Hyundai unveiled its latest concept, the hydrogen-powered Initium, just last week, debuting a new hydrogen-powered crossover draped in a distinct new design language. Dubbed “Art of Steel,” the new design language is futuristic and angular, emphasizing a rugged, outdoorsy feel, without looking out of place in the city. However, to our eyes, the Hyundai Initium presents a strikingly familiar shape – one that reminds us of the highly polarizing Pontiac Aztek.
Pontiac Aztek
Hyundai Initium
When Pontiac released the Aztek for the 2001 model year, it was quickly met with some rather divisive opinions. The Aztek design was certainly unique, with a form factor that combined SUV capability with styling that defied conventions. With a two-tiered front grille, protruding headlights, and angular bodywork, the Aztek was skewered by critics. Nevertheless, the Aztek has developed something of a cult following over the years years, with some enthusiasts embracing the quirky design.
Pontiac Aztek
Hyundai Initium
The Hyundai Initium seems to channel some of that same spirit, with a bold, utilitarian shape that resonates with the Aztek’s adventurous vibe. Its front end showcases a segmented grille and sharp headlight design, creating an appearance that’s both futuristic and functional, much like the Aztek aimed to be. Additionally, the Initium’s side profile, with a high beltline and pronounced wheel arches, further evokes the iconic Pontiac crossover’s stance, although with a sleeker, modern finish that aligns with Hyundai’s current design ethos.
Pontiac Aztek
Hyundai Initium
The Aztek’s unique design, now more than two decades old, may have been too radical for its time, but some could make the argument that it paved the way for the acceptance of unconventional SUV styling. Today, with automakers exploring bold aesthetics and technology-driven designs, one could draw a connection between the Hyundai Initium and Pontiac Aztek.
Pontiac Aztek
Hyundai Initium
As it turns out, the Hyundai Initium will get a production version that will launch next spring, boasting an advanced hydrogen power system with over 400 miles of range. Whether or not it will look exactly like the concept remains to be seen. Even so, we want to know – do you think the new Hyundai Initium looks like the Pontiac Aztek? Vote in the poll!
Comments
Knew a high school chemistry teacher that owned a Pontiac Aztec. Poor guy died from cancer 🙁
I liked them and sold a few back the. I had one family buy 2. Son bought one brought it home and let his mother drive it and she bought one and then ordered the optional tent.
….ugly then….ugly now….history repeats itself…..
I had one. Loved it until an illegal (in late 90s Minnesota) went through a light and destroyed it. Wonderful car!
400 mile range Hydrogen fuel cell? Can’t wait to see the price and the price per gallon fill up equivalent
Just another example of a GM product that was ahead of its time… like FWD cars, and Voltec technology.
Aztec the father to all the suv style for the last 20 years. Every car company has took some things from Aztec over time. Two-tier grille/headlight, split reared glass, body shape and all the interior assorted accessories ( tent , center console with removable cooler and sliding cargo floor). It’s was just ahead of its time.
I remember when I was in product planning at GM, a Pontiac guy and I visited the Engineering North Bldg at the Tech Ctr. They did vehicle packaging there and it was the first time I’d seen the Aztek buck. I asked him what it was and he more-or-less described what the concept was and asked what I thought. Looking it over for about for about five minutes I said they’d be lucky to sell 2000 a month. Shocked, he said the planning volume (the volume they use for the business case to sell the program to senior management) was 5000/month.
In it’s best year they did….2000/month with major incentives. Needless to say it was a loser and sadly it didn’t really take a product genius to see that disaster coming.
Remember when they came out & immediately thought they were ugly as sin! Couldn’t figure out why Pontiac had gone that way & back then always preferred the Pontiac Firebirds & Gran Prix over the other car.