2014 Hyundai Elantra Limited on 2040-cars

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BMW, Hyundai score big in JD Power's first Tech Experience Index

While automakers are quick to brag about winning a JD Power Initial Quality Study award, the reality, as we've pointed out before, is that these ratings are somewhat misleading, since IQS doesn't necessarily distinguish genuine quality issues. JD Power's new Tech Experience Index aims to solve that problem. The new metric takes the same 90-day approach as IQS but focuses exclusively on technology – collision protection, comfort and convenience, driving assistance, entertainment and connectivity, navigation, and smartphone mirroring. It splits the industry up into just seven segments, based loosely on size, which is why the Chevrolet Camaro is in the same division (mid-size) as Kia Sorento and the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class is in the same segment as the Hyundai Genesis (mid-size premium). It makes for some screwy bedfellows, to be sure. Still, splitting tech experience away from initial quality should allow customers to make more informed and intelligent decisions when buying new vehicles. In the inaugural study, respondents listed BMW and Hyundai as the big winners, with two segment awards – the 2 Series for small premium and the 4 Series for compact premium, and the Genesis for mid-size premium and Tucson for small segment. The Chevrolet Camaro (midsize), Kia Forte (compact), and Nissan Maxima (large) scored individual wins. Ford also had a surprising hit with the Lincoln MKC, which ranked third in the compact premium segment behind the 4 Series and Lexus IS. This is a coup for the Blue Oval, whose woeful MyFord Touch systems made the brand a victim of the IQS' flaws in the early 2010s. But Ford and other automakers might not want to celebrate just yet. According to JD Power, there's still a lot of room for improvement – navigation systems were the lowest-rated piece of tech in the study. Instead, customers repeatedly saluted collision-avoidance and safety systems, giving the category the best marks of the study and listing blind-spot monitoring and backup cameras as two must-have features – 96 percent of respondents said they wanted those two systems in their next vehicle. But this isn't really a surprise. Implementation of safety systems from brand to brand is similar, and they don't require any input from users, unlike navigation and infotainment systems which are frustratingly deep.

2013 Hyundai ix35 is a freshened-up Euro-Tucson

In places that aren't the United States, Hyundai calls its Tucson compact crossover the ix35. And as part of its Geneva Motor Show presence, the Korean automaker has debuted this freshened version of the C-segment CUV, showing some minor tweaks to an otherwise attractive package.
The most noticeable changes are found up front, where a revised grille slots in between newly designed headlamps that now feature LED running lights. Around back, the taillamps have also been given the nip/tuck treatment, and it appears some redesigned wheels have been included in this update, as well.
Hyundai has fitted its ix35 with a new, direct-injected version of its 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine (with undisclosed power figures, natch). And when it comes time to put that power to the road, driver's will be able to use a new selectable electric power steering system similar to what's on the Elantra GT and Santa Fe Sport, with normal, comfort and sport modes.

Hyundai sketches Ioniq ahead of debut this month

Hyundai has an altogether new model coming soon. It's called the Ioniq, and it'll be a dedicated electrified vehicle with a choice of three powertrain options. The automaker is set to take the wraps off later this month in Korea, but before it does, it's giving us another advance look at the design. As we've seen from previous teasers and spy shots, the Ioniq is slated to blend elements from Hyundai's own design language with a form that ought to closely resemble, in abstract at least, those of rivals like the Chevy Volt and Toyota Prius. That means an aerodynamic shape ending with a high tail to get the most out of its powertrain. The interior promises to be both futuristic and comfortable. Underneath it all is a new platform developed specifically for the Ioniq and three levels of electrification. There'll be a gasoline-electric hybrid version, a plug-in hybrid, and a full EV. We should get out first look up close at the Ioniq at the Geneva Motor Show and New York Auto Show in March, following its reveal in Korea within weeks from now. But even before it's unveiled, Hyundai is already taking pre-orders in certain markets. HYUNDAI MOTOR REVEALS INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR RENDERINGS OF NEW IONIQ - New renderings reveal further innovations for the alternatively fueled IONIQ - Cutting-edge technology delivers class-leading aerodynamics and fuel efficiency - IONIQ introduces unique new vehicle design with three responsive powertrains - Pre-orders now being accepted in domestic market for the IONIQ, released later in 2016 January 5, 2016 – Hyundai Motor has revealed further details of the new IONIQ ahead of its launch in Korea later this month. The innovative alternative-fuel compact vehicle, now available for pre-order in selected markets, is the first-ever car to offer a choice of three efficient and ultra-low emission powertrain options in one body type. The latest interior and exterior renderings reveal more of the IONIQ's eco-friendly credentials, with its advanced powertrain technology central to Hyundai Motor's aim for the world's best hybrid fuel-efficiency. The newly-developed platform, available with full electric, plug-in petrol / electric hybrid, or petrol / electric hybrid powertrains, also delivers a fun and responsive driving experience to match the emotional appeal of the car'seye-catching lines. The exterior of the IONIQ features a distinguished, cutting-edge aerodynamic design.