Back in 2009, Hyundai unveiled the Nuvis concept, which was an illustration of the future vehicles to come from the company. Well, that future is now as the Korean carmaker aims at giving the upcoming Santa Fe and Tucson a new look.
Both SUVs is expected to be heavily inspired by the Nuvis as they look to offer an interior space that is like a large sedan, a wide stance, a low roofline, and fuel consumption like small cars.
In detail, the Nuvis concept is powered by a 270-watt lithium-polymer battery that returns 34 mpg city and 35 mpg highway. This puts it ahead of the Ford Escape Hybrid. Speaking of which, the hybrid system from Hyundai is call Blue Drive and it is in many ways similar to Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive.
The system basically mates the gasoline engine with the electric mill to reduce the load on the engine, thus increasing efficiency. For the Nuvis, it is the 228hp Theta II 2.4L inline 4-cylinder mill that is paired with a 30kW electric motor. The engine is designed in a special manner to reduce efficiency-robbing friction. Also, the six-speed automatic gearbox has been tweaked where the fourth, fifth and sixth gear gets extended for better highway mileage.
As for the design, one can mistake the Nuvis for a Lexus. The front portion has a grille that is shaped like an hour-glass and this is a commonly used design by Lexus. If this is to be followed by the next Santa Fe and Tucson, then the world will get their hands on the future, while living the present.
