After the recent reveal of its Xcent compact sedan in India, Korean carmaker Hyundai now looks set to enter the global mini SUV space as well. A test mule of what is known as the ix25 model was spied testing in China and is reportedly going to be revealed at the Beijing motor show in April.
The ix25 compact SUV is based on the Hyundai i20 platform and the range of engines on offer are likely to be the ones that are seen on the i20 seen globally -- a 1.2-litre and 1.4-litre petrol along with a 1.4-litre turbodiesel. The ix25's styling is inspired slightly by the Hyundai Curb concept which was shown in 2011, though the production model is boxier.
The ix25 is currently planned for sale in China only although the growing popularity of compact SUVs in markets worldwide may compel Hyundai to launch the car globally soon.
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
