2004 Hyundais E³ Concept

Subcompact Concept Sports Big-Time Features

Hyundais Accent is great little car, especially in top-of-the-line GSi trim. Its quick, handles pretty well and features better than average build quality. But all cars have a shelf life, and the Korean brands smallest North American entry is getting close to its due date.

Hyundais E³ (E-Cubed) concept, recently unveiled in Geneva, has been designed to showcase the South Korean automakers future generation subcompact. While such cars are often ignored when passed by on the road, the E Cubed concept offers the possibility of greater distinction in the needs driven segment.

Destined to be the successor to the current Accent? That remains to be seen, but when the replacement date comes in 2006 something similar will most likely make the attractively priced model even more enticing.

For the time being, the concept provides the best window as to what the future car might look like. The 13.6 foot long concept with a 8.7 foot wheelbase takes on a generic 3-door shape, but it has its own distinctive details. The E³ features transparent panoramic roof which allows sunlight to stream in, while its two doors at each side create an optical illusion. They appear to be one unit with one door handle, however in actuality they form a combination of front and rear hinged doors like as in Saturns ION Quad Coupe or Mazdas RX-8. Cameras take the place of side- and rear-view mirrors on the E³, which help to contribute to its sleek appearance.

LEDs, which have been smoothly integrated into the front and rear end, form the head and taillights for Hyundais new concept. As a tribute to outdoor enthusiasts, Hyundai has also added a fold-away, integrated bicycle carrier.

On the inside, the layout is set up in a simple and minimalist fashion to reduce confusion and stress. The driver is face with a straightforward VDO-designed multi-function speedometer unit, while all other vital information, including the cars climate control and stereo system, are controlled through a central LCD display system.

While outward dimensions are abbreviated, four adults are said to sit comfortably within while the seating configurations are extremely flexible. Whats more, the E Cubed features excellent access to four seats fully accessible through pillarless doors which open up clamshell-like to a full 90 degrees.

Despite the cars small size, Hyundai has ensured that performance is reasonable. Driving the front wheels is a 1.8-liter inline-four with variable valve timing that produces 137 horsepower.

Handling should be good too, due to a fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension setup. The concepts 19-inch alloy rims definitely wont make it over to the production Accent. Sixteen-inch ventilated Brembo disc brakes make certain that stopping power is commensurate with forward momentum.

While the E³ is yet another fine Hyundai concept car, only time will tell if the production Accent will encompass such impressive features. For the time being its a good example of what the brands European Design Center in Germany is capable of.