Hyundai shows i-blue range at Geneva

Aiming at bringing a practical, production angle to the often outlandish realm of ecological car-show concepts, the Hyundai i-blue range combines existing technologies in innovative ways to show what can be done to make a green (or blue, if you will) car - now.

By increasing motor efficiency, reducing driveline friction, focusing on aerodynamics, including stop-start ignition, employing low-rolling-resistance tires and lowering the suspension by 15-20mm, the i-blue treatment eeks every last bit of efficiency out of the available framework.

At the heart of the new i10 blue CNG concept is a 0.8L three-cylinder turbocharged compressed natural gas motor. Yes, that's right - a car motor that's outclassed in displacement by any number of production motorcycles. But Hyundai thinks that the CO2 savings and surprising power output will make up for any size concerns buyers may have. Squeezing 96.6hp out of the miniscule motor gives the i10 blue a specific output of 120.75hp/L - and that puts it in company with the Honda S2000, which is to say, not bad at all. Despite the power, the i10 blue CNG only emits 65g/km CO2.

The i10 blue also has a diesel variant that manages 74hp from a scant 1.1L CRDi engine. Emitting just 114g/km CO2 in stock form, but with the i-blue treatment CO2 drops to just 95g/km. This 2007 model is also on show in Geneva alongside the i30 blue, a 1.6L CRDi-powered five-door that emits 125g/km in stock form and 106g/km CO2 in i-blue dress.