petrol-powered i30 Blue and the Elantra LPI Hybrid. Meanwhile, concept vehicles and advanced trials have taken shape – for example, Hyundai is one of the leading companies in fuel-cell power and is working on the third-generation of this technology, due to debut in 2012.