Hyundai has unveiled its latest European concept car, named i-oniq, at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, showcasing new technology and design which present an impression of the company’s future thinking.

The 4,4 meters long i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine. Intended to convey the latest thinking from Hyundai’s designers and engineers, the i-oniq evolves the company’s fluidic sculpture form language and represents bold ‘New Possibilities’ with its futuristic powertrain.

Exterior design: inspiration and evolution

The i-oniq concept car, designed and developed at Hyundai’s European R&D centre in Germany, is an evolution of the company’s signature design language, fluidic sculpture.

Hyundai designers chose dynamic proportions to create i-oniq’s aesthetic and functional body shape. Its design combines gentle feature lines and muscular surface treatment, conveying premium and athletic qualities evident in both the exterior and interior of the car.

Thomas Bürkle, Chief Designer at the Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre, commented, “Two arched curves are the key theme behind i-oniq, creating a strong and playful contrast between sharp character lines and soft but muscular features. The profile lines of the front fender run from front to back, emphasising i-oniq’s coupé appearance, while offering maximum visibility to occupants.”

Further design elements, such as the ‘penthouse roof’ and LED headlights, emphasise the advanced technology encased within i-oniq.

The roof is a unique design solution that ensures great space for rear passengers and contributes to the overall dynamic appearance. The car’s doors open up to the side: innovative, weight-optimized door and seat kinematics make entering the car’s front and rear seats a simple manoeuvre.

The headlights emphasise the advanced technology of i-oniq. A uniquely-shaped polished aluminium frame houses the day-time running light and forms a unique signature light element.

Futuristic interior and complete connectivity

Fittingly for a sporty hatchback, the cabin layout is driver-oriented, with the dashboard and centre-console geometry based around the driver. The user-interface components reflect contemporary and future consumer electronics technology such as movement control mounted on the steering wheel, floating instrument cluster with multi-layered projection, and a large background display for navigation, entertainment and other information.

The rear cabin area has been designed as a ‘cosy lounge area’ to ensure maximum occupant comfort, creating a positive contrast to the sports-orientated front area. Use of luxurious interior materials, as well as futuristic interface components, further expresses the evolution of fluidic sculpture within the car.

Electric vehicle with extended range powertrain

The i-oniq is powered by an innovative 1,0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine generating a maximum of 45 kW (61 ps). This unit is mated to an 80 kW (109 ps) lithium-ion electric motor which is powered by a 55 kW generator, via a single ratio gearbox.

In electric-only mode, i-oniq can travel 120 km (74 miles) and up to 700 km (435 miles) with the assistance on the petrol engine, emitting only 45 g/km of CO2emissions. The concept can reach a top speed of 145 km/h.

About Hyundai Motor Company

Established in 1967, Hyundai Motor Co. has grown into the Hyundai Motor Group, with more than two dozen auto-related subsidiaries and affiliates. Hyundai Motor -- which has six manufacturing bases outside of South Korea including the U.S., China, India, Russia, Turkey and the Czech Republic – sold 4.06 million vehicles globally in 2011. Hyundai Motor, which employs over 80,000 worldwide, offers a full line-up of products including small to large passenger vehicles, SUVs and commercial vehicles.

About Hyundai Motor Europe

In 2011, Hyundai achieved record sales in Europe of 398.129 units, taking a best-ever 2,9% market share. In May 2011, Hyundai achieved a landmark, passing 5.000.000 sales in Europe since imports began in 1977. The company designs, engineers and manufactures cars in Europe, specifically for European customers. This includes the i30, which performed as Hyundai’s top-selling model in 2011, with 96.000 units sold. Hyundai sells cars in 28 European countries across 2.500 outlets.

Further information about Hyundai Motor and its products is available at http://www.hyundai.com/.