Hyundai’s Model Naming Conventions: From 0 to Fubar in Just 4 Years

Hyundai is one of the world’s biggest automakers, and the most visible of South Korea’s business and industrial acumen. So you would think a company that can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of Toyota and pre-bailout GM would be pretty consistent with its model naming conventions, right?

Well, not exactly. When Hyundai first launched the i30 hatchback in Europe, Australia and other markets, it seemed that familiar nameplates such as Elantra and Sonata would soon be dead and buried. Not so. In fact, the i30 CW (basically, the station wagon version of the i30), is still sold in the U.S. as the Elantra Touring.

And there's another thing. When the “i” and “ix” naming convention was introduced by Hyundai, it seemed to me that the “i” names would be for cars and the “ix” for the brand’s SUVs. This too was not to be. In Australia, the Hyundai Sonata is sold as the i45 and the upcoming ix20 is a B-segment MPV, not a mini SUV.

So what gives, Hyundai? Why can’t you keep the names internally consisted? Audi never had this problem. A’s for cars and Q’s for SUVs. Oh, I forgot about the TT and R8. Damn it, guys! It can’t be that difficult to stay consistent. It irks me, as I’m a pedant and a stickler for uniformity.

So that’s my two cents. We now return you to your regular scheduled blog.

By Tristan Hankins

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Nissan Qashqai Surpasses 1 Million Sales Milestone

Nissan's well-received Qashqai model has just passed the 1,000,000 sales mark after four years in production. The compact crossover model, which is also known as the Dualis in Japan and Australia and other markets, was designed and engineered in Britain. Introduced in 2007, Nissan expanded the crossover's range with the presentation of the seven-seater, long-wheelbase version called the Qashqai+2 in 2008, while the entire series received an update in March 2010 with a refreshed design and powertrain refinements.

The Qashqai is currently manufactured in Nissan's Sunderland factory in the UK, the Kyushu factory in Japan, and in Dongfeng Nissan’s Huadu Plant and Zhengzhou Nissan’s No. 2 Plant in China. Britain is by far the largest producer of the Qashqai, with more than 800,000 of the 1,000,000 being made in Sunderland.

As far as sales are concerned, Europe leads the way with a total of 759,370 units, 111,088 of which are from the UK, followed by Italy with 103,647 units.

"Qashqai is clearly the pioneer when it comes to ‘Compact Crossovers’, setting the trend that others in the industry follow," said Guillaume Masurel, Nissan's Global Chief Marketing Manager for Qashqai. "Its balance of key SUV attributes like robust design, roomy interior and higher driving position combined with the benefits of a hatchback such as great fuel economy, compactness and driving dynamics, resonates well with customers around the world."

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Holden Unveils Aussie-Built Cruze Series II with New 2.0L Diesel and 1.4L Turbo Petrol

Holden, General Motors' Australian division, introduced an updated version of its Cruze sedan bearing the Series II moniker today. The facelift brings powertrain, chassis and some styling changes, but most importantly, it marks the switch to local production starting from March, 2011. Up until now, the Holden Cruze sedan was imported to Australia from Korea. The first locally built compact model in the country in more than a decade will be manufactured at Holden's plant in Elizabeth, South Australia.

The styling updates on the Cruze Series II are kept to a minimum and concern the new trapezoidal grille, subtly redesigned front bumper, new headlamp bezels and a different rear fascia treatment.

The facelift brings two new engines, a 2.0-liter turbo diesel and a 1.4-liter turbocharged gasoline unit, while the naturally aspirated 1.8-liter engine carries over with some minor revisions from the Series 1 model.

The new diesel engine produces 120 kW [161HP] at 3800rpm and 360 Nm at 1750 rpm, meaning output has been increased by 9 per cent and torque by 12.5 per cent over the previous engine. Holden says fuel economy improves to 5.6 lt/100km [42mpg US] with the new six-speed manual gearbox and remains at 6.7lt/100km [35.1mpg US] with the optional six-speed auto.

The newly introduced 1.4 iTi turbocharged petrol delivers 103 kW [138-HP] at 4900 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm between 1,850-4,900 rpm. It comes standard on SRi and SRi-V models and is optional on the Cruze CD. When equipped with the standard 6-speed manual, the 1.4 iTi returns a fuel economy figure of 6.4lt/100km [36.7mpg US], while the optional six-speed auto is good for 6.9lt/100km [34.1mpg US].

In addition, all 1.4 iTi models come with a range of chassis refinements, among them the fitment of Watts link performance suspension which is said offer improved handling qualities and a smoother, quieter ride. The new Cruze SRi and SRi-V models with the 1.4 iTi also get bespoke front and rear fascia treatments, a boot lip spoiler, side sills and 17-inch five-spoke alloy wheels.

Finally, the 1.8-liter ECOTEC petrol engine with 104 kW [138-HP] at 6200 rpm and 176 Nm of torque at 3800 rpm has received some refinements, which Holden claims to have resulted in "a more lively launch feel and all-round improved driveability". With the 5-speed manual gearbox, the 1.8 petrol returns 7lt/100km and with the six-speed auto that includes an improved final drive ratio, 7.4lt/100km.

“We have worked hard to improve on the current model by tailoring the Cruze to better meet the needs of Australian motorists,” Holden Chairman and Managing Director Mike Devereux said.

“We think our locally-developed range ticks all the boxes for people who appreciate style, comfort and convenience, as well as high-tech performance options and great interior space. Cruze also remains one of the safest small cars on the market and more than ever it represents exceptional value for money in true Holden tradition.”

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