The Hyundai ix45 completes its testing in the Alps

If anyone thought that with the batch of new models the South Korean brand brought to the Frankfurt Motor Show had finished its renewal plan, they must not be doing the maths. One of its longest-serving models, the Santa Fe, is about to say goodbye to be replaced by the ix45, following the naming convention used in Europe for its products.

On this occasion the test units were spotted by photographers from the Dutch magazine Autoweek on a road in the Alps and, since it has already started snowing there, Hyundai they will be withdrawn until further notice. That means we are only a short step away from seeing its final look. Even so, the camouflage is fairly forgiving to the cameras’ lenses and still hints at this model’s main features.

One of the novelties is that its design will undergo something similar to what we saw with the ix35 when it replaced the Tucson. It will go from being a traditional off-roader to a modern crossover, the type manufacturers have already accustomed us to. The images show it will inherit the grille of the i30 or i40 as well as the window line of the ix35 and a similar rear end. We can even confirm it will lose its third row of seats, leaving more space to the competition in that respect.

Likewise, we will have to say goodbye to the V6 engine, which has already become outdated in today’s European market. Instead, Hyundai it will offer four-cylinder units more in line with current emissions regulations, possibly the same diesels that have appeared in the brand’s recent models. As for the date to mark on the calendar for those interested in the ix45, Geneva in March 2012 is the most likely.

Via | Autoweek