| Make
|
Hyundai |
| Model |
ix-Metro |
| Concept
year |
2009 |
| Production
year |
- |
| Engine |
Hybrid
petrol-electric,
1.0 litre, 3-cylinder, turbo |
The Hyundai ix-Metro is a Hybrid Electric CUV (Compact
Utility Vehicle) designed to compete in the European sub-B
segment. The ix-Metro is the fifth concept in a series
of vehicles created by Hyundai's Global Design Team based
in Namyang, South Korea.
The ix-Metro's hybrid drivetrain consists of a 1.0 litre,
turbocharged three-cylinder engine with direct injection
and dual CVVT (Continuous Variable Valve Timing). This
is combined with a six-speed dual clutch transmission,
and an electric motor. With its frugal drivetrain the
Hyundai ix-Metro promises CO2 emissions of just 80g/km.
The styling of the ix-Metro is daring to say the least.
This is in part due to the design influences. "We
wanted the ix-Metro to be something out of this world.
We took our inspiration from NASA and even sci-fi movies
because spacecraft are universally understood symbols
of progress and innovation," explained Rogelio
J. Flores, Chief designer on the ix-Metro project.
The front has a gaping and aggressive grille which would
not look out of place on a high-powered sports vehicle.
Of particular interest are the unique ice-blue LED headlights
which have a distinctive scale-like design motif, this
design cue is carried over to the taillights.
In profile the ix-Metro shows off its four doors, however
due to the positioning of the door handles and the apparent
lack of any B-pillars, at first glance it appears to be
a two-door vehicle.
Instead however it has conventional front doors, while
the rear doors slide backwards to allow access to the
rear sears. The pillar less design not only enlarges the
greenhouse to improve all-round visibility, but more importantly
allows easier entry and egress into the rear passenger
area.
The interior of the Hyundai ix-Metro is as adventurous
as the exterior. Taking inspiration from sci-fi movies,
the designers have chosen a white semi-transparent silicon-like
material to cover the dashboard area, which conceals the
central display to deliver route information and key controls.
The complicated organic shapes, and panels separated by
brightly colored highlighting strips look futuristic and
daring for what is essentially an everyday vehicle.
Similar and related vehicles:
Hyundai Genesis Coupe
Hyundai Greenspeed Gator
Hyundai HCD8
Hyundai HCD10 Hellion
Hyundai Neos
Hyundai QarmaQ
Hyundai HND-3 Veloster
|
|
