By: IOL Motoring Staff
Just like the first-generation Hyundai i20, the all-new one that you see here was designed at Hyundai's European Design Centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany - which is also home to Opel.
Yet while the original i20 kept things fairly conservative, the second-generation has been infused with more European design flavour as you see in its swept-back headlights, huge lower grille and those blackened C-pillars that create a Citroën-like 'floating roof' effect.
This B-segment hatch is not only bolder than its predecessor but also claims to offer class-leading interior space, as Hyundai has stretched the wheelbase by 45mm to 2570mm, and a rather decent 320-litre boot.
Hyundai has yet to release interior pictures, but does promise it'll light and airy thanks to a unique-in-class panoramic sunroof that can tilt and fully-open.
There's also no word on the engine line-up, although it's unlikely to differ much from the current range that includes 64kW 1.2- and 73kW 1.4 petrol options and a 66kW 1.4-litre turbodiesel.
The new i20 will make its first public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in early October and our local contact tells us that it should arrive on South African shores during the first quarter of 2015.