Hyundai HB20X: new crossover to enter Brazil’s compact SUV market

Getting its name from the wholly-owned subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Brazil (HB), the Hyundai HB20X will officially launch in Brazil early next year where it will be exclusively sold.

Based on the Hyundai HB20 hatchback revealed by the company last month, the HB20X crossover is 355mm shorter, 60mm narrower, and 85mm lower than an Mitsubishi ASX, measuring in at 3940mm long, 1710mm wide and 1540mm high.

With increased ground clearance, hard-wearing black plastic molding wrapped around the wheel arches, side skirts and rear end, plus roof racks and 15-inch dark grey alloy wheels, the Hyundai HB20X looks the part.

Styling similarities are shared with its hatchback silbling (pictured below) including the SUV's profile, tail-lights and interior design but the crossover also receives sports pedals, chrome door handles and air conditioning controls, and blue double-stitch accents on the steering wheel and seats.

Powered by the company’s 95kW/162Nm 1.6-litre 16V FLEX engine with continuous variable valve timing (CVVT), a choice of manual or automatic transmissions is also available.

A sedan model is expected to join the Hyundai HB20X SUV and HB20 hatch in the first quarter of 2013, with all models to be produced at Hyundai Motor’s new Brazilian plant in Piracicaba, Sao Paulo state.