Automotive News Archive

2007 & 2008 | News Archive

2004 Hyundai's E3 Concept
by Justin Couture  / American Auto Press

Subcompact Concept Sports Big-Time Features

Hyundai's Accent is great little car, especially in top-of-the-line GSi trim. It's quick, handles pretty well and features better than average build quality. But all cars have a shelf life, and the Korean brand's smallest North American entry is getting close to its due date.

Korean automaker Hyundai has pulled back the cover on what may become its future generation subcompact, now dubbed E?. (Photo: Hyundai Motor America)

Hyundai's E3 (E-Cubed) concept, recently unveiled in Geneva, has been designed to showcase the South Korean automaker's future generation subcompact. While such cars are often ignored when passed by on the road, the E Cubed concept offers the possibility of greater distinction in the needs driven segment.

Destined to be the successor to the current Accent? That remains to be seen, but when the replacement date comes in 2006 something similar will most likely make the attractively priced model even more enticing.

The E3 could very well be similar to the car that replaces the current Accent in 2006. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Motor America)

For the time being, the concept provides the best window as to what the future car might look like. The 13.6 foot long concept with a 8.7 foot wheelbase takes on a generic 3-door shape, but it has its own distinctive details. The E? features transparent panoramic roof which allows sunlight to stream in, while its two doors at each side create an optical illusion. They appear to be one unit with one door handle, however in actuality they form a combination of front and rear hinged doors like as in Saturn's ION Quad Coupe or Mazda's RX-8. Cameras take the place of side- and rear-view mirrors on the E?, which help to contribute to its sleek appearance.

LEDs, which have been smoothly integrated into the front and rear end, form the head and taillights for Hyundai's new concept. As a tribute to outdoor enthusiasts, Hyundai has also added a fold-away, integrated bicycle carrier.

On the inside, the layout is set up in a simple and minimalist fashion to reduce confusion and stress. The driver is face with a straightforward VDO-designed multi-function speedometer unit, while all other vital information, including the car's climate control and stereo system, are controlled through a central LCD display system.

To reduce stress and confusion, the interior of the E3 has been designed to be as simple as possible. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Motor America)

While outward dimensions are abbreviated, four adults are said to sit comfortably within while the seating configurations are extremely flexible. What's more, the E Cubed features excellent access to four seats fully accessible through pillarless doors which open up clamshell-like to a full 90 degrees.

Despite the car's small size, Hyundai has ensured that performance is reasonable. Driving the front wheels is a 1.8-liter inline-four with variable valve timing that produces 137 horsepower.

Driving the front wheels is a 1.8-liter inline-four with variable valve timing that produces 137 horsepower. (Photo: Hyundai Auto Motor America)

Handling should be good too, due to a fully independent MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension setup. The concept's 19-inch alloy rims definitely won't make it over to the production Accent. Sixteen-inch ventilated Brembo disc brakes make certain that stopping power is commensurate with forward momentum.

While the E3 is yet another fine Hyundai concept car, only time will tell if the production Accent will encompass such impressive features. For the time being it's a good example of what the brand's European Design Center in Germany is capable of.

Specifications:

• Body Type: 5-door hatchback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 137 hp, 1.8-L, 16-valve, DOHC I-4
• Transmission: automatic
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS