What's the news?

Hyundai is heading to the Frankfurt Motor Show with all guns blazing as it debuts new and updated models, a stunning concept and a new high performance sub-brand.

What's the new model?

It's called the i20 Active and it is essentially a compact crossover derived from the regular five-door i20 hatchback. Suspension is jacked up by 20mm and the front and rear bumpers get more rugged looking skid plates. The sills and wheel arches also get a protective black plastic cladding to complete the look.

This, along with the rest of the i20 range, will also become available with a new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine. It will come in two different power outputs of 100- and 120hp, with Hyundai keen to point out that the latter doesn't sacrifice efficiency despite allowing for what it calls 'more spirited driving'.

What else is new?

Hyundai's flagship SUV, the Santa Fe, has come in for a slight update. The exterior look has been sharpened up while inside the use of new materials is complemented by some small visual updates to ensure that it keeps up with the ever improving competition.

To help matters further Hyundai has added a number of new active safety systems and driver aids including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Rear-Cross Traffic Alert, Smart Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist and High Beam Assist.

So what else will be on show in Frankfurt?

Fresh from its debut at Monterey Car Week in the US last month, the spectacular Vision G concept coupé will make its first European appearance on the Hyundai stand. It's unlikely that we'll see this, or anything close to it, reach production any time soon but Hyundai is understandably very excited and proud of it. Vice President Marketing at Hyundai Motor Europe, Jochen Sengpiehl said: "In line with our Modern Premium strategic direction, we are upgrading the Hyundai brand and creating new possibilities for our customers. Vision G shows the inspiration for future Hyundai design and premium products."

There's even more new tech. Android smartphone users will, from November onwards, be able to use Android Auto in the new i40. The smartphone mirroring software enables users to control and use apps on their phone via the car's infotainment screen for things such as messaging and music streaming.

What's all this about a performance sub-brand?

Not keen to be left behind by some of its key rivals, Hyundai is launching its own performance brand called Hyundai N. Exact details remain sketchy at this stage but it is due to display at least one prototype car at the Frankfurt Motor Show this month.

Dave Humphreys - 2 Sep 2015