Hyundai will be giving its new multi-purpose vehicle concept its world premiere at Auto Expo 2012, which kicks off in New Delhi, India on the weekend. Based on Hyundai’s “Fluidic Sculpture” design language, the “Hexa Space” – also codenamed the HND-7 – is powered by Hyundai’s 1.2-liter “Kappa” turbocharged GDI petrol engine paired with a six-speed automatic transmission and features eight, hexagonally shaped seats that “fit together like puzzle pieces” to enable multiple configurations, including a limosine layout.
To maximize passenger space inside the vehicle while retaining a narrow exterior, Hyundai has turned to the hexagon, which the company points out is renowned as the optimum shape for space efficiency in everything from honeycombs to architecture. The eight hexagonally shaped seats are placed honeycomb-style in two front rows of three seats, with the middle seat positioned slight behind the two either side, and a third row of two seats. However, a look at the interior suggests the middle front passenger might need to make sure they don’t stretch their legs too much lest tangle with the pedals or the driver’s feet.
The seats offer multiple configurations for seating – center seats fold flat for greater comfort, the second row folds flat to create a limousine function, the back row folds flat for light-cargo use. In addition, seven seats fold flat for heavy hauling and all eight fold flat for camping. The center seat in the first two rows of Hyundai Hexa Space Concept is positioned slightly behind the seats on either side, allowing passengers to sit three-abreast without feeling cramped.
Externally, Hyundai Hexa Space Concept is 4,300 mm long, 1,820 mm wide and 1,647 mm high, giving it substantial headroom. The wheelbase is 2,750 mm and runs on 19-inch tires. Hexa Space is powered by Hyundai’s Kappa 1.2-liter turbo GDI engine, which is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.
The South Korean brand says that the Hexa Space is targeted at young urban families in their 30s and 40s searching for a vehicle that serves many roles. The futuristic-looking interior offers seating for eight in three rows in a 3+3+2 layout with the center seat in the first two rows positioned slightly behind the corner seats.
