If imitation is the highest form of flattery, then the new Curb shows that Hyundai has very high regard for the Nissan Juke.
Hyundai's other major Detroit debut - along with the Veloster coupé - is a small crossover concept that previews a new UAV - 'urban activity vehicle'. It's slightly bigger than the Juke, though it's aimed at the same market.
And while it's replete with concept car details like 22-inch alloys, rear-hinged doors and wafer thin bucket seats, the Juke has paved the way for a batch of funky, sporty small crossovers.
Hyundai says the car is for "Generation Y living an urban lifestyle with an active night life". Young people, in other words.
There's no word on production, but as Hyundai is already boasting of practicalities like plentiful cargo capacity and innovations like an integrated pop-up bicycle rack, there's a good chance something similar will appear in showrooms eventually.
The interior is awash with HD monitors, touch screens and head-up displays. Music is accessed via a 3D carousel of cover art, similar to the iTunes operating system. Drivers can download applications remotely, and passengers use the screens as videophones.
It also has Blue Link technology, allowing the driver to remotely access functions like door locking and, strangely, the horn. It can track the car and notify the owner if it's been stolen, and can offer the option to immobilise or slow down the car thereafter.
The four-seat concept is powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 178bhp, linked to a dual clutch automatic transmission - a drivetrain that will make production in the Veloster coupé.
