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Hyundai's goes go head-to-head with the Jeep Wrangler

Auto Express Car Reviews

Chunky new Hellion is Hyundai’s take on Jeep’s famous Wrangler

By Chris Thorp

12th December 2006

Unveiled at last week's Los Angeles Motor Show, the HCD10 Hellion is the firm's most rugged 4x4 yet. With pumped-up wheelarches and small windows, the all-wheel-drive three-door has a military appearance that's sure to appeal to hardcore off-road fans. The model, created by the firm's US styling studio Hyundai California Design, is said to be inspired by a hard-shell backpack, and is intended for similarly extreme use. Insiders have told us the front-end design is particularly significant, and is likely to appear on future Hyundai SUV models.

As with many Wrangler variants, the Hellion can be converted into drop-top form, thanks to its fabric roof. The hood can be removed entirely and is coloured with a dark camouflage pattern. Inside, the Korean model's cabin is designed to be functional and durable, but there are still some creature comforts, including an LCD screen for rear seat passengers.

The Hellion is powered by a 236bhp 3.0-litre V6 diesel, which packs 450Nm of torque. This is fed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

With the full-size Veracruz replacing the Terracan in the UK next year, alongside the existing Santa Fe and Tucson, Hyundai already has a healthy 4x4 line-up - but the Hellion could be the next addition by the end of the decade.