#HyundaiI-flowConcept

Hyundai unveiled its i-Flow concept vehicle, calling it a preview for a future D-Segment contender. According to Hyundai, we may see the i-Flow’s styling and technology in a 2011 production model. Would it be too much to expect it in the 2011 Euro-spec Sonata?

Hyundai has just revealed the first photo that shows its new i-Flow concept in full. The concept car is set to be revealed at next week’s Geneva Auto Show and is a look ahead at the future of the Sonata in Europe. With a new Sonata having just been launched in North America and Korea, Hyundai has decided to shy away from the global vehicle approach and instead create a new Europe-specific Sonata replacement that is likely to be both more premium and more expensive.

Hyundai has just released a single sketch of the i-Flow Concept, which it will officially unveil at the Geneva Auto Show next month. The i-Flow is a look at what the company’s next D-segment (mid-size) car for the European market will be.

We’re surprised to hear Hyundai is going this route because in the past the Sonata (or i40) was a world car platform and the automaker has just introduced the all-new 2011 Sonata in North America. It seems, however, that Hyundai has decided Europe needs a more dedicated model, which we imagine will be more premium and possible a bit smaller, to complete with the likes of the Ford Mondeo and Volkswagen Passat. It’s possible that this Sonata replacement could keep the same underpinnings as the new Sonata, but use Genesis-grade trim items and a unique design.

We’ll be sure to bring you more info when Hyundai unveils the car at the Geneva Auto Show. AutoGuide’s live Geneva coverage begins March 2nd.

Click here for AutoGuide’s live 2010 Geneva Auto Show coverage starting Monday, March 1st.

Official release after the jump: