Spied - Top-end Hyundai ix25 Sport gets different face, rich interior

The Hyundai ix25 is expected to go on sale in China on October 9.

The Hyundai ix25 compact crossover which was showcased in the form of a near production concept at the Beijing Auto Show earlier this year has been spied in China several times. The latest spyshots from iFeng shows a hitherto unseen top-end variant the local media calls as the Hyundai ix25 Sport.

Visual differences between the new variant and the previously spotted variant include a twin-slat front grille and a subtly revised bumper which has two vents on either side of the license plate. There are no changes to the sides and rear of the car.

The fully loaded interior reveals a multimedia infotainment display on the centre console, an automatic transmission and black leather seats with blue stitching.

The ix25 Sport has the T-GDI badge on the tailgate and is expected to be powered by the 1.6-litre T-GDI turbocharged petrol motor. While the motor is available in two states of tune, the Chinese media report that the ix25 would get the higher configuration which offers 204 PS (201.1 bhp) and 265 Nm of torque.

The China-spec crossover would also be powered by a 2.0-litre petrol engine. Both engines will be available with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission options.

Hyundai India is planning to enter the compact SUV segment next year and the ix25, with local adaptations, is a viable candidate.

Competitors: Ford EcoSport, Nissan Juke, Renault Duster, Fiat 500X, Honda Vezel

Expected price in India: INR 8-10 lakh ex-showroom

Launch Date - October 9, 2014 (China)

[Spy images from Auto Ifeng]