HYUNDAI has unveiled a new concept in flexible family motoring with the six-seat Hyundai Portico concept car, designed and built by Hyundai's Advanced Design Team at its high-tech facility in South Korea. The Portico is powered by Hyundai's new, high-tech Lambda engine, a 24-valve, DOHC V6 with aluminium heads and cylinder block, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission.

The Portico is also designed to accept Hyundai's hybrid drive system. This configuration features two electric motors: a 136bhp electric motor driving the front wheels and a second 83bhp motor driving the rear wheels, providing efficient all-wheel drive capability. John Krafcik, Hyundai's vice president of product development and strategic planning, said: "The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring - in this case, the next generation of family transportation."

The Portico is neither a saloon nor an SUV but provides the benefits of both designs with a car-like ride and a large, versatile and 'family friendly' interior. Designers employed a panoramic roof design with glass that can be darkened for shade in strong light. The seating configuration improves entry and exit for six passengers and provides better legroom for all the passengers when compared to the common three-row configuration of most people carriers.

The Portico features front hinged front doors and rear hinged rear doors with a pillarless design. The car's key feature is the large, comfortable and versatile interior with the option of staggered seating for three in both the front and rear power-operated seats. A DVD-based entertainment centre is provided for rear seat passengers.