ix-Metro concept brings space-travel design to the city!
Frankfurt 2009
The ix-Metro, the fifth in the Hyundai Namyang Design (HND) series of concept cars to be created by the Global Design Team in Korea, is an entry-level hybrid CUV which brings a new form to the traditional sub-B segment.
Targeting young European urbanites, the ix-Metro offers all the practicality, robustness and versatility of a CUV in a stylishly sophisticated package.
For thematic inspiration, the design team reached for the stars and during ideation sessions immersed themselves in the rich visual world of space travel — the ultimate aspiration of mobility. "We wanted the ix-Metro to be something out of this world. We took our inspiration from NASA and even sci-fi movies because spacecraft are universally understood symbols of progress and innovation," explained Rogelio J. Flores, Chief designer on the ix-Metro project.
Following an internal competition, the winning concept was selected for its faithfulness to the design objective.
The ix-Metro is expressly targeted at the urbanite who wants to project a trendy, adventurous and fun-seeking personality. "The ix-Metro caters to the need for creative self-expression. Our cars are more than an extension of ourselves, they're an expression of our inner selves: Just like the clothes we wear, our cars serve as a second skin," said Flores.
Exterior
The ix-Metro represents a striking departure from the flowing design language adopted by Hyundai in its recent production and concept cars. It explores a new direction with its use of faceted surfaces and strong triangulating lines along the bonnet, side and rear panels achieving a pleasing dynamic tension. The high beltline gives a protective feeling, while twenty-inch rims framed by flanged wheel arches give the vehicle a purposeful muscular stance.
The triangular motif has also been applied to the front and rear lighting elements for a futuristic effect. Up front, ice-blue LED lighting elements interplay with subtle shades of gold, while the faceted front grille with its integrated fog lamps projects a striking, imposing look. A comparable effect is mirrored by the rear optical group.