Hyundai working on second B-SUV as ix25 won't be sold in developed countries - Report

24/02/2015 - 13:51 | ,  ,   | Anjan Ravi

ix25 is primarily for developing markets.

At last year's Beijing Auto Show, when the wraps came off the Hyundai ix25 pre-production concept, it seemed that Hyundai had given a fitting response to compact SUVs such as the Honda Vezel/HR-V, Nissan Juke, Ford EcoSport and the likes.

However, the Korean car maker does not plan on selling the B-Segment ix25 in developed markets.

Hyundai ix25 front quarter at 2014 Guangzhou Motor Show
Hyundai is working on another compact SUV that will be positioned between the ix25 and the Tucson.

A senior Hyundai source told Motoring that the ix25 is meant for markets like India and China, and not "sophisticated" markets like Europe or Australia. Instead, these markets will get an all-new compact SUV positioned between the new Tucson and ix25.

As per another media report, crash worthiness of Indian Hyundai models is a main concern for the Australian subsidiary, and for the same reason, it had rejected the India-made Elite i20, which it reckoned would fare averagely in the ANCAP crash test.

Nicola Danza, designer of the new Tucson, confirmed to the publication that there will indeed be a new SUV under the Tucson, without revealing further details.

The publication reports that HMCA (Hyundai Motor Company Australia) made detailed presentations to the headquarters for a higher specification ix25, but it appears that the carmaker is indeed looking at having another SUV for the European and Australian markets.

Hyundai Intrado concept side - Geneva Live
The new compact SUV could take styling cues from the Intrado concept, showcased at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Also read: Hyundai i20 Active (Cross) revealed in spyshots

Meanwhile the ix25 for India is expected to launch in the festive season this year. Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) will likely equip the ix25 with the same engines seen on the Verna 4S.

Hyundai ix25 - Image Gallery

[Source - Motoring]

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