Hyundai used the 2009 Geneva Auto Show to unveil the “ix-onic” – an crossover concept that will eventually become the successor to the Hyundai Tucson. Hyundai also plans to change the entry-level SUVs name to the ix-35.

This stunning concept car makes use of a turbocharged direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine that makes 175hp. Possibly even more exciting is the fact that the crossover concept also uses a double-clutch gearbox with ISG (Idle Stop and Go) technology. Will we see either this engine or transmission in the production vehicle?We certainly hope so.

Some of the notable design features are the LED daytime running lights, 21-inch wheels and the hexagonal front grille. This grille is particularly important as Hyundai intends to use this strong design across its SUV range. In fact, the is-onic Concept will donate its creativity to the next generation Santa Fe and Verarcuz.

GALLERY: Hyundai ix-onic Concept

Official release after the jump:

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Just one photo of Hyundai’s IX35 concept vehicle, the ix-onic, has surfaced ahead of the SUV’s unveiling at the Geneva Auto Show in March. This stylish looking compact crossover, originally coded as the HED-6, is the official concept car for the next generation Hyundai Tucson and will inspire all new Hyundai SUV designs, including the Santa Fe and Veracruz.

Until now the only images of the ix35 available were the rather abstract sketches Hyundai released almost a month ago.

The ix-onic IX35 Concept was created at Hyundai European Design in Rüsselsheim, Germany, under the leadership of Hyundai Europe’s Chief Designer Thomas Burkle.

Power will come from a direct-injection 1.6-liter engine that makes an impressive 175hp.

[Source: WorldCarFans via autotelegraaf.nl]

Its code name is the HED-6, but this concept car, set to be unveiled at the 2009 Geneva Auto Show in March will be the successor to the Hyundai Tucson. When it does make it to production, this entry-level SUV will be called the IX-35…. at least it will be called that in Europe.

Hyundai has yet to comment on if North American cars will get the alpha-numeric nomenclature that their overseas counterparts currently receive and considering the new i30 recently launched in the U.S. using the name “Elantra Touring” we wouldn’t be surprised if the Tucson name stayed.

When the concept is unveiled in full at Geneva be sure to take a close look, as according to Allan Rushforth, Hyundai Motor Europe vice president, the HED-6 Concept will pave the way for all future Hyundai SUV designs.

The HED-6 Concept was penned at Hyundai European Design in Rüsselsheim, Germany, under the leadership of Hyundai Europe’s Chief Designer Thomas Burkle.

The concept will feature a hexagonal grille, plenty of angles, 21-inch wheels and headlamps that wrap around onto the fenders. Those headlights will feature LED daytime running lights.

Power will come from a direct-injection 1.6-liter engine that makes an impressive 175hp.

[Source: AutoNews]