Tokyo show: Hyundai reveals mini off-roader

HYUNDAI has revealed pictures and basic details of a micro cross-over concept it will unveil at the 2003 Tokyo motor show opening next Wednesday.

Described by Hyundai as a Cross-over Utility Vehicle (CUV), Neos-II – which, according to Hyundai, is a name derived from "NEologism Of Style" – is the second major concept to spring from the company’s Japan Design Centre in Chiba.

Said to provide a hint of Hyundai’s future design direction, Neos-II measures 3835mm long, 1775mm wide and 1585mm tall – which makes it 25mm longer and 90mm higher than the Getz light car, and 15mm wider than the Tiburon sports coupe.

If produced, the four-seater Neos-II would be positioned as a Daihatsu Terios-sized light off-roader below both the compact Santa Fe and the mid-sized Terracan SUVs – and it could be on sale here as early as 2005.

According to Hyundai, Neos-II offers front seats with enough space and comfort to surpass luxury cars, a multi-link rear sliding door for easier entry and egress, and an Adaptive Forward Lighting System.

The concept car wears 255/35-section tyres on massive 20-inch wheels.