Geneva motor show - Hyundai

Plastic fantastic
The most interesting model in Hyundai's stand is the concept car, the QarmaQ.

It is basically a sporty 4x4 and its most striking feature is a panoramic windscreen that swoops all the way to the side doors. It is made from polycarbonate materials which are 50% lighter than glass.

The car also boasts Hyundai's 'elastic front safety system': technology that uses energy-absorbing materials to increase pedestrian safety.

It's greener too
Hyundai has used environmentally friendly materials to knock 60kgs from the weight of a car of a similar size. It has estimated that that weight saving means the vehicle would require 80 litres fewer of diesel a year and would cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200kg a year.

Korean Focus
Hyundai's new Ford Focus rival, the i30, revealed at Geneva today is another illustration of how Korean car makers are about to give their European and Japanese counterparts an increasingly rough ride.

Kia's Focus-sized Cee'd hatchback has already shown what's in store. Now Hyundai, Kia's parent company, is preparing to make it double trouble.

The i30 comes to the UK in July. It's based on the Cee'd, has similarly pleasing looks and lots of space, and delivers above-average comfort and refinement.

Its nose seems to have been partially inspired by the Vauxhall Astra, and the rear owes at least some allegiance to the BMW 1 Series.

There will be six engines, including all those offered in the Cee'd. The petrol line-up starts with a 106bhp 1.4 and progresses through a 119bhp 1.6 to a 138bhp 2.0. A 220bhp turbo could be added later. Diesel fans are catered for by 89bhp and 113bhp 1.6-litre engines, as well as a 138bhp 2.0.

The pick of the four models we tried in pre-production form is the 1.4, which punches well above its weight, is the sweetest-handling and is likely to be available for less than £11,000. However, the 113bhp diesel runs it a close second. The biggest disappointment is the 2.0 petrol, which lacks punch and gets thrashy when revved.

How is it different from Kia?
Hyundai has gone for a softer suspension set-up than Kia, putting the emphasis on comfort rather than sportiness, though a sports option is being considered. In standard form, the car rides comfortably and still handles well, with lots of grip, but the sports alternative could be too firm for some tastes.

Hyundai will build 300,000 i30s a year, with around 15,000 coming to the UK. An estate will be added in November and there could eventually be a three-door, though it's not currently in the plan.

Will Hyundai copy the seven-year warranty Kia provides with Cee'd? Unlikely, though the UK importers are looking for some way to make the i30 stand out from the crowd.

Expect prices to start at £700-800 more than the Kia 'eed.

To see video footage of the Hyundai stand, click here.