a camouflaged version of Hyundai Motor’s new Hyundai Soapbox has been spotted undergoing testing. In recent weeks, the company’s first ever Soapbox has been fine-tuned for durability at Hyundai Motor Europe Technical Center (HMETC).
A new video shows the model completing its last steps of quality assurance. Though the vehicle is camouflaged, its unmistakable angular design, joystick steering, and plywood platform point to the Hyundai Soapbox.
“Testing is an important part of any vehicle design process,” says Thomas Bürkle, Head of Hyundai Europe Design Center, adding, “We built the Hyundai Soapbox just like a regular car, so of course we couldn’t skip the testing. It was also ideal to have a test driver who also fit with our target customer group.”
The test driver praised the Hyundai Soapbox’s ergonomic seating position and joystick steering, though he said the acceleration could be improved.
Hyundai Motor developed the Hyundai Soapbox ride as a way to promote quality time between people. Parents are encouraged to build and drive the soapbox together with their kids, and groups of friends can build one together. The motorless vehicle is made from materials which are available at any DIY store, and the instructions to build it are freely available online.
As ongoing restrictions in Europe continue to limit the amount of free time activities available, Hyundai saw the soapbox racer as an opportunity to offer a fun project for people to do together that fit in with Hyundai’s area of expertise: mobility.
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