The Hyundai ix-onic Concept Car

A sensational concept car will be the highlight of Hyundai's stand at the Geneva motor show. The Hyundai ix-onic (pronounced 'ik-sonnik'), which makes its world premiere on 3rd March 2009, introduces a whole new look for Hyundai's compact SUVs.

Key attributes of Hyundai's 'dynamic sculpture' design philosophy are the athleticism and sophistication that the ix-onic demonstrates through its dynamic and flowing lines. These are emphasised by specially developed, high-contrast exterior paint. Employing an advanced-effect pigment, the innovative paint gives the car's skin a brilliant shine.

The profile of the Hyundai ix-onic features a dynamic glass line and a sports car-like theme with a muscular, double-zigzag treatment for the wheel arches that wrap around the 21-inch polished alloy wheels. Unusually, the concave sills have a wedge-shaped profile which extends rearwards and wraps around into the rear bumper. The sills and bumper are finished in a contrasting colour, with an aluminium garnish that echoes the trim in the door handles to enhance the perception of premium quality.

With high-mounted tail lamps, multi-surfaced glass and a sculpted bumper, the rear of the Hyundai ix-onic also incorporates 'dynamic design' elements. The rear lamp clusters feature a grille mesh inspired by nature, while the rear bumper also neatly incorporates the dual, polished aluminium exhaust tailpipes.

Using Lexan high-performance plastics instead of conventional glass enabled the designers to give the rear window a much more three-dimensional shape. On each side of the rear window two vertical spoilers are integrated to reduce aerodynamic drag. The upper part of the window features a strongly concave shape to make it possible to integrate the roof spoiler in the rear window.

Inside, the five-seater Hyundai ix-onic offers a commanding view of the road and evokes an adventurous ambience that is also laid-back and relaxing.

An X-shaped visual theme is repeated across numerous areas of the cabin, with embossed leather to accentuate key areas while light-alloy magnesium accents provide flashes of visual brilliance. The sleek shapes of the interior are outlined with 'ice blue' seams that replicate the colour of both the ribbed ice blue floor carpet, which contains a high percentage of natural cashmere wool, and the exterior.

The interior rear-view mirror has a 'blind spot' warning light that alerts the driver to other road users in close proximity.

Beneath its sensational exterior, the Hyundai ix-onic's power train is equipped with a 170PS, 1.6-litre GDi turbocharged, four-cylinder petrol engine, with ISG (Idle Stop & Go) technology and a double-clutch six-speed transmission. Power is transferred to the road by an intelligent four-wheel drive system. The next-generation, eco-friendly engine emits just 149 g/km of CO2, an impressive figure for an SUV and comparable with conventional hatchbacks and superminis.