Hyundai ix35 Hybrid Concept

Hyundai showed a slew of its environmentally friendly vehicles at the Paris Motor Show this week, which included the ix35 Blue and ix35 Hybrid Concept. Both utilize Hyundai's new 1.7-liter diesel engine that produces 115 horsepower and 192 pound-feet of torque. As evidenced by its name, the Hybrid concept also employs an electric motor to further decrease consumption although the five-kilowatt (seven horsepower) unit can't propel the vehicle on its own.

Both the ix35 and ix35 Hybrid concept also feature Hyundai's latest six-speed manual transmission, meaning that should the hybrid version make it to market, Honda's CR-Z won't be the only hybrid available with a manual transmission. Both versions of the ix35 also employ an engine start/stop feature.

Start/stop systems work seamlessly with automatic transmissions, but may require manual transmission users to change their driving style. The system works by killing the engine when the vehicle comes to a complete stop and the driver has the car in neutral with the clutch out. It then refires the engine the instant the clutch is depressed -- which is similar to the system Audi introduced on its A1.

In addition to frugal drivetrains, the fuel efficient Blue and Hybrid versions of Hyundai's ix35 crossover feature subtle aerodynamic changes to further decrease drag. Of course, a logo on the back identifies the models should the subtle exterior cues not be enough.