South Korean carmakers are set to use this week’s International Geneva Motor Show to showcase practical new additions to their lineup.

Hyundai Motor Co. Kia Motors Corp., GM Korea Co. and Ssangyong Motor Co. will take part in the trade show which opens Tuesday for a two-week run. About 70 conventional and eco-friendly models are making their debut at the show.

Hyundai, Korea’s largest carmaker, will unveil its first mid-sized station wagon i40 for the first time. It sports coupe Veloster will also make its European debut.

The i40 is Hyundai’s fourth vehicle designed specifically to target European motorists.

The company will first release the i40 fitted with a 1.7-liter diesel engine in Europe during the first half of the year, and may add a gasoline engine to the lineup, a Hyundai official said. Hyundai is also said to be considering launching the vehicle on the domestic market at a later date. 

Hyundai’s sister carmaker Kia Motors Corp. is also using the event to showcase two of its latest subcompact and mini vehicles.

Kia’s main display for the Geneva events are the subcompact known by the project name UB and the latest version of the city car Morning, known as the Picanto in overseas markets.

In addition to these, the two carmakers are also showing off seven eco-friendly vehicles including hybrid electric versions of the Sonata and K5, and concept cars at the event.

While GM Korea is not taking part in the event as a separate entity, Chevrolet vehicles produced by the company are on display.

The highlight of GM Korea’s contribution to the U.S. brand’s exhibition is the Cruze Hatchback that makes its debut at the show.

Along with the new hatchback, the Orlando, Aveo and Camaro will take the center stage at Chevrolet’s booth.

The highlight of Ssangyong’s offerings for the show is the Q-150 concept car that will be the follow-up to the sports utility truck Actyon Sports.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com).