2015 Hyundai i20 takes shape

Hyundai's new-generation i20 has been teased via a pair of new sketches proffered to the media by the Korean car maker, revealing a contemporary new image.

Featuring an assertive new face with angular headlights, a hexagonal grille, strong shoulder lines and just a hint of Volkswagen Polo, it's no surprise the new model has a defined European influence, as former VW designer Peter Schreyer signs off on all Hyundai and Kia new vehicle designs.

Expected to arrive in Australia in 2015 after its European launch later this year, and influenced by the company's rally car, the urban runabout has previously been spotted wearing camo gear during testing and could have its public debut at October's Paris motor show.

Taking advantage of Hyundai's 'Fluidic Sculpture 2.0' design philosophy, dubbed a "sophisticated and distinctive" ethos, the new i20 will rival vehicles such as the Toyota Yaris, Mazda2, Volkswagen Polo and Ford Fiesta.

According to Hyundai, the car's "long hood and generous shape" results in a "powerful stance" and eagle-eyed readers will also note a solid black C-pillar, elongating the car's profile. The wrap-around rear window and sleek rear end, if carried through to the final production model, will certainly add a premium finish to the car, which is currently priced from $15,590 in Australia.

The new model is a crucial car for Hyundai on a global scale, particularly as it forms the crux of the company's World Rally Championship (WRC) assault, which will see local boy Chris Atkinson driving the i20 rally car at the Australian WRC round based out of Coffs Harbour.

The i20 is presently Australia's best-selling light car, dethroning previous compact kings Toyota Yaris and Mazda2, which currently sit in third and second position respectively. However the current i20's crown is far from secure. In the second half of 2014 or early next year, a new Mazda2 and an updated Yaris will hit the scene, fueling the sales race to year's end.

At the moment Australian-spec i20s are sourced from India, but the new model previewed on this page could be imported from Europe, via Hyundai's Turkish or Czech manufacturing plants. Some i30 and ix35 models already come from the Czech Republic.

The mooted change may be necessary in order for the car to meet more stringent ANCAP safety levels.

Sales of the i20 are up more than 20 per cent in Australia for the first six months of 2014, finding 7736 homes, compared to the Mazda2's 6616 (down 22 per cent) and the Toyota Yaris' 6573 (down 13 per cent).