The production spec version of the Hyundai ix25 compact SUV was caught recently without camouflage, revealing the car’s exteriors before the official launch on 9th October in China. The first market to get the new compact SUV, the concept version of the Hyundai ix25 was showcased at the Beijing Motor Show earlier this year and the production model does not stray too far from the concept. Apart from certain revisions, the ix25 is true to the concept model and will have a distinctive character compared to the competition in the segment.
Compared to the concept, the production spec Hyundai ix25 gets toned down headlights and smaller daytime running LEDs integrated into the cluster. The bumper has been mildly revised and now gets new trapezoidal shaped fog lamps, but misses out on the large imposing skid plate, which has been replaced by a smaller unit. The gloss black grille from the concept has also been replaced by the 3-slat chrome unit and gives the compact SUV an urban and premium appeal.
Coming to the side profile, the concept and the production model are nearly the same. Naturally though, the low-profile large tyres on the concept have been replaced by conventional 5-spoke diamond cut alloy wheels. The rear of the ix25 also receives minimal changes and comes minus the chrome exhaust tips. While the tail light arrangement remains the same, the license plate enclosure has been made more prominent. Adding a sporty touch to the ix25 is the inclusion of a panoramic sunroof, rear spoiler along with different optional alloy wheel styles available.
The interiors of the Hyundai ix25 were leaked few weeks ago and take inspiration from the bigger sibling, the Santa Fe. The China spec model will be available with a 1.6-litre petrol engine producing around 116 HP and 2.0-litre petrol engine producing around 148 HP of power, with both the models getting 4WD drive on the top end versions. Reports also suggest that Hyundai will have 7 variants of the ix25 on offer in China, while transmission options are most likely to be a 6-speed manual and automatic sending power to front wheels or all four wheels.
Expected to be launched in the first half of 2015 in India, the ix25 will be available in both petrol and diesel engine options, most likely to be borrowed from the Verna. Measuring at 4.2 metres in length, the compact SUV will be rivalling the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano, Ford EcoSport, upcoming Maruti Suzuki S-Cross and the likes in the segment. Internationally, the ix25 will also be competing with the Nissan Juke, Honda Vezel and the Fiat 500X in the compact SUV segment.
Source – Auto.ifeng
