Hyundai unveils crossover for Brazil

HYUNDAI’S growing focus on Brazil has yielded the HB20X, a light-size crossover designed exclusively for the South American country.

The new model is based on the Brazil-only HB20 hatch launched last month, but features rugged styling additions and an increased ride height.

Revealed this week at the Sao Paolo motor show ahead of launch early next year, the HB20X also takes design cues from the Hexa Space concept shown at the Delhi motor show in January.

At 3940mm long, the HB20X is about the same size as a Honda Jazz, or small crossovers such as the Nissan Juke and Ford EcoSport – both of which will arrive in Australia next year, unlike the Hyundai.

The company’s ‘HB’ range (short for Hyundai Brazil) is a new line-up of models designed and produced in Brazil, for Brazilians. Also locked in for launch early next year is an unrevealed HB20 sedan.

Brazil is one of the world’s fastest-growing car markets, and Hyundai is among a host of manufacturers turning a keen eye to the country, which is South America’s most populous.

The new range will be produced at a brand new $600 million facility in Piracicaba, near Sao Paolo.

As well as being jacked-up, the HB20X is differentiated from its hatchback sibling by redesigned bumpers, black plastic cladding, fog lights, 15-inch dark grey wheels and roof bars, while interior additions include extra chrome highlights and blue accents.

Power comes from a 1.6-litre four-cylinder from Hyundai’s new Gamma engine family and produces 95kW of power and 162Nm of torque.

The engine has been designed to run on both petrol and ethanol – the latter is popular in Brazil – and is matched to either a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic transmission.

The HB20X shown in Sao Paolo is one of a trio of micro SUV concepts on display from global manufacturers, indicating Brazil’s growing stature as a global force.

Volkswagen debuted its Taigun crossover concept ahead of a wider global roll-out in 2014, while Nissan showed the radical Extrem two-door concept, giving a clear glimpse at its future styling direction.