The Hyundai ix25 will be launched on 9th October in China and will compete in the newly successful compact SUV space. Showcased at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show earlier this year, the ix25 has been snapped on several occasions across China revealing the exteriors and interiors of the SUV. However, these new spy images reveal the top-end variant likely to be called as ‘Sport’ that gets mild exterior tweaks and more equipment inside the cabin than the standard models.
Aesthetically, the 2015 Hyundai ix25 Sport gets a twin-slat chrome grille instead of the three-slat unit seen on the regular versions. The front bumper also gets mild revisions and gets two vents on either sides of the number plate holder. There are no changes to the side and rear profile of the compact SUV. On the inside, the cabin seems fully loaded with dual-tone dashboard done up in blue and black and receives black leather upholstery with contrast blue stitching to further accentuate the blue theme of the cabin. The ix25 also gets a 3-spoke multi-function steering wheel that will be standard across the range, while the addition is the new touchscreen multimedia infotainment display unit on the centre console.
The Hyundai ix25 Sport received the T-GDI badge on the tail gate and is most likely to be powered by the 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol motor that is expected to produce around 201 PS of power and 265 Nm of torque, paired to a 6-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai China will also offer the ix25 with a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol motor and will be paired to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission options, while certain variants will also feature the four-wheel drive setup.
Hyundai is expected to offer around 7 variants of the compact SUV when launched in China and will be priced between Rs. 12.56 – 18.37 lakhs (Indian equivalent) in the country. Competition includes the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Juke, Fiat 500X, Honda Vezel and the likes in the segment. In India though, the compact SUV is expected to share its components and powertrain with the Verna and the next gen i20 from the company’s lineup and will be launched in the country only next year.
Source – Auto.ifeng.com