Paris debut for Hyundai's new mini-MPV

We're unlikely to see it on roads Down Under any time soon, but Hyundai will reveal its all-new ix20 baby MPV at the Paris motor show.

The newcomer was designed and developed at Hyundai's European R&D centre in Russelsheim, Germany, and is billed as yet another embodiment of the Korean's marque's so-called 'fluidic sculpture' design language.

The ix20 follows in the wake of the ix35 and its maker claims it successfully dispenses with the boxy 'minivan' image typically associated with the segment.

"The name ix20 reflects the new model's crossover-like versatility -- a vehicle with the ability to simultaneously serve as a functional people-carrier while providing a dynamic, fun-to-drive experience," claims the company.

The model will be pitched primarily at the European market (where demand for the genre is strong), but Australian buyers have traditionally not warmed to micro-MPVs, so there are as yet no plans to offer it here.

Hyundai will also use the October 2-17 Paris show to pull the wraps off an upgraded version of its i10 mini car.

The company claims the new i10 benefits from a comprehensive set of enhancements in terms of design and specification -- including a new 1.0-litre engine with CO2 emissions of just 99g/km.

Also prominent on Hyundai's stand at the Paris show will be the 'Blue Drive' eco-focused program, which is part of the company's bid to be one of the leading lights in environmental technologies.

Reflecting the brand's rapidly growing global presence, Hyundai has extended its display area at this year's show by 66 per cent in order to showcase its broadened product line-up and new technologies.

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