Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell concept at Paris 2012

Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell at the 2012 Paris Motor Show

Hyundai's ix35 crossover has been with us for a good few years now, introduced in its current guise back in 2009. But, for 2013 it's getting some seriously interesting new technology.

Paris Motor Show 2012

What is it?
That's because this ix35 in particular is not powered by a conventional internal combustion engine - it actually uses a hydrogen fuel cell to create electricity, which in turn powers an electric motor. And the Nissan TeRRA thought it was going to be the only hydrogen vehicle in Paris...

What's hot?
This will be the first series production hydrogen fuel cell vehicle in the world, according to Hyundai. That's a cool claim to fame, but the importance of the above is more than just corporate ego. It has real world benefits, too, in that it produces no local emissions.

What's not?
While that's cool - and definitely something of a bonus given how the vehicle taxation system in the UK works - although the car is packed full of futuristic tech underneath, the exterior is somewhat less exciting. Given its powertrain, we think Hyundai could have jazzed up the outside a touch. It's a win to the Nissan TeRRA on this count.

How much and when?
Hyundai is intending to roll out the ix35 Fuel Cell vehicle to fleets and private buyers by the end of the year, however, at what price is as yet unknown. The current most expensive ix35 costs £25,060 - given the level of development needed and the tech involved, expect the ix35 Fuel Cell to seriously eclipse this. £30,000 as a minimum is not a bad bet.

Anything else I should know?
It's not strictly true that a hydrogen fuel cell emits nothing - the only by-product of the hydrogen-oxygen chemical reaction in the cell is pure water. The special ix35's electric motor produces 136hp, meaning a 0-62mph time of 12.5 seconds and a 100mph top speed. The eco-focused 4x4 has a total range of 368 miles on one hydrogen fill-up, too - and don't forget, that's completely tailpipe emissions free.

Paris Motor Show 2012
On Bing: see images of the Hyundai ix35 Fuel Cell
Find out how much a Hyundai ix35 is worth on Auto Trader
Read a Hyundai review on MSN Cars
First drive: Hyundai ix35 (20120 onwards)