Hyundai ix25 compact SUV snapped testing in Chennai - Spied

15/01/2015 - 10:35 Hyundai ix25, Hyundai, Spy pictures Anjan Ravi

HMIL's first compact SUV to launch in the festive season period of 2015.

The Hyundai ix25 compact SUV was snapped testing in the city of Chennai, where Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) operates its manufacturing facility, by a reader of MotorVikatan. As reported earlier, the ix25 is due for a launch in India this year, and recent reports indicate that the company plans on introducing it in the festive season (October-November period).

Hyundai ix25 front spied Chennai — The ix25's launch market was China, and is currently available only there.

At 4.27 meters in length, the ix25 will compete with the likes of the Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and Mahindra Scorpio. Top-end variants of the Ford EcoSport are bound to rival the new Hyundai as well.

With pricing being key, HMIL says that future products (like the ix25, Elite i20 Cross and an MPV bound for 2016) will have localization content of 90 percent. Reports in fact say that the company has invested INR 1,000 Crore in the ix25 project, which for India is codenamed GS.

Also read: Hyundai ix25 crash tested in China, scores 5/5

Hyundai ix25 rear spied Chennai — Reports state that HMIL has committed INR 1,000 Cr for the ix25 project.

No doubt, HMIL will offer the ix25 with petrol and diesel engines. Expect the latter to be the 1.6-liter unit which does duty on the Verna and Elantra. To offer competitive starting prices, HMIL could also explore the possibility of using its 1.4-liter diesel engine, which is again seen on the base variants of the Verna.

Competitors: Nissan Terrano, Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Mahindra Scorpio
Expected price in India: INR 8-10 lakhs ex-showroom
Launch Date: 2015