2008 London Motor Show
i-Blue launched by Hyundai
Hyundai has today announced a new sub brand, which will be called i-Blue. This is designed to ensure that all models come in under the vital 120g/km of CO2 emissions.
The first model in the range will be the familiar i30 hatchback that uses the 1.6-litre CRDi engine. The main difference to this model to achieve the remarkable figure is that the gear ratios have been tweaked slightly.
Prices for this model will start at £13,155 and the subsequent savings for the owner could see the i-Blue falling into the Group B of VED. This will bring the anticipated cost down from £120 to £35. Meanwhile business users who have diesel powered cars will see the tax band reduced from 18% to 13%.
The i-Blue badge will be on all i10 models that produce less than 120g/km and with the introduction of a new engine, the 1.2 Kappa petrol will see the i-Blue extended to all i10s with a manual transmission.
Hyundai have stated that it is their intention to extend the i-Blue badge to future models that show the sub-brands commitment to efficiency and low carbon emissions.
Ciarán McBride