Hyundai ix25 Concept foreshadows B-segment CUV

Mon, 21 Apr 2014

Hyundai introduced an all-new crossover concept to the crowds at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show, showing the ix25, a near-production concept that heralds the arrival of a new compact CUV for the People's Republic.

Boasting Hyundai's "Fluidic Sculpture 2.0," the ix25 is a handsome little soft-roader that we could see slotting in nicely below the vehicle we call Tucson (the rest of the globe knows it as the ix35), and would serve as the entry point for Hyundai's Chinese CUV range. Under hood sits a familiar 2.0-liter, "Nu" four-cylinder, which we've sampled in assorted Hyundais and Kias over the years.

At 168 inches long it's ten inches shorter than a Ford Escape and five inches longer than the Soul, from sister company Kia. Despite these differences, the ix25 Concept's wheelbase is less than an inch longer (eight-tenths to be exact) than the Soul's 101.2-inches. More notably, the ix25 is roughly the size of the new Chevrolet Trax.

Considering the rapidly growing popularity of the B-segment CUV in the US market - initiated by cars like the Soul, popularized by the Buick Encore and brought to the masses by the impending arrival of the Trax and Jeep Renegade - it seems like it'd be a logical move for Hyundai to bring the production ix25 to North America. Hyundai's already said that it's looking at the B-segment, meaning we could see the ix25 on our shores sooner rather than later. (Ditch the alphanumeric handle and call it "Mesa," and it'd fit in nicely with Tucson and Santa Fe, we think.)

Take a look below for a very brief gallery from Hyundai, as well as the official press release on the ix25 Concept.

Hyundai Motor Unveils ix25 Concept Model at 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition

Hyundai Motor's small-sized, China-exclusive SUV concept makes its world debut at the motor show

All-new Genesis showcases its inspiring HTRAC AWD system and Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design in China for the first time

April 20, 2014 – Hyundai Motor Company today unveiled a concept model of 'ix25' at the 2014 Beijing International Automotive Exhibition, held at the China International Exhibition Center. The sophisticated small-sized SUV, another strategic pillar for Hyundai Motor in the world's largest auto market, is scheduled to be launched exclusively in China later this year.

The ix25 concept hints at a premium look, based on Hyundai Motor's evolved Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy. Harmony between a bold front, voluminous side, sporty rear and other details complete the premium small-sized SUV's design. Equipped with a Nu 2.0 engine, the ix25 concept features an overall length of 4,270mm, overall width of 1,780mm and overall height of 1,630mm, while its wheelbase reaches 2,590mm.

"Hyundai Motor has grown into a leading automaker in China through continuous innovation and we are now poised for a new challenge to become the most loved brand by Chinese customers," said Hyundai Motor President Sung Kee Choi. "We will now prepare for another successful decade in China through the launch of high-quality models such as the ix25 SUV, which is strategically-developed for China, and the all-new Genesis introduced today."

The ix25 will mainly target the young generation who seek style and practicality at the same time, and Hyundai Motor is planning various marketing activities to attract them. With its launch in the second half of this year, Hyundai Motor expects to complete its competitive SUV line-up in China, from ix25, ix35, Santa Fe to Grand Santa Fe, aiming to secure the leading position in the country's rapidly-growing SUV market. The "i" in ix25 represents the 'inspiring, intelligent and innovative' characteristics of the young generation.

The all-new Genesis also made its Chinese debut at the show. Equipped with 3.0 GDI and 3.3 GDI engines, the company's rear-wheel premium sedan features its most advanced technologies such as HTRAC AWD system, Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB), Head-Up Display and smart trunk. When it hits Chinese showrooms in the second half of this year, the all-new Genesis is expected to play a key role in enhancing Hyundai Motor's brand image in the Chinese premium segments, together with Equus.

Aside from the two new models, Hyundai Motor exhibited a total of 18 vehicles including its i20 WRC car, Mistra, Langdong, ix35, Santa Fe, Equus Limousine and Sonata Hybrid, as well as its new technologies such as the next-generation infotainment system.

At a separate booth, Hyundai Motor also displayed its commercial vehicles including Chuanghu, the second production model of Sichuan Hyundai, a 50-50 joint venture between Hyundai Motor and Nanjun Auto. Developed based on the Trago Xcient, the premium large truck was localized to meet the Chinese market's special needs. Benefitting from the launch of Chuanghu, Hyundai motor also aims to significantly boost its presence in the world's biggest commercial vehicle market.

By Brandon Turkus