The car – which is the latest Hyundai model to join the company’s "i-range" line-up – is intended to combine strong styling and great driveability with key MPV attributes and is expected to appeal strongly to European B-segment MPV drivers.

Allan Rushforth, vice president of Hyundai Motor Europe, said: 'We are optimistic about the future of our new B-segment MPV and have set an ambitious but achievable sales target of 55,000 units annually for the ix20. The MPV segment has been experiencing a tough time of late, but we are confident that the launch of the ix20 will help to increase Hyundai’s overall sales volume and market share in Europe. Taking into account the current trend for European motorists to downsize, we expect many C-segment MPV owners will be tempted by the ix20.'

Designed and developed at Hyundai’s R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, the ix20 is the second European car to adopt Hyundai’s new "fluidic sculpture" form language.

Production of the ix20 is under way at Hyundai’s newest European plant in Nošovice, Czech Republic. Hyundai has designed the 4.1 metre-long car with an unusually long wheelbase for its class (2.615mm) and a 1.600mm high roofline. These dimensions, as well as developments in the field of interior packaging, ensure that the ix20 offers cabin space typical of many larger C-segment vehicles.

'The ix20 is an integral part of Hyundai’s overall business strategy,' added Mr Rushforth. 'Its launch will help to increase our sales performance before the end of the year, keeping us on target for our 2010 market share goal of 2.75%.'

'With its dynamic design, economical powertrains, unique versatility, and uncompromising safety, the ix20 builds upon what European consumers have come to expect from the Hyundai brand. The arrival of ix20 kicks off our intensive model launch period, and it is sure to set a high standard for our future models. In the next couple of years Hyundai will introduce another 12 new models and derivatives,' Mr Rushforth concluded.