With its sights heavily set on increasing its footprint in the growing Brazilian market, Hyundai lifted the covers off a new model named HB20 (HB stands for ‘Hyundai Brazil’), with which it will enter the biggest and most competitive segment in the country’s car market.
The HB20 was not only designed for Brazil but it will also be the first model to be produced at Hyundai’s fully-owned new plant in Piracicaba, located in the Brazilian state of São Paulo. Production of the sub-compact hatch will begin on September 20, while sales will start in early October.
“For Hyundai, the launch of HB20 means a lot more than simply presenting a new model. Unlike our other models currently offered in Brazil, HB20 is the first model strategically developed and produced exclusively for the Brazilian market,” said Chang Kyun Han, President of Hyundai Motors Brazil.
The five-door hatchback is related to the European market i20 featuring a revised exterior styling and a different interior. Hyundai says it has adapted the HB20 to the needs of buyers in Brazil.
“This new car is optimized to the taste of Brazilian consumers and the driving conditions in this country, with years of dedication from our engineers,” said Kyun Han. “I guarantee with pride that HB20 will change the perception of Brazilian customers in the small car segment”
Hyundai’s flex-fuel car comes with three available powertrains, including 1.0-liter (80hp) and 1.6-liter (128hp) engines linked to a five-speed manual gearbox and a 1.6-liter unit with an automatic transmission turning the front wheels.
Prices in Brazil will start at BRL 31,995 (about US$15,800 or €12,200).
Hyundai noted that its HB family of models will also have sedan and crossover versions that will enter the market in 2013, adding that all three vehicles will be produced alongside the HB20 at the Piracicaba factory, which is the company’s seventh overseas manufacturing base outside South Korea, after Turkey, India, China, the United States, the Czech Republic and Russia.
Story References: Hyundai Brazil and Autossegredos
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