Pricking all the curiosity built around its new compact SUV, ix25, Hyundai has revealed the eagerly awaited vehicle at the on-going Beijing International Motor Show. Hyundai will first launch ix25 in Chinese market by the end of 2014 followed by other global markets later.
Based on Hyundai’s evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, the ix25 compact SUV looks modish. Despite being a compact SUV, the vehicle promises ample space, thanks to its not so scanty dimensions, ix25 will be 4,270 mm long, 1,780 mm wide and 1,630 mm tall. Also a large wheelbase of 2,590 mm ensures a comfortable cabin.
Similarities can be seen between the new ix25 and current generation ix35 SUV. The ix35 Fuel Cell variant particularly looks like an alter ego of the new ix25, but traces of difference can be been between the two SUVs, like the compact size of ix25 and a couple of other features rendering a raw look to make it look different from ix35 Fuel Cell variant. In the front, boomerang shaped head lamps and a tri slate front grille with chrome plating go unnoticed. Sharp lower front air-intakes and a set of fog lamps are affixed on the sizeable front bumper. To render a sporty semblance to the vehicle, a large grey coloured skid plate and cladding scattered all around the body have been bestowed by Hyundai on ix25 compact SUV.
Hyundai has worked well on the side profile of the SUV, presence of body coloured OVRMs, turn indicators and chrome door handles make the SUV look chic from side profile too. The aerodynamic line in new ix25 starts from A-pillar and is stretched until the tail light. Cues have also been taken from the new generation Hyundai i20 hatchback. Hyundai will proffer ix25 in diesel and petrol engine options. At the Beijing Motor Show, Hyundai has displayed ix25 with a Nu, 2.0 litre direct injection, four cylinder mill which is also doing duty in other Hyundai cars including Elantra and Tucson. The Nu 2.0 litre engine belts out a maximum power and torque output of 173 Bhp and 208 Nm respectively. In India, Hyundai can offer the SUV in 1.4 litre and a 1.6 litre turbocharged diesel motors, while the petrol powered India bound ix25 could get a 1.2 litre and a 1.4 litre gasoline engines. However, it remains to be seen if Hyundai will cut down on the length of the India-spec ix25 model, if we go by rumours, the South Korean car maker could launch a sub-four meter version of SUV in India. An expected price ranging between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 14 lakh is being speculated for Indian version. The compact SUV segment in India currently has popular SUVs like Duster, EcoSport and Terrano, a new SUV from Hyundai will make its presence felt in the sub-four meter SUV segment.
