Eyeing to launch its first compact SUV in India by mid 2015, South Korean auto giant, Hyundai has started working aggressively on ix25 SUV. Details have emerged on the upcoming SUV that suggest that Hyundai is likely to bestow features such as projector headlights, LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels, fog lights and a triple-slat chrome grille on the high end variants.
The top-spec trim on the other hand is expected to get two-slat chrome grille. Much ahead of its India launch, ix25 will debut in Chinese automotive market this October followed by several other overseas markets. China bound model of the SUV is expected to be offered in two engine options including a 1.6 litre and a 2.0 litre powertrain. A six-speed manual gearbox will be mated to both the engines and there is a possibility of offering an automatic transmission also. Base and mid-level trims will be equipped with the front wheel drive system while the high end version will come with an all wheel drive system.
In India the compact SUV segment is thriving and is expected to get a couple of new entrants in upcoming months. Hyundai’s new ix25 will face stiff competition from other SUVs in its segment like Renault Duster, Ford EcoSport, Nissan Terrano and Mahindra Scorpio. We expect the SUV to be priced between Rs 8 lakh to Rs 10 lakh in India. Being the first compact SUV from Hyundai expectations are high from the upcoming vehicle, hopefully it lives up to the expectations build around it.
