New Hyundai i-oniq range extender concept

Hyundai has released the first picture and details of its new i-oniq range-extending hybrid concept set to debut this week at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show.

The i-oniq is an electric sports hatchback, according to Hyundai, and is powered by a petrol engine and electric motor combination.

An on board 1.0-litre three-cylinder motor is mated to a generator that can charge the car’s batteries or supply the “lithium-ion electric motor” (we think there’s some battery/electric motor confusion over at Hyundai) with electricity.

The motor produces 80kW and in electric-only mode gives the car a theoretical range of 120km. This rises to 700km with the aid of the small petrol unit, producing just 45g/km CO2 emissions in the process.

Hyundai is billing the i-oniq as a sports hatch, and at 4.4 metres long it’s only 120mm longer than the firm’s i30 five-door. However, the i-oniq seems to sport a crossover-esque stance – but maybe that’s just the high shoulder line and low roof tricking our eyes.

The i-oniq is intended to show Hyundai’s future thinking and evolves the Korean firm’s current “fluidic sculpture” styling.

Inside, there’s plenty of high-tech equipment on offer in the form of a new driver interface and controls, although Hyundai is not yet saying what’s so special about it.

The four-seat interior has been designed around a “lounge-style” theme to optimise comfort and features sculpted surfaces inspired by musical instruments intended to contrast against the sporty driver area.

Senior Vice President of Hyundai Motor Europe, Allan Rushforth:

“The i-oniq concept has been created to reflect the new thinking that runs through the Hyundai brand. It provokes contemplation on the future of automotive possibilities, and a powertrain that highlights ways in which we could power future products.”