Complete with elongated gullwing doors and an expansive greenhouse featuring curved glass both behind the A-pillar and on the hatch, the i-oniq is the latest interpretation of Hyundai’s “fluidic sculpture” design language. It’s a beautiful profile and a classy shape, but the front fascia has shades of Citroën while the rear is more amorphous bulge than svelte hatch. It’s pretty, but it’s just not striking.
Inside, the i-oniq embodies concept car chic, with layers upon layers of materials, textures and tiers spanning the dash, seats and door panels.
Hyundai claims a 1.0-liter, three-cylinder gasoline engine is fitted under the hood, but its 60 horsepower doesn’t reach the wheels. The engine is strictly a generator, juicing up a lithium-ion battery pack that sends power to a single-speed transmission and on to a 100-hp electric motor.
As with most high-style concepts, the i-oniq isn’t headed to production, but some kind of series hybrid drivetrain is certainly in the cards for future Hyundai models. Hit the jump for the details.
Geneva show car, i-oniq, embodies ‘New Thinking. New Possibilities.’
Concept model is an electric sports hatchback with range-extender
Demonstrates next evolution of Hyundai’s fluidic sculpture design language
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 CO2 emissions. The concept can reach a top speed of 145 km/h.
Specifications
Engine
1,0-litre, 3-cylinder gasoline engine (45 kW)
Motor
80 kW
Power output
80 kW (109 ps)
Wheelbase
2.650 mm
Overall length
4.432 mm
Overall width
1.916 mm
Overall height
1.400 mm
Tires
Dunlop
CO2
45 g/km
Steering wheel
Touch sensor with motion-control system
