Beijing 2014: Hyundai ix25 compact SUV unveiled

Hyundai has formally unveiled its ix25 compact SUV in concept form at the Beijing motor show news.

Initially intended for sale only in the Chinese market, the current expanding global popularity of smaller SUVs means it is highly likely to be sold elsewhere around the world, once initial demand in China has abated.

 

Based on the running gear of the Kia Soul, the ix25 is the result of the Beijing-Hyundai joint venture and will be built in China once sales start this summer.

 

The Yeti-sized concept is powered by a 2.0-litre 'Nu' petrol engine, but power for domestic production models will come from 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engines.

 

Should the car ever find its way to diesel-friendly markets, the fact the platform has already been engineered to accept diesel power that should make the transition very straightforward.

Visually the ix25 looks like a shrunk-wrapped ix35, with a distinctive grille, wraparound lights and a tapering windoW line.

 

The new compact SUV is expected to go on sale in the Chinese market later this year.