Geneva 2009: Hyundai ix-onic Concept

Anyone who's been watching the automotive industry for a while knows a few things. One of these things is that Hyundai is absolutely the brand to watch, because while other manufacturers are taking baby steps forward, Hyundai's steps all seem to be of the "giant leap" variety.

You can see this in their production cars - like the "where'd that come from?" Genesis sedan, to the last-generation Tiburon that people actually  liked, to the Azera - which is kinda like a Buick LaCrosse, onlybetter in every conceivable way - and cheaper to boot.  They also have a creative touch when it comes to concept cars, and Hyundai's concept at Geneva this year displays just the kind of talent they have working for them these days.

The worst thing is the name; AutoBlog reckons it sounds like an air purifier, and I tend to agree.  The ix-onic concept previews the replacement for the (rapidly) aging Tuscon small SUV, which is without a doubt the weak link in Hyundai's current lineup - an ungainly, plastic, uninspired little mini trucklet for people that just don't care.  If the real thing ends up looking like this concept, they'd have a bona fied hit on their hands - it's quite a looker.

The front end displays what Hyundai says is going to be their new corporate look, a three-dimensional trapezoidal grille.  It's a clean look, and the crisp lines and modern details - check out those headlights! - give the car a stance and stature that seems bigger than it's 173" length.  Sure, it's a bit derivative like most Hyundais - rear taillights cribbed from the Audi Q5, LED foglights that resemble the new Opel design language, and the upsweeping window line past the B-pillar shouts Murano!  Still, it's an attractive vehicle, and certainly worlds better than the current Tucson.

Hyundai says the ix-onic is powered by a new 1.6L GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) turbo 4, which makes 168 horsepower.  Hyundai has said in the past that they were gradually switching all of their gasoline engines over to direct injection, and this is a step.  There's also a 6-speed twin-clutch gearbox, which is apparently the new black this year.  In addition, the ix-onic is fitted with ISG, which stands for "Idle Stop and Go."  This shuts the engine down when at a stop, then restarts it with the application of the throttle when the light turns green - a fuel saving measure.  They say this efficient powertrain is why the ix-onic only rings in at 148g/km of CO2 - an impressively low number for a hefty SUV.

Look for the production version of the ix-onic to appear next year as the Tucson, without the blingy show car wheels or bizarre ostrich-skin interior treatment.