X

Urban utility vehicles are the new black--photos

Automakers at the 2009 Geneva auto show seem to think we need a new class of vehicle, a cross between a compact sedan and a small SUV. Three automakers, Nissan, Hyundai, and Dacia, showed off concepts based on this type of vehicle.

Wayne Cunningham
Wayne Cunningham reviews cars and writes about automotive technology for CNET's Roadshow. Prior to the automotive beat, he covered spyware, Web building technologies, and computer hardware. He began covering technology and the Web in 1994 as an editor of The Net magazine.
Wayne Cunningham
UUVs-1.JPG
1 of 9 CNET

Hyundai Ix-onic

Hyundai puts its latest technologies into the Ix-onic, such as a turbo-charged 1.6-liter direct-injection four-cylinder engine, producing 175 horsepower, mated to a dual-clutch manual transmission. The power train also uses idle-stop technology to save gas and reduce emissions in heavy traffic.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-2.JPG
2 of 9 CNET

Hyundai Ix-onic

Ix-onic uses an all-wheel-drive system that intelligently moves torque around to the wheels that need it most. The rear window is made of lexan, allowing its unusual shape. LEDs are used liberally around the concept, in tail lights and daytime running lights.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-3.JPG
3 of 9 CNET

Hyundai Ix-onic

In the cabin, the speakers for the audio system are mounted high on the doors, creating a better sound stage than if they were mounted low, as in most cars. The side view mirrors incorporate warnings for the blind spot detection system.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-4.JPG
4 of 9 CNET

Dacia Duster

Eastern European automaker Dacia tests a crossover design with the Duster concept. This small, urban SUV uses a 1.5-liter four-cylinder diesel engine that produces 105 horsepower.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-5.JPG
5 of 9 CNET

Dacia Duster

The rear window, made of a clear plastic, is inscribed with the Dacia logo. The Duster is only 14 feet long, yet it gets some height from its big, 21-inch wheels.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-6.JPG
6 of 9 CNET

Dacia Duster

Although the driver side only has one door, access is enhanced on the passenger side with an extra rear-hinged door. The front passenger seat folds and slides under the driver's seat, allowing room for a mountain bike, of all things.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-7.JPG
7 of 9 CNET

Nissan Qazana

Nissan designed the Qazana concept as a smaller brother to its Qashqai urban SUV. Inspired by dune buggies, Nissan separates the headlight and signal light casings on the front. The grille, covered with acrylic, is cosmetic--holes below the bumper serve as air intakes.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-8.JPG
8 of 9 CNET

Nissan Qazana

The rear doors are rear-hinged, creating easy access to the cabin. Although the Qazana, as seen here, isn't likely to go into production, Nissan has committed to a car of its dimensions and configuration for 2010.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

UUVs-9.jpg
9 of 9 Nissan

Nissan Qazana

The curved display on the stack is a touch screen, letting the driver control climate, audio, and other car functions.

See more coverage of the 2009 Geneva auto show.

More Galleries

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera
A houseplant

My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra's Camera

20 Photos
Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra
magic-v2-2024-foldable-1383

Honor's Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra

10 Photos
The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum
Samsung Galaxy S24

The Samsung Galaxy S24 and S24 Plus Looks Sweet in Aluminum

23 Photos
Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design
The Galaxy S24 Ultra in multiple colors

Samsung's Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

23 Photos
I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites
img-0368.jpg

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

34 Photos
17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About
Invitation for the Apple September iPhone 15 event

17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Should Definitely Know About

18 Photos
AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?
img-1599-2.jpg

AI or Not AI: Can You Spot the Real Photos?

17 Photos