Beijing 2014: Hyundai ix25 compact SUV leaked

The first reportedly-official image of Hyundai's new ix25 compact SUV has been leaked online ahead of its unveiling at the Beijing motor show next week.

The image, posted on an Italian blog, shows that the ix25 takes on styling similar to the current ix35, with wrap-around headlight clusters and prominent lower air intakes housing the front fog lights. The ix25 also sports a different, more prominent grille design than its larger sibling.

Already spied winter testing, the new car will be built in China as part of a joint venture between BAIC and Hyundai. The new ix25 will be underpinned by a platform similar to the one on the upcoming i20 hatchback. The ix25 is also likely to share the its engine line-up - the 1,2- and 1,4-litre petrols will be offered alongside a 1.4-litre turbodiesel for the international markets. 

Loose styling inspiration for the ix25 can be traced back to the Hyundai Curb compact SUV concept from 2011, although the styling has been drastically toned down and the sleek profile ditched in favour of something boxier in the production model.

The ix25 will only go on sale in China at present, the world's largest car maket for new car sales, and one where Hyundai was only outsold last year by Volkswagen.

However, the current global boom for compact SUV means that the model could well end up being a global one one Hyundai. Indeed, in the US, the carmaker has let its desire to expand its SUV offerings known. However, there is no news of Hyundai launching this compact SUV in India as of now.