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Hyundai has been keeping everyone pleasantly surprised lately, and the surprises keep coming. The Korean automaker’s latest endeavor is the i-Flow Concept which was just unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show.

“It was likely the most impressive surprise at the show because its technology and design can actually be applied today,” said Rocco Penn, editor for a German automotive magazine.

“I tire of seeing fancy concepts that have no chance of seeing the light of day. The i-Flow is fresh and real.”

Hyundai hints that the i-Flow Concept gives a glimpse into an upcoming D-segment sedan that will take on vehicles like the Ford Mondeo in Europe or the Taurus here in the U.S. Power is supplied via a new 1.7-liter in-line-four cylinder diesel engine with Hyundai’s Blue-drive system. This powertrain is mated to a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

Thanks to its unique hybrid powertrain, and its ultra low 0.25 drag coefficient, Hyundai claims that the i-Flow Concept is capable of an astonishing 78.4 miles per gallon. Aside from being fuel efficient, it’s also ultra gentle on the environment thanks to CO2 emissions of just 85 grams/kilometer.

Although Hyundai is embarking on increasingly radical vehicle designs, the automaker is clearly putting plenty of emphasis on the technology underneath the sheet metal as well.

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Hyundai continues to keep consumers and industry analysts surprised, and their latest feat is reporting a record quarterly profit of $728.4 million for the end of 2009.

As the recession continued throughout 2009, Hyundai seemed to have struck a chord with consumers that were weary about the economy. Helped by an outstanding warranty, and their unique Hyundai Assurance Program, Hyundai vehicles quickly became preferred over rivals such as Toyota and Honda. Hyundai’s value and quality also helped the Korean automaker increase market share.

With so many factors helping propel Hyundai vehicles into the mainstream, it’s no surprise that Hyundai is producing substantial profits. The recent quarter’s profit is up 44 percent compared to the same period in 2008. Hyundai’s sales, as well as the sales of sister brand Kia, remain strong. As the industry rebounds from the economic slowdown, sales for both brands are expected to grow this year.

No one can understate the dramatic revival of Hyundai and its products. Even Toyota dealerships Brockton admit that the brand has come a long way in terms of design and quality in just a few short years. Inventory of older Hyundais at KC Used Cars reveals just how different the cars from the recent past are from today’s lineup. As a result of these changes, consumers have responded and sales for the Korean brand have rebounded.

In 2010, Hyundai looks to be unstoppable as the automaker is releases several new models such as the all-new Sonata and Tucson.

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Kia excited the crowd at the Geneva Auto Show, where it attracted plenty of attention with its all-new MPV concept vehicle, named the No 3 Concept Car. This Kia MPV is a small car that features graceful lines and a long, sloping windshield that blends into a panoramic glass roof. Kia also notes that this car also delivers fun-to-drive characteristics that compliment its exterior good looks.

The Kia No 3 Concept is perhaps most notable for introducing a new brand design. Kia has slowly but surely been improving its vehicle design, and has increasingly made its design bolder and more on par with designs from Japan and Europe, fueling many new Hyundai and Kia buyers at Kia Pittsburgh and other retail locations nationwide. As a result, Kia has hinted that the No 3 concept embodies the new face of the South Korean automaker.

While the No 3 concept is officially just a concept, Kia hints that it’s likely to see the design make its way into a production vehicle. With Kia building its presence in developing markets such as India and China, Connecticut used Kia believe a small car like the No 3 would be of great value. Of course, the good looks and compact size will also be of value in the States as well. The recently released Kia Soul is already off to a strong start among Chicago Hyundai dealers, helping to rapidly change consumer perceptions about the developing brand.

With the No 3 concept, as well as future production models, Bethlehem Kia dealers says the automaker is targeting the likes of Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Suzuki with freshly designed, efficient compacts. If upcoming production models look as good as the No 3 Concept Car, Kia shouldn’t have any trouble convincing some potential Honda buyers to check out their nearest Kia showroom instead.

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Kia has recently unveiled the all-new Borrego SUV, which is an odd vehicle considering that few automakers are adding entirely new truck-based sport utilities to their lineup. What isn’t odd is that Kia will be featuring the Borrego at the Los Angeles Auto Show as a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.

The Kia Borrego Fuel Cell Electric Vehicle will mark an import milestone for the Korean automaker. The Kia brand is still building up the strength of its brand in the US, says St Louis Kia, and featuring advanced technology such as an electric vehicle is one way to do just that.

Kia’s fuel cell technology features the highest efficiency rating of any fuel cell vehicle. With 154 horsepower coming from the fuel cell system, along with a 134 horsepower super capacitor and a 147 electric motor, the Kia offers maximum efficiency coupled with the three tanks of hydrogen fuel. Philadelphia Kia dealers expect this new system to boost Kia’s reputation for fuel efficiency, but it also expects that Kia will become known as a technology leader in the auto industry.

KIA Durango CO believes this could mean big things for not only Kia, but Hyundai Texarkana hopes Hyundai will also benefit from the fuel cell technology both automakers are likely to share it. Along with the new Borrego FCEV vehicle, Kia also plans to begin testing a fleet of these models in early 2010. We’ll see if the Borrego fuel cell electric vehicle will be able to be more popular than the Kia Soul at the LA Auto Show.

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Kia Soul Exterior

Kia’s Scion xB competitor, the Kia Soul, is no longer under wraps. Designed jointly between Kia’s facilities in Korea and California, the Kia Soul made its debut originally at the North American Auto Show in Detroit back in 2006. With its compact size and boxy styling, the Kia Soul was obviously going after the Scion xB.

Kia recently announced that the upcoming production Kia Soul will make its official debut at the Paris Auto Show later this year, following leaked photos of the production mode. Several stylized versions of the Soul make an appearance at the Geneva Auto Show earlier in the year, but most were more eager to see the production version, especially younger Hyundai enthusiasts at Boston Hyundai dealers who were immediately drawn to the new Soul.

Overall, based on the production model, really isn’t too different from the production model. The Soul retains its flared fenders and dramatically sloping roofline, all of which has earned interest among Wallingford Used Car customers. Even the trapezoid shaped taillights seem to have made their way on to the final version of the Soul.

The initial Soul concept in Detroit was powered by a 2.0 liter four cylinder engine mated to a five speed automatic. The concept also featured a front-wheel drive platform. In addition, the concept vehicles showed off a busy interior, packed with all sorts of gizmos, including USB ports, MP3 connectivity, rear view monitor, and adaptive cruise control. Word is still out on whether these features will be found on the production model, but the Soul should give the xB at Minnesota Toyota Dealer a run for its money when released.

Production for the all-new Kia Soul will begin in September. Vehicle will also have ample options for customization, much like the Scion. Kia promises that this youth oriented vehicle will enable buyers to show off their individuality.

Hyundai Santa Fe Interior

Ford currently is the only automaker that has the Microsoft Sync infotainment system. But soon this will change, as Microsoft has just made a deal with Hyundai and Kia that will bring the system to the Korean automaker’s models.

The Microsoft system allows drivers to control personal music players and cell phones while driving, which is exactly the type of feature set that appeals to younger New Haven Kia dealer buyers. It also is voice activities so that driver can keep their hands on the wheel while choosing what music to listen to or making a call.

The Microsoft Auto system in Hyundai and Kia vehicles, which is already popular at Ford Dealer Denver, will likely have additional features that are not in the existing Sync system. In addition, the system will feature information and features tailored to the geographic location of the vehicle.

The new system should be available on Hyundai and Kia vehicles as soon as this coming fall. Among the possible features that could be available on the system include satellite navigation and emergency call service.

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