Spy Shots: Hyundai HED-5 leaves show stand for snow mound

It's been nearly two years since the Hyundai HED-5 concept bowed at the Geneva Motor Show, but in late 2008, the Korean automaker announced that a production version of the compact crossover would arrive in 2010. And here it is.

Spied while testing in Northern Scandinavia, Hyundai's unnamed answer to the Opel Zafira gets substantially toned down from its conceptual predecessor, although shades of Hyundai's new "Fluidic Sculpture" design language are peering through the camo.

The hood's squat proportions are balanced by the acres of windshield, and if there wasn't enough glass up front, Hyundai has seen fit to add a set of small windows aft of the A-pillars. Even with the camouflage covering much of the rear hatch, it's obvious that the mini-'ute is destined to provide plenty of cargo space, and judging by the size of the rear doors, back seat passengers won't be wanting for legroom.

Although the original HED-5 concept was powered by a 2.2-liter diesel putting out 212 horsepower and 340 lb.-ft. of torque, when Hyundai announced production plans for the crossover, it mentioned a new 286-hp, 2.0-liter Theta Turbo GDI engine. When it eventually makes it to markets abroad, expect either the 115-hp 1.7-liter diesel from the ix35 concept or a 136-hp 2.0-liter oilburner to be available, along with a few choice gasoline powerplants. No word on U.S. availability, but we wouldn't be surprised to see the production version on the show stand in Geneva next month.