Along with an electric version of the company’s tiny i10, Hyundai will also unveil an innovative hybrid CUV concept at the Frankfurt Auto Show in just over a weeks time.

As a part of Hyundai’s Blue drive initiative, the ix-Metro is powered by a turbocharged 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gasoline engine mated to an electric motor. Designed for Europe, this model is particularly interesting as it is a sub-compact crossover. It also gets a state-of-the-art six-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As for the electric i10, it will get a 65hp (49 kW) electric motor with a range of 100 miles.

In addition to these Blue Drive vehicles, Hyundai will also have on hand the Elantra LPI Hybrid and the Blue Will Plug-In Hybrid Electric concept vehicle.

Production vehicle debuts include the 2010 Tucson and the updated 2010 Santa Fe.

GALLERY: Hyundai ix-Metro Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Today Hyundai introduced a hybrid version of its compact Elentra sedan for the Korean marketplace. This mild-hybrid system makes use of an unconventional 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that is powered by LPG (liquefied petroleum gas), or what is also known as propane. That engine is then mated to an electric motor, which receives its power from Lithium Ion Polymer battery packs.

Together these two motors combine to make 134hp and propel the hybrid Elantra to 62 mph in 11.7 seconds, which, says Hyundai, is about two seconds faster than the Civic Hybrid. Hyundai claims the car will deliver $1,100 in saving annually over a conventional gasoline powered car, but much of that savings has to do with the fact that LPG costs roughly half the price of gasoline.

In total, Hyundai claims the Elentra LPI (liquid petroleum injected) Hybrid gets an average of 41.9 mpg. To achieve this it also has a Start-Stop function and an ‘Eco Guide’ tree icon to let drivers know when they are driving in a fuel-efficient manner. There is also an E or “Eco Drive” gear, which the driver can select, to optimize gearing, while increasing the level of electric power assistance and regenerative braking.

Hyundai will build 7,500 units for the Korean market with a starting price of 20.5 million won ($16,180). There are no immediate plans to export the car to other markets, but the Korean automaker is exploring the possibility in regions where LPG is readily accessible.

GALLERY: Hyundai Elantra LPI Hybrid

Official release afteer the jump:

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