Not to be outdone by the likes of Fiat and its range of fashion house designed special edition models, Hyundai's Italian arm partnered with Milanese fashion brand Fiorucci to create a special series of models based on the i10 city car and the larger i20 supermini.
Both the i10 and i20 by Fiorucci models are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.
The most vibrant proposal is the i10 by Fiorucci. It is available with a choice of five colors including Deep Ocean Blue, Oyster Gray, Sleek Silver, Stone Black or Crystal White, with details such as the mirror caps and grille finished in either Fuscia (pink) or Verde Lime (lime green).
The two tone theme is repeated inside on the seat upholstery, dashboard trim, door panels, the unique gearshift knob and floor mats.
Added features include the retractable softop and a Park Assist system with a 4.5 inch monitor on the central mirror that's connected to the rear camera. The i10 by Fiorucci is powered by a 66HP 1.1-liter three-cylinder gasoline engine with prices starting from €10,990.
For the more serious fashionistas, Hyundai offers the larger i20 by Fiorucci. Italian buyers can choose from four different colors (Crystal White, Blue Spark, Dark Grey, Sleek Silver and Black Diamond). All exterior details are finished in a matte black color.
Fiorucci upgraded the i20's interior with unique materials and a black and orange two-tone theme. The special edition i20 also gets two glass sunroofs and the same Park Assist system found in its smaller sibling. The only available engine option is a 1.2-liter four-cylinder gasoline unit with 78 ponies. Prices in Italy start from €14,990.
Three years after its introduction, Hyundai has given its i10 a mid-cycle facelift, providing the city car with a new front snout that takes styling cues from the ix35 SUV (marketed as the Tucson in the States). Along with the hexagonal grille, the 2011MY i10 gets a reshaped bumper and new headlamps as well as a new set of exterior mirrors that now incorporate turning signals.
For the time being, we only have a single photo of the car's exterior, but it is said that the i10's interior has also received some minor tweaks.
More significant than the styling updates, however, are the changes underneath the hood as the i10 receives a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine with 68-horsepower and less than 100g/km CO2 emissions.
In a special event in South Korea, Hyundai revealed its first production-ready full electric car named "Blueon". Based on the firm's small i10 hatchback, the BlueOn was developed over a one year period, with an investment of approximately 40 billion Won, or US$34 million.
The Blueon is equipped with an electric motor producing 61kW (82HP) and maximum torque of 210Nm. Energy is drawn from a 16.4 kWh LiPoly (lithium-ion polymer) battery pack, which offers a driving range of 140 km (87 miles) on a single charge.
When connected to a regular household power supply, the battery pack can be fully recharged within six hours, while under the 'quick charge' method, the battery can be replenished to around 80 percent capacity in 25 minutes.
Hyundai says the BlueOn can accelerate from standstill to 100km/h (62mph) in 13.1 seconds and reach a top speed of 130km/h (81mph).
Like other EVs, the BlueOn features a Virtual Engine Sound System (VESS), which creates an artificial sound for the safety of pedestrians when driving at low speeds.
Hyundai said it is planning to provide around 30 BlueOn test fleet vehicles to a number of Korean government organizations over the next few months to develop and test charging infrastructure over a two year period, with a goal of building building 2,500 examples for sale by the end of 2012.
"We are proud to introduce the world to BlueOn, which was fully developed in Korea and displays Hyundai's latest technological advancements," said Dr. Hyun-Soon Lee, Vice Chairman at Hyundai's Corporate R&D Center. "Consumers' interests and demand for eco-friendly cars are rising and securing such advanced technology is critical in becoming an industry leader. Hyundai is dedicated to reducing its carbon footprint and satisfying market needs."
What you're looking at here is the first teaser sketch of Hyundai's foray into Europe's mini-MPV segment, the ix20, which will make its world premiere along with the facelifted i10 city car at the Mondial de l'Automobile in Paris on September 30th.
Based on the underpinnings of the Kia Venga, the ix20 was designed and developed at Hyundai's European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany, and is the second car in Europe after the ix35 (known as the Tucson in the States) to adopt the South Korean firm's new 'fluidic sculpture' styling language.
Even though Hyundai is keeping details about the new ix20 confidential, being a sister model to the Kia Venga B-Segment MPV means European buyers should expect a similar engine lineup with 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre gasoline and diesel engines ranging in output from 75 to 115 horsepower.
As for the facelifted 2011 i10 city car, while Hyundai has yet to release photos, the company said the upgraded version of its city car benefits from "a comprehensive set of enhancements in terms of design, specification and competiveness – including a new 1.0-litre engine with CO2 emissions of just 99 g/km."
Check back for more details and images on both cars as the 2010 Paris Auto Show gets nearer.
While we doubt any sane private buyer would care about owning a small Hyundai decked out with 'grass' bodywork and interior, a giant football and goal posts, we guess that a car dealer or a sports shop could use the car as an attention grabber for their store.
In any case, one of Hyundai's two i10 2010 World Cup promotional cars has been put up for sale on eBay with all proceeds to benefit "BEN", an automotive industry charity in the UK for those who work, or have worked, in the automotive and related industries, as well as their dependents.
The starting bid on eBay is £1,995, with Hyundai hoping that the final total will be at least double this when the auction ends at midday on Tuesday, August 10.
Here's your chance to own a motoring masterpiece – one of only two Hyundai i10 football cars in the WORLD!
Built by Hyundai UK to celebrate the manufacturer's association with the 2010 World Cup, this 09-plate Hyundai city car has been modified to become one of the most unique machines you will ever see on the roads.
Produced by car artist Andy Saunders – a hugely talented modifier – the Hyundai i10 has 'grass' bodywork, a giant football on the roof and goal posts. Cool, eh?
THE CLARKSON CONNECTION
It doesn't just look cool, but has also had a celebrity past. This is one of two Hyundai i10s lent to Jeremy Clarkson for his 2009 video Duel.
In that video it was one of the cars raced by The Stig and Tiff Needell – so not only will you have one of the most unique looking cars on the roads, you'll also be bagging one that's got a famous background too!
THE CAR
Firstly, let's talk about the i10 – as under the 'make up' that's exactly what it is. Here are the facts:
09-plate Hyundai i10
ONLY 1,000 miles
1.2-litre petrol engine
Classic trim with electric windows, air conditioning, CD radio with MP3 and aux-in stereo
THE MODIFICATIONS
Football – this giant metal football has been inserted into the roof and bolted through it. Its position has restricted rear headroom, but hey, it's a giant football so you can't have everything.
Goal Posts – these are bolted in place, but can be removed. The net has to be tied back when driving.
Grass – the bodywork is covered in astro turf. Advantages? No washing and as it's astro turf, no cutting either.
Interior – the seats have been trimmed in plastic 'grass' coverings to a very high standard.
Dash – the dashboard has been painted white to match the theme. The door cards have a green grass effect and there are some size 8.5 'air freshener' boots hanging from the mirror.
Headrests – the rear headrests are three footballs. Don't try to kick them though. You'll hurt yourself.
Wing mirrors – these are made from football boots too. To be honest they're pretty useless at helping you see behind, but they look cool!
Tinted windows – Come on, be honest, you've always wanted tinted windows, but have never had the bottle to do it. Well now you can have a car with it done already. And they're green too! Don't say you're not impressed…
WHY BUY IT?
The car has been produced to impeccable standards and really is a total masterpiece. Everyone stops and stares at the car – and as an advertising hoarding it's second to none.
We won't tell you who should buy it – but we're thinking football clubs, sports shops, sports bars or cafes, or car dealerships with a football connection could all get a huge amount of value out of this car.
IS IT ROAD LEGAL?
Andy Saunders, who built the car, is also an MOT tester and he believes the only thing that would be questionable is the net and the wing mirror boots – as they still have their studs on them. Both are easily removable. As the car is an 09-plate it does not need an MOT for another two years.
The car drives perfectly well and the ball and goal posts are no different to having something on a roof rack or a pickup-style rear bars as seen driven by your local builder.
There is a warning light on the dash which is for the side airbags. These have been disabled as they are in the sides of the seats which have been re-upholstered. The other airbags still work correctly.
CHEAP CAR
There may be some of you out there that may simply be after a very cheap, 09-plate, 1000-mile Hyundai i10. We don't blame you. After all, this i10 – although it would be somewhat of a shame – could be just that.
All you'd need to do is remove the goal posts, and the ball – repair the hole left behind with a sunroof (easily done), find some new wing mirrors and away you go. Yes, it may still have grass on it – but at least you won't have to worry about parking dents in the doors…
CHARITY
This car is being sold as part of a charity challenge by Car Dealer Magazine which is attempting to trade up from nothing to a Porsche 911 by the end of the year. Once the Porsche has been sold, all the money raised will be handed to BEN (www.ben.org.uk), an automotive industry charity as a donation.
That means not only will you be buying a totally unique car with an amazing history – but you'll also be helping out a good cause too! You may even go to heaven… (but I can't guarantee that last part).
The car can be viewed at any time. We're based in Gosport, Hampshire.
Both the i10 and i20 by Fiorucci models are characterized by the unique color combos inside and out as well as their upgraded standard equipment and the use of exclusive materials in the cabin.
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