Hyundai India considering ix35-based SUV to rival Mahindra XUV500 - Report

Expected to launch in 2018.

In a bid to expand its presence in the utility vehicles segment, Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is reportedly considering a mid-sized SUV to rival the Mahindra XUV500. The Korean manufacturer is likely to use the ix35/Tucson's platform for this SUV, reports the Economic Times.

Hyundai will first enter the compact SUV segment with the ix25, which is reported to launch in the August-September period this year. Post the launch of the ix25, HMIL believes it will have a white space opportunity in the mid-size SUV segment to introduce a model between the ix25 and the larger Santa Fe. If green lighted, the SUV is expected in 2018.

The ix35's successor, the 2016 Hyundai Tucson was revealed at the Geneva Motor Show last month, and is on sale in South Korea. The SUV measures 4,475 mm in length, 1,850 mm in width, 1,645 mm in height and 2,670 mm in wheelbase.

Hyundai offers the Tucson with a 1.6-liter T-GDI petrol engine, a 1.7-liter diesel and a 2.0-liter diesel engine. Available in 2WD and 4WD, the Tucson is paired to 6-speed manual and 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmissions.

Also read: Hyundai India's MPV codenamed 'IP', launch in 2017

The XUV500 is currently the sales leader in its segment with average monthly sales of 2,803 units (calculated over the past 6 months). Mahindra is however working on launching a facelift for the XUV500 by the first half of this year.

Rivals: Mahindra XUV500, Tata Aria
Launch date: 2018

[Source - Economic Times]