The Hyundai Curb Concept isn't production ready, but with a few detail changes, it could see production in the future.
Hyundai must be serious about improving the fuel economy of its fleet. How else to describe the wave of small cars that are on the horizon for the Korean automaker? There’s the Veloster hatchback, which was introduced at the 2011 Detroit auto show, and Hyundai has confirmed a five-door Accent for the U.S. market. And now, there’s the Curb Concept, which, like the Veloster, was unveiled in Detroit.
The Curb isn’t a production-ready car — it sports future tech that isn’t quite ready for prime time. But it’s not a pie-in-the-sky concept, either. It’s not hard to envision this small crossover making it into production with toned-down styling and more-conventional technology.
Speaking of styling, the Curb is an exercise in the company’s “fluidic sculpture” theme, and the end result is a slightly boxy theme with plenty of softened and rounded edges. It’s probably a little too out there for mainstream tastes, but with some adjustments, it would be a good vehicle for fighting the Kia Soul, Nissan Cube, and Scion xB.
One of the more interesting design features is the windshield — the glass wraps around the A-pillar. This design element is a nod to motorcycle helmets, but it also should improve forward visibility.
Other unique exterior features include a pull-out bike rack and a pop-up roof rack.
Aside from being a design study, the Curb’s main reason for being is that it’s a technology showcase. The doors are opened by sliding your hand along a touch-sensitive strip, there are all kinds of touch screens and sensors that feed into Hyundai’s Blue Link infotainment system, and there is a heads-up display. Voice recognition is part of Blue Link and Pandora radio is also available.
Perhaps the most conventional piece of technology is the 1.6-liter, direct-injection engine that makes 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. It mates to a direct-shift automatic transmission. Hyundai claims that a Curb equipped with stop/start technology would get more than 30 mpg in the city and more than 40 mpg on the highway.
While it’s just a concept, it wouldn’t be surprising if Hyundai decides to eventually build the Curb. The Veloster also started life as a concept before moving into production, and gone are the days of concepts that aren’t meant for production.
Don’t be surprised to see the Curb on the road soon — especially if gas prices climb higher and consumers continue to display such a heavy appetite for high tech.