Available in one high-specification trim, the £65,995 (pre-discount) Nexo Premium SE Nexo is a Hyundai crossover SUV with distinctive design details. It is not the first fuel-cell car to be sold in the UK, as that honour rests with Toyota but Hyundai will experience the same lack-of-infrastructure refuelling problems…however, it is a statement of intent.
As well as being quite good looking, Nexo is also functional and designed to minimise drag, with curtain intakes in the front bumper ducting air over the aerodynamically designed front wheels, flush door handles that retract into the doors at 2mph, air tunnels around the D-pillar that channel disruptive air flow around the tailgate area and a hidden rear wiper blade that retracts beneath the rear spoiler, when not in use. The aero work continues below the car, with a fully enclosed underside and front and rear wheel air deflectors.
The car’s interior has been designed to complement the clean exterior, with cloth and faux leather electric front seats, while the rear outermost pair are also heated. Dual-zone climate control, sunroof, rear centre console ventilation, heated steering wheel, USB and QI wireless charging points and smart electric tailgate are just some of the other highlights.
The main digital instrument cluster provides driving information, while the supervision cluster houses a Blind Spot View Monitor, fed from the car’s door mirror-mounted cameras. Advanced connectivity and infotainment are provided, with a 12.3-inch hi-res LCD screen with standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as sat-nav that can be controlled, or viewed, by ‘pinching’ the screen. It is totally configurable to driver needs and highlights both hydrogen tank operating conditions, as well as air purification and CO2 reduction levels that Nexo achieves in normal driving conditions.
Its fuel cell develops 160bhp and 291lbs ft torque, yet still delivers a WLTP range of 414 miles on 156-litres of hydrogen, which can be refilled in around five minutes. The only emissions are harmless water vapour. Regenerative braking helps to recharge the battery pack. Nexo also features the latest driver assistance and convenience features: Lane Following Assist, Lane Keep Assist, High Beam Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, along with Remote Smart Parking Assist, where the driver can exit the vehicle and control parallel and perpendicular parking as well as forwards and backwards manoeuvres from the car’s keyless entry handset.
Nexo is available in 5 exterior colour finishes, cream, silver, copper, blue and the launch colour, Titanium Grey. All exterior paint finishes are no cost options, with the interior featuring a two-tone finish. Nexo comes with Hyundai’s industry-leading 5-Years Unlimited Mileage Warranty, Roadside Assistance package, 5-Years Annual Health Check, 12-Years Anti Corrosion Warranty and 8-years Hybrid Battery Warranty.
