The Elite i20 is the first Hyundai to embody Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 in India

This week, the Hyundai Elite i20's global launch took place in New Delhi. The car, which replaces the i20, sets new standards in design—it is the first Hyundai to embody Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 in India. Casey Hyun, Creative Design Manager, Hyundai Motor Company, tells how the Fluidic Sculpture idea was born and what is its future. Excerpts:

The Fluidic Sculpture design has changed how the world looks at Hyundai. How was the idea born?

The Fluidic Sculpture concept was the vision of Chairman, MK Chung, and then Chief Designer, Oh Suk Geun, who wanted to create a distinct identity for Hyundai cars. Work on it started in 2007. Until then, each car was designed individually. But this design now unites the entire family, from the EON to the Equus. It is a two-part design idea where the "fluidic" element evokes the organic flow of design found in nature, and "sculpture" evokes the idea that Hyundai vehicles are much more than just sheet metal.

What inspires the designers?

We get inspiration by drawing on specific images from nature. For example, one we frequently use is a rock formation in Arizona, US, called the Antelope Canyon. Apart from aesthetic design, the Fluidic Sculpture has measurable benefits in lowering the coefficient of drag (Cd), which makes the car more slippery through the air and saves fuel. For example, the Sonata Hybrid has a Cd of just 0.25, among the lowest for any production cars in the world.

Has Fluidic Sculpture found acceptance across the world?

We have had very good response to the Fluidic Sculpture design worldwide. The Fluidic Sculpture encompasses simplicity, ease of use, comfort, reliability, enhanced safety, high quality, style, and is both modern and premium.

What next?

The next phase we call as Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. In fact, the Elite i20 that you see here is the first Hyundai to embody Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 in India. Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 is a more refined and sophisticated version of our design philosophy. It will focus especially on fluid aesthetics, modern appeal and premium interiors.