From the press photos this car looked uncomfortable, odd even. But it's clear when seeing the HCD10 Hyundai Hellion in the flesh that, whilst a "polarising design" according to Chief Designer Joel Piaskowski, it's a very appealing car that attracted a lot of positive feedback at the show. It is also a very innovative concept car design with a lot of valuable ideas.

Piaskowski told us how the design took inspiration from the original Oakley hard-shell backpack in two ways: thematically as the Hellion aims to offer the vehicular equivalent of this young minded lifestyle accessory; and literally in the way ribs appear to sit below the exterior surface and form the structure behind the A, B and C-pillars. These ribs are the foundation to the car's unique form language with the concave surfaces between appearing more like stretched fabric for a 'shrink wrapped' feel. This form language is successfully carried through to the interior also - notably in the concave-section IP.

Beyond its distinctive form language the Hellion introduces a new set of short, wide, and low Crossover proportions; some unusual DLO graphics; and some neat details - see the motorbike style separate rear lights that sit within the third side window; the camouflage patterned canvas roof and seats; and the Teflon coated two piece alloy wheels.

As an innovative, appealing and well resolved design the Hellion had no equal at LA, it is also arguably the most relevant show car here in that it offers a clear pointer for future production car typology and design aesthetic. Car of the show we think...