Hyundai Curb concept hints at future small crossover vehicle

Hyundai Motor America unveils the Curb concept vehicle at the 2011 North American International Auto Show.

Displayed alongside new Hyundai Veloster coupe is the latest concept vehicle, created by the company’s California Design Center. Named Curb, the small crossover concept hints at the future entry-level crossover model positioned under the Hyundai Tucson CUV.

The Hyundai Curb is defined by Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, which has also been implemented to the all-new Accent and Elantra cars. It’s exterior, as well as interior design is geared toward “Generation Y,” or those living an urban lifestyle with an active nightlife, says Hyundai Motor America.

In addition to the impressive exterior look, the new Curb Concept is also offered with a large number of infotainment systems such as recently introduced Hyundai Blue Link, Heads Up Display – HUD, navigation system, headrests-mounted monitors and others.

“We wanted the Curb to be urban tough without looking like a Brink’s truck. City driving was going to be its forte, not crossing the Rubicon trail, but we wanted it to have urban armor for daily driving on city streets. It needed to empower its passengers in this setting,” said Jason Brown, who works at Hyundai’s design center in the States.

Hyundai Curb concept gallery – part 1:

Hyundai Curb concept gallery – part 2:

Under the hood, Hyundai Curb concept features an upgraded version of Hyundai’s current 1.6L GDI Gamma engine. The turbocharged four-cylinder four-banger generates 175 horsepower and 169 lb-ft of torque. According to sources close to Hyundai, the 175 hp 1.6L Turbo engine will soon hit serial production. Mated to the turbo engine is the automaker’s new Direct Shift Gearbox -DSG, which also made its premiere in the 2012 Veloster coupe.

The Curb also features Hyundai’s  Idle Stop and Go (ISG) system (a technology that is slowly making its way into the U.S.-market Hyundai cars), which enables the vehicle to achieve 40+ mpg on the highway and 30+ mpg in the city.

Except of Hyundai itself, nobody actually knows whether the Curb will ever see the serial production or not. However, increasing presence of rivaling automakers in the small crossover car segment will probably force the South Korean carmaker to bring such vehicle to the roads. When this happens, Hyundai Curb will compete with models such as Nissan Juke and upcoming Ford Fiesta and Chevy Sonic crossovers. [Source: Hyundai]