Hyundai Shows New HB20X Softroader in Brazil, Production Starts Next Year

This new Hyundai features a beefed-up exterior and more ground clearance, and it comes at the same time that Honda's similar Fit Twist was also unveiled.

Looking like a jacked-up version of a US-spec Elantra GT, the HB20X has more of a soft-roader appearance than the base HB20 thanks to its taller ride height, tinted headlights and taillights, black plastic trim around the lower edge of the car and rear fascia, black decal on the side doors and the roof rack. The HB20X on display in São Paulo also gets a flashier interior with blue contrast stitching on steering wheel and seats, sport pedals and chrome accents, although Hyundai says some of these features "may change slightly" once the car leaves the show floor.

Unfortunately, as many comparisons as we'd love to draw for this car to the Suzuki SX4 or Subaru XV Crosstrek, it does not appear that the HB20X is available with all-wheel drive. Power comes from Hyundai's 128-horsepower, 1.6-liter Gamma I4.

A sedan version of the HB will also join the lineup when it goes on sale next year, and all HB models will be produced in Hyundai's new Brazilian assembly plant in Piracicaba.