Hyundai will enter the compact crossover segment in China in October this year with the Hyundai ix25, according to Chinese media reports. Unveiled in near-production form at the Beijing Motor Show last month, the ix25 will rival the Ford EcoSport mainly.
Hyundai was coy about giving details of the ix25, or even showing the interiors for that matter as the show cars had tinted windows. All we know is that the crossover measures 4,270 mm in length, 1,780 mm in width, 1,630 mm in height and 2,590 mm in wheelbase.
As per Chinese reports, the car will get 1.6L and 2.0L naturally aspirated engines, matched to a six-speed manual gearbox.
The ix25 looks every bit of a mini SUV. This is thanks to the design of the ix25, which is based on Hyundai's Fluidic v2.0 design language. Production of the ix25 will first start in China by the Beijing Hyundai joint venture. It remains unannounced as to the number of units Hyundai targets to sell or make.
Reliable sources say Hyundai will definitely not launch the ix25 in India in 2014. The Korean carmaker already has a lot on its plate: ensuring quick deliveries of the Xcent and preparing for the launch of the new i20. Thanks to its 4-meters-plus length, the ix25 would be more of a Duster/Terrano competitor in India.
