Eco Hyundai

Hyundai's Blue Will 'eco-sleeker'. Photo / Supplied

Hyundai revealed a radical plug-in concept at last week's Seoul show. The Blue Will "eco-sleeker" is a next-generation hybrid powered by an all aluminium 1.6-litre direct-injected petrol engine, mated to a 100kW electric motor. It puts power to the wheels via a CVT transmission.

This set-up and its lithium-ion polymer battery packed under the rear seat use the same tech as Kia's Forte LPI - a Hyundai version of which will be sold as an Elantra hybrid. The Hyundai will be the first mass-production vehicle to use the Lithium-ion polymer batteries when it goes on sale in July this year.

Other eco-friendly tech include organic plastics derived from plant matter in the interior and headlamp bezels built from recycled soft-drink bottles.

Dye-sensitive solar panels in the panoramic glass roof generate electricity that boosts battery power.