LS

Make
Lexus
Segment
Sedan

Hyundai has finally taken their ix45 out for a bit of road testing. Drawing inspiration form the Hyundai Nuvis concept that first appeared at the 2009 New York Motor Show, the new model is set to supplant the popular Santa Fe in the UK. Captured by AutoCar UK, the seven-seater is available with either a front-wheel or all-wheel drive configuration. The ix45 is Hyundai's fifth offering equipped with their 'Fluidic Sculpture' design.

The crossover will also receive a new range of engines including a 2.0-liter gasoline engine with direct injection and a 2.0-liter CRDi diesel engine. The engines will be mated to either a six-speed manual or an optional automatic transmission. The South Korean car company will also plan to rival Mazda's soon-to-be-released diesel CX-5 with a super-efficient diesel of their own. Hyundai is building an Active Blue Drive 136hp 1.7-liter CRDi diesel motor that could return as much as 60mpg fuel economy. The CX-5 is expected to return almost 65mpg.