Prices start from £14,495 on the road, which gets you the entry Classic model, with insurance group ratings of 7E, making it one of the most cost effective C-segment cars to own and run.

The original i30 was first launched in 2007, being the first of Hyundai’s popular ‘i’ range. The i30 introduced new standards of driveability and quality, with the all new i30 building on the achievements of the car it replaces. Also improving on Style, Technology and Interior Quality.

The New i30 leaves you spoilt for choice, being available in Classic, Active, Style and Style Nav trim levels, with a choice of Diesel or Petrol engines, in Automatic or Manual transmission. As well as including Hyundai’s ultra-efficient 1.6 litre diesel engine that emits less than 100 g/km CO2.

All the 1.6 CRDi models come with the efficient Blue Drive technologies, featuring the Intelligent Stop & Go system. The powerful yet efficient unit is available in outputs of 110PS and 128PS also boasting the lowest CO2 emmisions figure for a diesel car in its segment of 97 g/km.

Tony Whitehorn, President and CEO Hyundai Motor UK, says: “The new generation i30 represents another leap forward in terms of Hyundai’s design, refinement and build quality. Coupled with Hyundai’s generous standard specification along and industry leading back-up service and support in the form of the Five Year Triple Care assurance, the new generation i30 truly represents the complete package for customers looking for a high-quality vehicle at an affordable price.”

New standard features on the i30 include voice-activated Bluetooth, LED daytime running lights, multi-function steering wheel, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors and one-touch indicators. Safety systems added as standard across the range include, Vehicle Stability Management, Emergency Stop Signal and Hill-start Assist Control. Active trim level adds 15″ alloy wheels, cruise control, rear parking sensors and Hyundai’s dynamic Flex Steer system, which gives the driver the option of three settings namely: Comfort, Normal and Sport.

All ‘Style’ models benefit from 16″ alloy wheels, dual zone climate control, front parking sensors, rain sensing wipers, cornering lights, automatic headlights, automatic de-fog system for front windscreen and electrically folding door mirrors with LED indicators. Topping the trim will be Style Nav, which brings a fully integrated touchscreen satellite navigation system and rear view parking camera.

The following vehicles are now available from SG Petch Durham for extended demonstration. Ideal if you need more time or have several staff members to try them.

• Hyundai iX35
• Hyundai Santa Fe
• Hyundai i40
• Mazda 6
• Nissan Juke
• Nissan Qashqai

Chris Lawson, Corporate Sales Manager, who has over 24 years in the industry dealing with large and small fleets said: “Usually smaller fleets are overlooked in favour of large operators, but SG Petch have addressed this with emphasis on the small to medium sized business”.

“We provide all aspects of vehicle funding for the business sector from fixed term finance with eventual ownership to contract hire with no depreciation or disposal risk”.

To discuss your business requirements or to arrange a test drive, call Chris Lawson on 07817 213512 or email him at chrislawson@sgpetch.com.

Hyundai have never entered this contest previously, therefore they are considered to be the highest accolade in the industry by taking top prize. The EuroCarBody awards are judged by over 500 attending delegates, including industry experts from across the world, who form the Automotive Circle International.

The Hyundai i40 gained a clear victory by receiving 37.98 out of a maximum 50 points, for its effective development of materials and product efficiency. A close competitor, the Audi A6, came second scoring 35.86 and the Mercedes B-class taking third place with 34.66.

Some characteristics which were recognised by the judging panel were Hyundai’s use of high-strength steel and improved joints in the structure, giving the i40′s lightweight body high energy absorption efficiency which provides increased safety.

Competitors in the contest included Audi, BMW, Ford, Mazda, Land Rover, Opel, Volkswagen, Nissan and Mercedes Benz.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “Winning the EuroCarBody Golden Award demonstrates our commitment to providing the highest levels of safety for Hyundai customers. The i40 was recently awarded a maximum five-star rating in the Euro NCAP crash test, and this latest award is further independent evidence that our technology is market-leading. WE will continue our efforts for ever-better technology to protect passengers and improve all aspects of vehicle performance.”

The i40 is available in and estate version and from next year, a Saloon, also offering peace of mind with Hyundai’s comprehensive Five Year Triple Care package. Thanks to its innovative body structure, the i40 has been rated in the lowest insurance grouping for a D-segment car in the UK.

The 116 sq space in Piccadilly Circus is estimated to be seen by over 56 million people every year including visitors to London from across the globe. Sanyo have held this space since 1978. The billboard has also had a change to state-of-the-art high-resolution LED lights rather than the traditional neon tubes. Today will be the first time in over 20 years that the brand has changed at the lights.

Tony Whitehorn, managing director, Hyundai UK says: “We are delighted to have achieved such a prestigious space in the heart of such a vibrant city. It is a rare opportunity for our brand to become part of the London landscape and to engage with millions of global consumers on a daily basis.

“Only fifty brands have advertised on this site over its 100 year history and adding Hyundai to that list shows just how far the brand has come in recent years. It represents a significant investment for Hyundai and highlights just how important the UK is to the Hyundai business.”

Hyundai Motor Group is the world’s fifth largest and fastest growing major automotive manufacturer.

The day will be in partnership with Epic Motorsports where guests will be able to test their driving skills in one of the many ‘Ultimate Driver Challenges’ on the day.

It’s a great opportunity to test drive Hyundai’s latest model and enjoy a great day out. Numbers are strictly limited. To register your interest please contact Ian Noble or Andrew Keenan on 01642 454375.

Being the largest consumer body in the UK, Which? has over 650,000 members. It is designed to work on behalf of consumers to ensure they provide them with the best possible advice. The Which? awards commend the ‘best of the best’ in products and services.

Hyundai owners gave Hyundai 82% in the Which? reliability survery and 84% in the satisfaction survey. Hyundai was also commended on their competitive prices aswell as all cars now coming with five years unlimited mileage warranty. The i20 and i30 also won ‘best buy’ status following rigorous Which? tests.

Peter Vicary-Smith, chief executive of Which?, said; “To win a Which? Award, not only must a company offer outstanding products or services, it must also deliver exceptional value and a great customer experience.  This is especially important at a time when consumers are really feeling the pinch.

While all those in the shortlist performed well over the past 12 months, Hyundai stood out thanks to its great warranty deal and value for money cars.”

Hyundai’s UK managing director, Tony Whitehorn, said; “We’re delighted to win the award for Best Car Manufacturer. We strive to give our customers the very best value for money by offering quality vehicles that are well equipped, reliable and affordable in terms of price. In addition, our five year, fully transferable, unlimited mileage warranty that comes with all of our vehicles ensures that our customers have total piece of mind.”

He continued to say; “We have an exciting year ahead and will soon launch the all-new i40 Tourer, followed by the 1+2 door coupe Veloster and then the i40 Saloon. Consumers will notice another step change in terms of quality with these new products and we are confident that it will further improve our already competitive product offering.”

This is excellent news for Hyundai and hopefully they will keep this succession up for many more years.

The i40 tourer also comes with a wide range of standard specification, intuitive technology and premium features making it excellent value for money! The i40 will also be an attractive alternative for company drivers, with the lowest Benefit in Kind (BIK) cost in class, also giving an impeccable 65.7 mpg with just 113g/km emissions, which is remarkable for such a car.

Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director, Hyundai Motor UK says: “The all-new i40 Tourer is a stylish yet uncompromised addition to the medium family estate car market. It offers exceptionally low CO2 emissions and high fuel economy; an intuitive, spacious and contemporary interior package combined with an unparalleled level of standard equipment for its class – all at an accessible price.”

He continues: “The i40 is a sign of how far Hyundai has come in recent years, and truly embodies where the brand is going. We believe that it offers a unique, value for money, customer proposition in this highly competitive market segment.”

Just like the rest of the Hyundai range, the i40 will be available in three main trim levels, Active, Style and Premium, with a choice of three efficient engines, four power outputs and manual or automatic transmission. The recently new Hyundai Blue drive are fitted on all Active models and on the Style 1.7 CRDi 136PS, which incorporates Intelligent Stop & Go technology ensuring the low CO2 emissions of just 119 g/km.

The i40 comes with standard equipment which sets it apart from other competitor offerings, including, 16” alloy wheels, leather steering wheel with audio controls, Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, electric front and rear windows, electric heated door mirrors with integrated LED indicators and electric parking brake with automatic hold function. Standard features which come on the mid-point ‘Style’ range include front and rear parking sensors, touch screen satellite navigation with rear view camera, cruise control and dual zone climate control. The top of the range ‘Premium’ models come with even higher standard features such as, keyless entry and supervision instrument cluster with LCD colour display, leather upholstery and a panoramic sunroof. Plus the option of the Lane Departure Warning and Smart Parking Assist, heated leather steering wheel and ventilated front seats.

An i40 saloon will be joining the tourer later in the year, with prices being announced at a later date. The i40 has been designed and engineered at the company’s European R&D headquarters in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

All Hyundai i40 models will be supported by Hyundai’s industry-best, fully transparent Five Year Triple Care assurance. This package offers five-year unlimited warranty, five years of roadside assistance and five years of vehicle health checks.

The i40 has been engineered and designed at the European R&D headquarters of Hyundai in Rüsselsheim, Germany, giving it a purely European identity. The i40 represents the company’s unique form language, ‘fluidic sculpture’. This includes lines inspired by nature to create a dynamic exterior, which has been the design inspiration behind al new Hyundai models, such as the award winning ix35 and ix20.

“We have used very strong, fluid lines from front to rear to give i40 a distinctive appearance,” commented Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. “We wanted to move away from the typical three-box saloon and create a car that was in keeping with the sporty nature of the i40 estate. By sculpting a low, elongated roof line, we’ve given the i40 saloon a striking coupe-like silhouette,” he added.

The i40 saloon has a wheelbase measuring 2.77 metres and delivering best-in-class dimensions for front head (1025mm), shoulder (1455mm), and leg (1170mm) room, also high levels of interior comfort without forgetting the attractive exterior styling.

“While the exterior of i40 saloon stands out for its fluidic form and distinctive appearance, the interior has been shaped to deliver practicality and comfort to the driver and passengers in a high-quality package,” Thomas Bürkle concluded.

Allan Rushforth, Senior Vice President and COO of Hyundai Motor Europe, commented, “The launch of the saloon represents the next step of the i40’s introduction to the European market, following the very positive reception for the i40 estate. The i40 saloon shares the same qualities found in the estate, including a dynamic design element, and broadens the appeal of the i40 to buyers in the D-segment.

“The saloon market in Spain is very strong, claiming almost 40% of the D-Segment, so the Barcelona Motor Show was the logical choice for a reveal of such importance. We couldn’t be more delighted to be holding the world premiere of the i40 saloon in Barcelona, a vibrant European city steeped in culture and creativity,” he concluded.

The world premiere of the all-new i40 saloon at the Hyundai stand will take place in Hall 8 at the Montjuïc Exhibition Centre at 12:20 (CET) on Thursday 12th May 2011.

The event takes place at the Saatchi Gallery, London where Hyundai will present details about the cars including specification, market positioning and pricing as well as the key information needed for sales, aftersales and marketing.

The i40 and Veloster will be the first cars to be launched under the New Thinking. A new TV Advert under Hyundai new brand, New Thinking, New Possibilities, is currently being broadcast across TV networks and shows an i40 at the end of the video.

You can see the advert below as well as video footage of the Veloster on SG Petch TV.

[hdplay id=4 playlistid=4 width=500 height=281 ]

The live recreation of the app was on the 22nd March, held in Berkeley Square, London with John Barnes, Carly Cole and Ian Rush.

Hyundai has created a series of ‘Boot Shoot’ indents where retired famous footballers were set a number of challenges around Hyundai cars, which is part of Hyundai’s Euro 2012 qualifier sponsorship. The event saw the former England and Wales legends come together. The indents will be seen on Saturday’s Sky coverage of the England vs Wales game.

Hyundai decided to bring their brand into life by coming up with the ‘Boot Shoot’ iPhone app, after the idents proved to be so popular. The Hyundai Boot Shoot app features the latest technology to give realistic 3D in-stadium effect, points are scored by flicking footballs into the open boot of a Hyundai ix35. Additional points can also be scored by targeting shots at the windows and body work of ix35′s speeding around on the on-screen pitch. The app also provides users with details of the Hyundai range and enables you to book a test drive through the nearest dealer.

Hyundai UK’s Marketing Director, Andrew Cullis commented: “This March Hyundai embarked on the next stage of its brand evolution with the launch of a new brand positioning and a new strap line: New Thinking. New Possibilities. This positioning demonstrates how we as a brand think differently and how we are constantly looking for new ideas in all areas of the business for the benefit of our customers. For us, converting a successful piece of creative into an engaging game is a new way of connecting consumers with our brand. It is a great example of us developing content for use in multiple communication channels.”

Tony Whitehorn, Managing Director at Hyundai Motor UK Ltd, comments: “We had an overwhelming response from members of the public when we launched our Hyundai Football Challenge TV ads to coincide with the Euro 2012 qualifiers, so we developed this app to further raise brand awareness and engage with consumers in a different way. The use of apps are becoming such a part of day to day life – which is reflected by them recently being added to the Consumer Prices Index and Retail Prices Index basket of goods and services, and they’re a great way for brands to provide additional services via a popular channel. The best apps are relevant and useful in people’s lives; they inform, connect or entertain. With the launch of the Hyundai Boot Shoot app we are aiming to entertain.”

Download the Hyundai Boot Shoot App Today!