More stylish Hyundai i10 previewed

The first teasing sketch of the next Hyundai i10 supermini has been released ahead of its launch at next month's Frankfurt motor show.

Revealing a radical departure from the current car's staid looks, Hyundai's designers have attempted to inject some muscle into the small i10 supermini, with the design drawings implying a more squat proportions for the tiny five-door hatch.

At the front of the car, the small i10 looks both wider and lower than the current car, that was never imported officially Down Under, with a large grille that stretches across its face that incorporates in either corner a circular driving lamp.

Looking more like a hot hatch or Hyundai N model than a regular supermini, the i10 appears to feature a complex aero with a pair of deep triangular air intakes below either headlamps.

Those front lamps neatly feature a crease feature line that stretches around to the front fenders and reappears towards the rear of the car.

Large wheelarch-filling alloys, meanwhile, complete the sporting theme.

Another picture released by the Korean car-maker shows the small i10 will feature an 'X-shaped' C-pillar that gives the effect of a floating roof and repeats the triangular design cue.

Inside, the i10 will have the car-maker's next-generation cabin design and include plenty of new tech like wireless smartphone charging, a rear-view camera and both Apple Carplay and Android Auto.

Created to become the safest in its class, the Hyundai supermini will get big car tech like autonomous emergency braking that can distinguish between cars and pedestrians, plus a lane keep assist and optional high beam assist.

Under the bonnet, we expect the i10 to come with a naturally aspirated 1.0-litre three-cylinder, a more powerful 1.2-litre four-cylinder and a turbo 1.0-litre triple for the flagship models.

What the pint-sized Hyundai will miss out on is Hyundai's new 48-volt mild hybrid powertrains over their high costs.

On sale early next year in Europe, an underperforming small car segment is set to rule out Hyundai Australia importing the more stylish i10 here, despite sister brand Kia persevering selling the closely-related Picanto.

Instead the car-maker will focus its resources on ensuring its new Venue hatch is a success.

Set to replace the ageing Accent, the Venue's SUV-like looks are thought to be a far more appealing proposition to Australian buyers than a traditional small hatch.