QarmaQ a road softie

If it hits someone, the "elastic front" made of soft plastic means a likelihood of fewer injuries.

And it has impeccable green credentials. Components are made from recycled plastic bottles, and almost all the bodywork and interior can be recycled when the car's life is over.

The odd-looking and oddly named QarmaQ (pronounced "karma-q") is a joint project of the European arm of Korea's Hyundai and the American-based GE Plastics. A pointer to the shape of a new-generation SUV from Hyundai, it was seen at the Geneva Motor Show.

The company says the innovative QarmaQ is not just a show car but a genuine "advanced technology development vehicle" showcasing 30 new technologies which will be used in cars to be introduced from 2008-2014.

High-performance composites and thermoplastics are used instead of traditional metal and glass, and the body has moulded-in colour instead of paint.

The windscreen and window glass have been replaced by polycarbonate resin, allowing the QarmaQ to have helicopter-style wraparound glazing.

The energy-absorbing "elastic front" uses different types of plastic to match where a pedestrian's body is likely to be hit.

The boldly styled car is claimed to be lighter, stronger and more economical than a conventional design. The new materials also can be made into previously impossible shapes.

Horizontal body panels are made of plastic composites claimed to be as strong as steel, but as much as half the weight. The light QarmaQ uses less fuel and is estimated to cut greenhouse gas emissions by more than 200kg a year.

Hyundai describes the four-seat QarmaQ as a "crossover utility vehicle" (CUV) — a cross between a two-door coupe and an off-roader. More tangibly, it combines a 2-litre turbo diesel engine with high ground clearance and all-wheel-drive.