New Hyundai i20 shown in design sketch

This is the new Hyundai i20, previewed in a design rendering ahead of a full reveal later this summer and a public debut at the Paris motor show in October.

The design drawings suggest that Hyundai is making the i20 more chunky and dramatic; these traits are likely to have been introduced by the firm's global design boss Peter Schreyer, who has also been responsible for the distinctive, sharp-edged looks of many Kias. The new i20 will the first European product to have been introduced under his control.

The front end of the car gets a development of Hyundai's 'stretched hexagon' front grille and horizontal highlights low down that are designed to make the body appear wider.

The most interesting styling aspect is at the back, though, where Hyundai's designers have blacked out the C-pillar at the rear of the side glass. The company claims this is designed to make the i20 look longer; it also makes the roof look like it's 'floating' on top of the cabin.

This i20 will sit on a modified version of the existing car's chassis, and will carry over its four-cylinder engines. However, we'd expect them to be optimised so most versions will emit less than 110g/km of CO2. A three-cylinder petrol could also be offered.

The diesel i20 will continue to use a 1.4-litre engine but again, optimisation should help this to get to less than 90g/km.

The cabin should get improvements in materials and equipment levels, and Hyundai may also offer the option of a colour display for sat-nav and infotainment on high-end trims.

The next-gen i20 is due on sale in early 2015. Prices should stay broadly in line with the existing cars, with a starting figure of around £10,000.