Hyundai might be very well-placed in India with a success ratio envied by many of its rivals but the South Korean brand is conspicuous by its absence in the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) segment. We know, the Santa Fe is there in the lineup catering to a niche clientele, but there is nothing for the mass market to compete with the likes of Ecosport, Duster or Scorpio. Given that vehicles of this type are all the rage in India now, the fact that the otherwise-proactive Hyundai has missed the boat for so long is glaring.
This partially-camouflaged test vehicle, spotted testing in Chennai earlier this week, is the big-ticket entry that Hyundai is placing its bets on. Compared to the last time we spotted it testing, the upcoming Hyundai has shed some camouflage. Clearly visible in these shots is the vehicle's tipped-forward stance and the upward-sloping windows. Look closer and the prominent shoulder line running from the front wheel arch to the taillight can be noticed too. The sporty alloy wheels painted in what appears to be a dark grey shade can't be missed either. Currently on sale only in China where it is badged ix25, this SUV will get a new nameplate for the Indian market when it debuts later this year.
Measuring more than four meters in length, the ix25 won't qualify for excise duty concessions offered by the Indian government. Good news is, the engine displacements would not be restricted either. Expected to carry over the engine and transmission options from the Verna sedan, the ix25-based SUV would have the 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines under its hood. Both manual and automatic transmission options are likely to be available while a cheaper 1.4-liter diesel variant can't be ruled out either.
Sporting the second iteration of the brand’s famous ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy, the ix25 looks sharp and futuristic with a stance that’s not much different from that of a Santa Fe. Though Hyundai might bring in a few India-specific design touches like additional chrome bits here and there, we don’t expect the Indian version to look much different. Interior quality, fit and finish would easily be close to the best in segment, a fact that existing Hyundai customers would vouch for. If their form in recent launches like i20, Xcent and Grand i10 is any hint, expect the ix25-based SUV to be loaded with features too.
This upcoming Hyundai SUV seems to be ticking all the right boxes for a successful run in the Indian market, provided the pricing is right. Over to you, Hyundai.
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