Hyundai ix25

LIKE MARUTI, HYUNDAI ARE ALSO LATE TO THE compact SUV segment in India. The ix25, when launched, will mark Hyundai's debut among stiff competition from rivals like the Ford EcoSport, Renault Duster, Nissan Terrano and Skoda's Yeti. Originally showcased at the 2014 Beijing Auto Show, the ix25 is based on the i20's platform (making it more compact than the Renault Duster), and follows Hyundai's Fluidic 2.0 design language (resembling the Santa Fe). The ix25 measures 4270mm in length, 1780mm in width, and 1627mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2590mm. The length puts it beyond 4 metres, making it ineligible for a lower excise duty rate.

While the ix25 will be offered with a 1.6-litre and a 2.0-litre petrol engine in the Chinese market, the compact SUV will probably sport the Verna’s 1.6 diesel making 126bhp and the 1.6-litre 120bhp petrol. Platform sharing with the i20 hatchback makes local manufacturing possible, which should help Hyundai keep prices in check. We’d expect between Rs 10 and Rs 12 lakh, making it a solid Duster competitor.