Despite being a global company, Hyundai->ke201 still cares deeply about its home market, which is probably why the funky Enduro Concept was unveiled at the 2015 Seoul Motor Show and not in New York, along with the 2016 Tucson. Esentially a "lifestyle urban crossover," as per Hyundai, the Enduro looks like a sporty, three-door coupe on stilts, or maybe how the Veloster would have looked if it had been a crossover. The model's fullname is HND-12 Enduro and is derived from "Endurance," although the Korean carmaker has also mentioned the Enduro type of rally bikes as a source of inspiration.

Although just a concept, the model could preview Hyundai's upcoming move into the growing "compact crossover/SUV" segment, spurred by the success of other carmakers in recent years. Unlike cars like the Nissan Juke or the Fiat 500X, the HND-12 Enduro comes with the twist of not only looking like a coupe, but removing the rear doors completely.

Continue reading more about the Hyundai Enduro Concept.

2015 Hyundai Enduro

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2015 Hyundai Enduro
Pros
Cons

Exterior

If most Hyundais were looking pretty generic until about a decade ago, there is no way to mistake the Enduro Concept as coming from any other carmaker. The front end's look is dominated by the now-classic Hyundai grille, only this time it has been reinterpreted to fit the sportier nature of the concept car. Speaking of sportiness and the engine grille, a brushed-aluminum blade connects each front fender to the grille, while also redirecting air into the side intakes.

In profile it looks mainly like your average compact crossover, although there is a hint of Veloster in there. Each wheel arch is protected by massive-looking body cladding which reinforces the crossover idea. The rear is pretty much like a raised hot-hatch, with the greenhouse-to-body ratio being similar to that of a HotWheels car. On each side of the bumper there is an intake that mirrors the front one, while a dual-tip exhaust system sits proudly in the center.

Exterior Dimensions

Length

4,271 MM (168.14 Inches)

Width

1,852 MM (72.91 Inches)

Height

1,443 MM (56.81 Inches)

Wheelbase

2,650 MM (104.33 Inches)


Interior

While Hyundai didn't provide any photos of the model's interior, it did try to explain its features in the press release. Apparently, the dashboard and center console feature a bunch of horizontal and vertical styling elements that should "express sportiness, toughness and endurance." Keeping the off-road bike connection alive, the steering wheel has "the spoke and handle molding of a road bike," while the door handles feature the image of an off-road bike.

Just like the new Audi TT or the Volkswagen Passat, the instrument cluster has been replaced by a display which shows relevant information, including navigation and infotainment system. Each of the four passengers benefits from individual air-conditioning, and the rear seats can fold and move in a variety of ways to either extend the luggage space or the occupant space.

Drivetrain

Despite jumping on the sporty crossover bandwagon, the Hyundai Enduro Concept makes no mention of an all-wheel-drive system, which makes me assume that the model is likely FWD. Powering the car is a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine paired to a seven-speed, dual-clutch, transmission. There is no mention of horsepower or torque, but if it has the same specifications as in the Sonata 2.0T then we're looking at 245 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The Enduro's production version would most likely switch to the turbocharged, 1.6-liter engine found in models like the Veloster or Tucson, but it all depends on feedback from the Seoul Motor Show.

Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

2.0 T-GDI, turbocharged gasoline direct injection

Transmission

7-DCT, 7-speed dual clutch transmission


Prices

Naturally, since this is a concept car it doesn't come with a starting price, but a production version would likely have a MSRP of around $20,000, or a little less than the Tucson.

Competition

Nissan Juke

Arguably the model that actually started the entire "quirky compact crossover" bonanza, the Nissan Juke looks as fresh now as it looked when it was first unveiled, back in 2010. Unlike the Hyundai Enduro, it has doors for the rear passengers, although their handles are hidden to project a coupe-like appearance. Powered by a 1.6-liter, four-cylinder engine in either turbocharged or naturally aspirated form, the Juke also has two Nismo versions, and in Europe it comes with a 1.5-liter diesel.

Depending on trim level, it can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. The lower-powered engines are paired with either a five-speed or a six-speed manual, depending on market, while the more-powerful ones come with a CVT. You can read more about the Juke in our dedicated review.

Fiat 500X

Not exactly coupe-looking but still sporty enough, the Fiat 500X is a new player in this segment, and despite the name it is based on the same platform as the funky Jeep Renegade. In fact, it has almost nothing in common with the smaller 500, apart from some styling features. The model is also available with either front- or all-wheel drive, but its outstanding feature is the optional, nine-speed, automatic transmission.

Since it bases much of its exterior styling on the popular 500, the 500X should become a forces to be reckoned with in this segment, especially since it's not too crowded yet. On the other hand, if a production Hyundai Enduro arrives, the battle should heat up. You can read more about the Fiat 500X here.

Conclusion

The Hyundai Enduro's main selling point is the coupe-like profile and Veloster-like confidence in more offbeat styling features. If the production version keeps at least 80 percent of the concept's design motifs it should hit a home run. On the other hand, I think it may also need an all-wheel-drive system, a smaller and more fuel-efficient powertrain and rear doors for improved access to the passenger area to become a true competitor for the more established rivals in this segment. Either way, this is an increasingly-popular market and succeeding as a clear winner will be very tough for Hyundai.