New Cars This Week: Chevy Traverse, Hyundai

By Rajive Singh

DUBAI 5 May 2018: With styling inspired by Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs, enhanced 4×4 capabilities and cutting-edge technologies, the new Traverse has a commanding driving position.

SUVs are about making a statement on the road, as much as they are about venturing into the great outdoors. However, designing a great looking SUV is a bigger challenge than most would imagine.

For a start, the large proportions don’t necessarily lend themselves well to sleek styling. Aerodynamics is a serious consideration, too, as air flow around the vehicle severely affects factors such as refinement in the cabin and, more importantly, fuel economy. A handsome SUV, then, is the result of carefully considered decisions that are a meticulous balance of design and engineering.

Styled by the Chevrolet truck design studio, the new Chevrolet Traverse brings the crossover formula closer to Chevrolet’s full-size SUVs. Design-wise, it is more upright, giving it a decidedly imposing stance — a nod to its bigger 4×4 siblings such as the Tahoe and the iconic Silverado. The sheet metal is more chiseled than before and the bold new front-end features a larger hexagonal grille lending an air of authority to the front fascia. The purposeful proportions are further complemented by premium cues such as chrome accents, LED signature lighting and available D-Optic LED headlamps.

Traverse is backed by a potent powertrain that delivers amply in both on- and off-road driving situations. Propelled by a comprehensively reengineered 310 hp 3.6L V-6 engine, mated with an all-new, state-of-the-art 9-speed automatic transmission.

Hyundai Kona and Hyundai Nexo win awards

Hyundai Motor has won two of this year’s Red Dot Design Awards, one of the most renowned international design and innovation prizes. Hyundai’s Fuel Cell vehicle Nexo and the subcompact SUV Kona were awarded in the Cars and Motorcycles category. The Kona gained recognition for outstanding design and innovation in ‘SUV/Off-road vehicles’ and the Hyundai NEXO showed its excellence in its subcategory.

The prestigious award evaluates the product’s functionality, durability, level of innovation and overall quality under aspects of form and function.

The Nexo is Hyundai’s second-generation fuel cell electric vehicle. It is the first dedicated hydrogen-powered SUV combines the practicality of an SUV with the clean advanced fuel cell know-how offering the most advanced technology on the market with autonomous driving capabilities, smart advanced driver assistance systems and strongest powertrains in the segment.

The Kona broadens Hyundai’s successful SUV line-up. With its sleek, sharp and colorful design it creates a unique proposition in the sub-compact SUV segment. Bold exterior lines, a pleasantly spacious interior and a powerful engine line-up make the innovative subcompact SUV suitable for modern, urban customers.

Design is increasingly the number one reason why customers choose the Hyundai brand. Receiving this prestigious recognition in the fifth consecutive year reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to producing cars that demonstrate a unique and evolving design language. The 2018 award follows the recognition in 2017 for the Hyundai Azera and an ‘Honorable Mention’ for the i30, the prize-winning IONIQ line-up in 2016 as well as double recognition in 2015 for i20 and Sonata and for i10 and Genesis in 2014.

Drawing on a prominent jury consisting of high profile designers, professors and journalists, the Red Dot Design Award is recognized globally as one of the most sought-after marks for high quality design. The 2018 contest attracted entries from 59 countries, making the Red Dot Award the largest product competition in the world.