Hyundai India will begin pre-launch activities for ix25 next month - IAB Report

The ix25-based compact SUV is reported have localization content of 90 percent.

Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) is gearing up to launch its first compact SUV based on the ix25, perhaps its most important launch in recent years. The company will commence pre-launch activities surrounding the new product next month, including early test drives for the media.

According to reports, HMIL will use a different name for the SUV (in its first official communication with IAB, HMIL called it an 'SUV' and not a 'crossover'), with which it aims to rival products like the Renault Duster and Mahindra Scorpio. While the Ford EcoSport is not a direct rival (the EcoSport is a sub-4 meter offering), some variants of the ix25 would rival the Ford on price, sources say.

The ix25-based compact SUV will be powered by the same engines used on the Verna, which gets 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines. A base variant with the 1.4-liter diesel engine could also be on offer. However, what remains to be seen is if the compact SUV gets an automatic transmission or even a 4WD system.

Also read: Sales of Hyundai i20 Active and Elite i20 top 12,400 units in April

Localization level on the ix25 is reported to be around 90 percent, as HMIL have invested INR 1,000 Cr into the product.

Rivals: Maruti SX4 S-Cross (Maruti A Cross), Renault Duster, Mahindra Scorpio, Nissan Terrano
Expected price: INR 8-10 lakhs, ex-showroom