Photo: CarPix
Small crossovers are big business, as far as sales are concerned. Models like the Opel Mokka and Renault Captur are doing really well in Europe, so much so that the Koreans decided to get a part of the action. Currently in development in Northern Sweden, this heavily camouflaged test prototype previews a new Hyundai ix model which will slot under the ix35/Tucson.
Expected to be revealed in China next month, the ix25 is designed around the same platform as the next i20 supermini and possibly a replacement for the Accent. The baby crossover will blend characteristics from SUVs together with those of MPVs to create an ideal family vehicle without too much in the way of offroad performance.
For a budget car that's supposed to rival the likes of the Juke and Captur, this Hyundai has decent fit and finish. All the buttons and knows are arranged in a very simple and logical layout. Except for the automatic air conditioning,heated seats and hill descent control, there really isn't a cool feature for us to look at. We're surprised to be saying this, but the ix25's cabin isn't as interesting as the one in the i10 mini, the smallest and cheapest Hyundai currently on the market.
We think this could be connected to the rumor that says production will take place only in China at the BAIC-Hyundai joint venture.
The new crossover is expected to be offered with a choice of 1.6-liter MPI with front-wheel drive and a manual or a 2.0 liter MPI connected to an
automatic gearbox (probably a six-speed) and non-permanent AWD for top-spec cars.
There's a big chance the ix25 is coming to the US some time in the future, though the idea is probably still in the "what if" stage of its life. In a recent interview, Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said that the company is "always looking at segments that we're not in right now that maybe we should be based on where the market's going," obviously hinting at the American "truck" market.
For a budget car that's supposed to rival the likes of the Juke and Captur, this Hyundai has decent fit and finish. All the buttons and knows are arranged in a very simple and logical layout. Except for the automatic air conditioning,heated seats and hill descent control, there really isn't a cool feature for us to look at. We're surprised to be saying this, but the ix25's cabin isn't as interesting as the one in the i10 mini, the smallest and cheapest Hyundai currently on the market.
We think this could be connected to the rumor that says production will take place only in China at the BAIC-Hyundai joint venture.
The new crossover is expected to be offered with a choice of 1.6-liter MPI with front-wheel drive and a manual or a 2.0 liter MPI connected to an
automatic gearbox (probably a six-speed) and non-permanent AWD for top-spec cars.
There's a big chance the ix25 is coming to the US some time in the future, though the idea is probably still in the "what if" stage of its life. In a recent interview, Hyundai Motor America CEO Dave Zuchowski said that the company is "always looking at segments that we're not in right now that maybe we should be based on where the market's going," obviously hinting at the American "truck" market.
Google News