Hyundai readies C-segment and full-size crossover entries

Hyundai has already given us an all-new Sonata, Grandeur and Santa Fe over the past 18 months, but the South Korean manufacturer has more fresh offerings up its corporate sleeve.

An all-new Elantra replacement is waiting in the wings, and this vehicle will be previewed by the Arnejs concept that debuts at the imminent Paris motor show.

Known internally as the FD, the Arnejs (pronounced 'Ar-nez') is based on the same underpinnings as the Kia C'eed concept that appeared at the Geneva motor show earlier in the year.

Word is that the eventual production version will be offered as a five-door, as well as in other body styles (these are likely to include a wagon and an MPV). We only hope the showroom versions look as good as the futuristic Paris concept.

Also in Hyundai's product pipeline is a large seven-seat crossover that will be pitched against the likes of the upcoming Subaru Tribeca and Mazda CX-9.

The full-size SUV will be named Veracruz, continuing the naming theme established by the Santa Fe and Tucson.

It will be powered by the same 194kW/348Nm 3.8-litre V6 that propels the Grandeur, with torque being directed to all four wheels via a six-speed auto transmission.

The economies of scale equation will be made to work by sourcing much of the Veracruz's architecture from the existing Santa Fe.

Versatility should be a strong suite, thanks to multiple seating configurations, while safety kit is likely to include traction and stability control and front, side and curtain airbags.

Hyundai-Kia is currently the seventh-largest car-making conglomerate, but with 3.7 million units produced in 2005, the Korean company is rapidly catching up with DaimlerChrysler (4.8m) and Renault-Nissan (6m).

Locally, Hyundai's sales have declined ever so slightly over the past 12 months. The brand notched up 26,165 sales until the end of August this year, compared with 26,948 for the same period in 2005.