2010 hyundai ix metro

image © designboom

the 2010 hyundai ix-metro concept car is the fifth in the hyundai namyang design (hnd) series of concept cars. the car was shown during design korea in songdo convensia, incheon city, korea, december 2-8, 2009.

the ix-metro promotion campain states the car to be ecological with CO2 emissions of just 80g/km, thanks to its hybridized powertrain which is capable of 92KW at 6000RPM. consuming just 1-litre, the three-cylinder petrol engine incorporates highly sophisticated features to maximize output while minimizing fuel consumption. these include continuously variable valve timing, turbocharging and direct injection. up to 5kw of torque assistance comes from the starter motor-alternator with power stored in an ultra capacitor (electric double layer) and a 12v battery. the hybrid system delivers 16kg/m of peak torque at 1750’4500RPM through a six-speed dual clutch transmission.

rogelio j. flores, chief designer, on the futuristic appearance ix-metro project: ‘we wanted the ix-metro to be something out of this world. we took our inspiration from NASA, spacecraft and even sci-fi movies. these are universally understood symbols of progress and innovation.’

image © designboom

the front and rear lighting contain ice-blue LED lighting elements.

image © designboom

faceted front grill with integrated fog lamps.

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side view image © designboom

image © designboom

the missing b-pillar improves all-round visibility, but more importantly allows easier access into the rear passenger area. the rear door opens backwards with a sliding mechanism.

image © designboom

it seats 4 persons.

image courtesy hyundai

the interior is covered with a white semi-transparent silicone-like material. surfaces for the seating, cargo space and other key panels are divided by light-filled gaps. the ice-blue illumination creates a high-tech neo-organic effect.

other high tech features include digital side view cameras, whose ultra-slim profiles minimize air turbulence and wind noise.

foldable rear seats allow storage space image courtesy hyundai