Not wanting to be left out of the exploding subcompact crossover segment any longer, Hyundai is reportedly planning on launching a little SUV in 2017.
Hyundai will add a rival to the Nissan Juke, Chevrolet Trax and Jeep Renegade in the next few years in both the U.S. and Europe, according to a source close to Autonews Europe.
A lightly disguised ix25 Concept was shown earlier this year in Beijing, going on sale a few months later and based on the Kia Soul. It looks like an obvious answer to Hyundai’s small crossover void elsewhere in the world. But that model, according to Hyundai, has been designed for the Chinese market.
It’s possible that the new Hyundai could share more in terms with the Intrado Concept (above) revealed in March at the Geneva show, but nothing is a done deal yet. But based on recent comments from Hyundai’s North American head, Hyundai’s Juke rival will major on style, rather than outright utility, as they seem keen to capture new and younger buyers.
And Hyundai is arriving late to this party, with the Juke and Trax having been on sale for a few years now. So anything new and young-looking will probably be helpful.
By Zac Estrada
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