Ahead of it's official launch at the Geneva Motor Show, Hyundai has released preliminary pictures of the ix-onic Concept, which will become the Hyundai ix35 at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this year, which will effectively replace today's Hyundai Tucson. Hope that all wasn't too confusing. At only 4.4 metres long, this new ix-onic concept proves that 4x4 cars don't need to be big and bulky to look cool - it will enter a market segment populated already by the Nissan Dualis, but will also head off the upcoming Peugeot 3008. If this concept is anything to go by, the Koreans will make a car that is sexier than both of them put together.

Obviously, the ix35 isn't quite going to look as good as this concept. But, as we've seen from the new i20, Hyundai are increasingly making cars that look as good as the best in the business. And if there's one thing I know, it's that style is the number one factor in getting people into showrooms. I swear it's 100% true.

This concept has a very attractive 1.6 Litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is likely to go to production on the ix35. This is wonderful news indeed, since this engine will pump out 125 kilowatts of power while emitting less CO2 than any of it's 4x4 competitors (149 g/km). That's something I like to hear.

GENEVA 2009: Hyundai ix-onic Will Become ix35 Tucson Replacement