Hyundai drives dynamic design with its new i-oniq

Since 1967 Hyundai has been a continually evolving and tirelessly ambitious work in progress. It is now the fifth largest automotive brand in the world and runs the largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility based in Ulsan, Korea.

Hyundai has built a reputation for cars that are reliable, practical and well built. And, in recent years, the carmaker’s dedication to consistent improvement has meant that design has come to the fore. This approach is showcased in its latest generation of vehicles, with the fluidic sculpture design concept at the centre of its aesthetic.

Unveiled at this year’s Geneva Motor Show, the i-oniq concept car conveys Hyundai’s latest thinking, marking the evolution of its design language. The free-flowing philosophy references nature, art, sculpture and contemporary architects such as Zaha Hadid. Its form implies ‘a flowing tension with a sleek profile and dynamic emotion’, says Thomas Bürkle, chief designer at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Centre. The visual message, explains Bürkle, is embodied in the i-oniq’s sweeping contours, a seamless blend of luxurious and sporty lines.

The i-oniq concept is an electric sports hatchback with a range-extending petrol engine, and was designed at Hyundai’s European Research and Development Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany. Every detail of its exterior, including the elegantly raked windscreen and distinctive ‘penthouse roof’, followed the flexible dynamism brief. The design gives a sense of latent velocity, the impression that the car is in motion, even when stationary. ‘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,’ continues Bürkle. ‘The profile lines of the front fender run from front to back, emphasising the i-oniq’s coupé appearance, while offering maximum visibility to occupants.’ Inside, the dashboard features a floating acrylic instrument cluster with multilayered projection and user-friendly display options, including a touch screen.

At the moment, Hyundai has no plans to put the i-oniq into production, but a fluid sensibility is evident in its new generation Santa Fe, on sale in October. Echoing the propulsive trompe l’œil of the i-oniq’s bodywork, the Santa Fe also evokes motion via Hyundai’s ‘storm edge’ design concept. We’re forecasting thunder and lightning on the forecourts when it launches later this year.

www.hyundai.co.uk/ioniq