Hyundai is on an almighty tear here at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show, offering cars to cater to almost anyone's needs. Not all is new, but each machine is notable.
First is the Korean automaker's new i20 supermini and the practical yet attractive i30 Tourer, based on the company's second-generation midsize hatchback — neither of which will be available in North America.
Next is the butch 2013 Veloster Turbo, unveiled at the 2012 North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
If those vehicles seem a little too much like wanton burning of hydrocarbons and subsequent pollution of the proverbial God's green, Hyundai is also displaying the Sonata Hybrid. It caters to eco-focused motorists thanks to its gasoline-electric hybrid powertrain, which reduces fuel consumption and carbon-dioxide emissions.
But the real star of Hyundai's display is the i-oniq premium sports hatch concept. Just check out those rugged, chunky looks.
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Hyundai i-oniq concept
What is it? A range-extending hybrid concept, dubbed a "premium electric sports hatchback," designed to showcase possible powertrains of Hyundais of the future.
What's hot? The hybrid technology is the real highlight of the car. A front-mounted 1.0-liter 3-cylinder gas engine, acting as a generator only, means long-legged range for an EV, with superlow emissions — zero grams per kilometer of carbon dioxide in EV-only mode. The tech-laden, driver-focused "sculpted" cabin is a nice touch, too.
What's not? The i-oniq is being billed as a sport hatch, and at just 14.4 feet long, its footprint tallies. But that high shoulder line and sloping roof are bound to restrict visibility — exactly what you don't want around town, where an electric hatchback will likely spend most of its time.
How much and when? Unfortunately, the i-oniq concept is just that, so no production plans are being considered, but expect to see the basis of the technology in Hyundais of the near future.
Anything else I should know? The 61-horsepower gas engine is connected to a generator, charging the car's batteries and sending power to the 109-horse electric motor. In electric-only mode, the i-oniq has a range of 75 miles, with a top speed of 90 mph, rising to 435 miles with the aid of the engine.
Read: Hot and Sexy Hybrids & SUVs
