Hyundai iFlow

One of the primary jobs for the iFlow is to look good, and Hyundai’s designers have succeeded in that respect. But it’s important as a statement of intent from the ambitious brand, too. It shows that the firm is diversifying out of its traditional segments and also employing state-of-the-art technology, such as the twin-turbodiesel diesel hybrid powerplant. The current indications from within the company are that it will make production in 2012. If that’s the case, then Hyundai looks certain to have another winning package on its hands.

Korean giant Hyundai has built up a reputation for producing cars that are practical, cost-effective and good to own. To prove the point, its Ford Focus-sized i30 topped our Driver Power 2010 reliability and satisfaction survey. But now, the firm wants to offer models that look daring as well.

The iFlow made its UK debut at the recent Goodwood Festival of Speed – and Auto Express was the only magazine to get behind the wheel. It points the way to a Volkswagen Passat CC rival, and will be a sportier sister to the i40 saloon. The iFlow also shows off some exciting technology that in true Hyundai fashion should slash the cost of hybrid motoring.

Under the bonnet is a 1.7-litre diesel engine with twin turbos, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch gearbox. As with conventional hybrids, this is paired with an electric motor. But the latter runs from a lithium-ion cell, which is significantly cheaper than regular batteries used by current hybrids.

Hyundai is cagey about how much power the individual units deliver, yet their combined 200bhp output gives the iFlow a zesty feel when you floor the throttle. More impressive is the low-speed torque on offer – it means the car delivers on the promise of its modern styling with impressive responses.

Bosses call the shape ‘fluidic sculpture’, and want elements of it to filter down to more mainstream models. In particular, the ‘bio’ design of the grille will become the face of all the company’s Blue Drive-badged eco models, while the more familiar hexagonal grille will be reserved for sportier cars.

The dramatic rear-hinged doors, complete with their complex, swinging aluminium arm – which are unlikely to make production – give access to the unique cabin. Hyundai has teamed up with German chemical giant BASF to showcase a series of hi-tech materials. One of these, Elastoskin, covers the dash with neat ribbing that fades out as it blends into the facia. It’s a clever way of distinguishing elements while maintaining uniformity.

A breathable material called Steron wraps round the neoprene-covered seats. These also use a pioneering design that pinpoints where occupants put their weight when they sit – allowing the firm to slice chunks out of the chairs’ conventional shape. Rest assured, the finished product is more comfortable than it looks!

The seats’ radical plastic frame weighs a fifth less than the metal structures normally used. And the roof features solar panels which power the air-conditioning. The tiny front overhang and short bonnet make it easy to place on the road and manoeuvre, and the engine pulls strongly.

The iFlow looks set to arrive in showrooms in 2012, and if that’s the case, it will make a great starting point for the second phase of Hyundai’s ambitious plan to become the world’s top car firm.

Rival: VW Passat CC
There’s no green BlueMotion version of VW’s affordable coupé-shaped saloon yet. But by the time the hybrid iFlow reaches dealers, that’s sure to change.