A single leaked image might have prematurely revealed Hyundai’s upcoming compact crossover ahead of its scheduled debut at next week’s Beijing Motor Show.
Tentatively called ix25, the compact crossover wears a tall front end that borrows a fair dose of styling cues from the larger Santa Fe Sport. The ix25’s roofline peaks above the driver and gently slopes towards the rear, while its back end appears to wear a more squared-off design than that of its larger sibling.
Rumors indicate the ix25 rides on the same platform that will underpin the upcoming second-generation i20, a small hatchback that will be roughly the same size as the Accent hatchback. If that is the case, the crossover will likely be offered with a host of three- and four-cylinder gas and diesel engines pulled from the Hyundai parts bin. Front-wheel drive will come standard, and all-wheel drive will be offered as an option on select models and trim levels.
The Hyundai ix25 will be built in China for the local market. It might be offered in neighboring countries, but whether it will join Hyundai’s U.S. lineup as a smaller alternative to the Tuscon is not known.