The sleek and unique outer design might deceive you. But the Hyundai Portico Concept Crossover can easily seat six easily as both front and rear doors swing open from opposite ends with pillar-less design, allowing the most possible space in which to enter and exit the vehicle. All of the rear seats can slide back independently into the cargo area, adding room to those in the back.

“The Portico is an example of the new market segments Hyundai is exploring – in this case, the next generation of family transportation. Portico features seating for six passengers and roomy, flexible cargo space – previewing the types of attributes we’ll be adding to our growing Hyundai lineup in the U.S.”, says Hyundai’s Vice President of Product Development and Strategic Planning, John Krafcik. In addition with its ‘family friendly campaign’, the Portico has a panoramic roof that can be darkened in relation to the sunlight needed. It also features a DVD entertainment center for those in the back and a navigation screen and overhead console for those in the front.

The Portico also provides more power than your average ‘sensible’ car. This is thanks to Hyundai’s new, high-tech 24-valve, DOHC Lambda V6 engine, along with a six-speed Shiftronic automatic transmission. It also has a hip futuristic image which quite opposes its name that literally means ‘porch’ in Italian.

The Portico also offers front and back electric motors and all-wheel drive – quite different from many other hybrids. The front electric motor generates 110 kW (136 horsepower) and the rear electric motor supplies 60 kW (83 horsepower) to the wheels. This gives the vehicle more power and fuel efficiency but with lower emissions.

Hyundai may just be a player in the hybrid marketplace with this cross-utility vehicle.