Geneva Motor Show 2014: Hyundai Intrado concept previews future styling

The Hyundai Intrado concept, a hydrogen fuel cell powered crossover which could preview a future fuel-cell vehicle, has made quite an impression at its Geneva debut. The model is unlikely to make it into production but the technology definitely will.

Currently Hyundai has an ix35 fuel cell production, but the Intrado uses the next generation of Hyundai's hydrogen powertrain. It also employs a revolutionary new carbon-fibre chassis construction which is expected to be used in future Hyundai models.

Some of the styling features of the concept will make their way onto production cars. You can expect to see details like the tail light design and headlights on next generation models like the i30 and i20, as well as the next ix35.

The styling of the Intrado is bold from every angle, with a coupe-like roofline, large grille and narrow, aggressive lights. Details from existing models like the Veloster are evident including the sloping, smooth roofline and the hexagonal grille, but everything has been exaggerated and emphasised. It shows the more youthful and interesting approach Hyundai is aiming for.

The Intrado’s design started with the chassis and interior, so cabin space and layout isn’t an afterthought. There’s a lot of room in both the front and rear rows, and there’s even a sizeable boot. There are two hydrogen tanks, one mounted under the boot floor and one under the rear seats – but they don’t intrude into cabin space.

There are plenty of stylish embellishments. The centre stack has a minimalist design with a large gear lever, while the instrument binnacle is fully digital. It, along with the stylish sat-nav, could well make production in a few years. The carbon-fibre skeleton of the car forms a large backbone, which means the rear row only has two seats, but the chassis design is flexible - a production model would probably seat five. 

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