Cars, SUVs, and trucks seem the be getting larger in recent years, and that counts double for luxury models.
At the same time, cities are getting denser and the infrastructure more congested. With a population of 8.3 million and 3 million people visiting Manhattan every single day, New York City is one of the most challenging environments for transportation.
Apparently, that’s a problem Genesis is working on. The luxury arm of Hyundai presented the Mint concept at the 2019 New York Auto Show. It’s an electric, 2-passenger, luxury coupe. Designed to be your daily driver in the city, the Mint is green, compact, easily maneuverable and very beautiful.
Downright the best thing about the Mint is the color – rich, fun, but also soothing. You can look at it all day and not get tired.
The body maximizes interior space while keeping the overall footprint small. The minimal overhangs make the Mint easy to maneuver and park. The panels are large with uninterrupted curves and blending shapes. Two main lines accentuate the silhouette.
The side hatches, hinged at the back of the car, are an interesting solution to accessing your luggage in a tight parking environment. They swing up to reveal a small cargo shelf behind the headrests. Being a city car, the Mint provides enough space for your shopping bags or a couple of backpacks, but not a big suitcase.
The lighting features full-width LED strips which finish in wing-shaped head and tail lights. The large 21-inch wheels give the small coupe a very sporty appearance. To that end, an electric drive will give you immediate response and great acceleration. Even though the Mint will focus on efficiency, we bet you could have a spirited drive at city speed limits.
Outside, the Mint is stylish, but inside, it’s a full luxury. Almost every surface is lined with cognac leather. The G-Matrix diamond pattern, implemented with polished metal, gives the interior flare and prestige.
The dashboard is minimal – a digital display at the center of the steering wheel and 3 touch pods on either side that control common functions like music, handsfree, and navigation.
The Mint is a forward look into urban transportation. It offers innovative solutions to city driving, executed in excellent taste. It’s one of the most interesting concepts we’ve seen in 2019 so far.
