2014 Beijing: Hyundai Previews Sub-Tucson Crossover With ix25 Concept

The small crossover segment has been seeing a lot of activity lately. Honda is getting into the game with its 2014 Honda Vezel (HR-V) while Ford is already selling its 2014 Ford EcoSport in developing markets around the world. Today, Hyundai has just announced its intention to participate in this fast growing segment with its ix25 Concept.

Speaking at the 2014 Beijing International Auto Show earlier today, Hyundai Motor’s President Sung Kee Choi told the assembled crowd today that Hyundai aims to complete its SUV line-up in China with a small-sized SUV, to complement its larger models like the ix35 (Tucson), the 5-seater Santa Fe and the 7-seater Grand Santa Fe.

With an overall length of 4,270 mm and an overall width of 1,780 mm, the ix25 Concept has a footprint that's larger than the Ford EcoSport, but slightly smaller than the Honda Vezel.

Wheelbase is 2,590 mm long, slightly longer than Hyundai's small-sedan the Verna.

The engine fitted in the concept car is a Nu 2.0 engine, a rather big engine for its product positioning, as the larger Tucson's engine line-up also starts with the same 2-litre engine.

Although the car is making its global debut in Beijing as a 'concept car,' the ix25 is quite close to production.

Hyundai says the ix25 will go on sale in China within the third quarter of 2014. The company have even hired Korean super-star actor Kim Soo-hyun to be an ambassador for the ix25.