HYUNDAI has unveiled a vision of its family car of the future, writes David Duffy.

Called the HCD 5 Crosstour, Hyundai shows how the family car will need to be more closely linked to the family's lifestyle than ever before.

Designated as a sporty five-door car that suits all family needs, the Crosstour was designed at Hyundai America's Technical Centre in California.

Powered by a modified version of Hyundai's 2.7 litre V6 petrol engine, the car sits on 18-inch alloy wheels, which provide 'off-roader' levels of ground clearance. Two and four wheel drive versions of the car are envisaged.

The Crosstour is divided into three distinct areas, the front section which can double as an office, the middle section which provides the family with seating and entertainment features and the rear section which provides storage space for bicycles and other cargo. Internal features include a dash-mounted flat screen television screen, which can be linked to DVD, CD or VHS machines when the car is stationary, or it can double up as a satellite navigation aid when the car is on the move.

In the rear of the cabin, the Crosstour provides a large, flat floor while the rear seats can be folded down into a flat cargo area.

Meanwhile, Renault designers have dreamt up a hi-tech combination of saloon and off-road vehicle called the Koleos.

The car combines a 170 horsepower, 2.0-litre, 16-valve turbocharged petrol engine with an electric motor for round-town use.

Off the road, the Koleos holds its own alongside a traditional 4x4, thanks to variable-height suspension which gives high ground clearance.

Some functions, including climate control and the car stereo system are voice-activated.

Renault says the side panels and arch-shaped headlamps are styled "to create the impression of a pouncing feline." What would the boys at Jaguar have to say about that?

The boot is separated from the passenger compartment by a retractable window; a mechanism lowers the rear window into the tailgate while the roof section above the boot slides horizontally under the roof panel converting the Koleos into a pick-up.

The four seats are made of carbon sheets covered in hand-stitched leather.

The seat and back are supported by four damping cylinders.