Longer, lower and wider than the outgoing model, the new model features a more elegant design with a longer bonnet, short rear overhang and floating roof effect combined with LED running lights and LED rear light clusters.

Inside, Hyundai promises class-leading interior space thanks to a 45mm increase in the wheel base as well as a driver-orientated cockpit. Boot space is among the best in the segment from 326 litres.

Petrol engines include 74bhp and 83bhp versions of the 1.2 litre “Kappa” petrol unit with 112g/km and 119g/km and a 99bhp 1.4-litre unit with 127g/km in manual version. The diesel line-up kicks off with a 74bhp 1.1-litre CRDi diesel engine – which offers 84g/km in the frugal S Blue version – and a 89bhp 1.4-litre diesel with 106g/km.

Five trim levels are offered, starting with the S, priced from £10,695 and offering electric front windows, remote central locking, tinted windows and RDS radio with USB. The S Air gains Manual Air Conditioning, while the economical S Blue adds Intelligent Stop and Go (ISG) and low rolling resistance tyres.

The volume-selling SE model gains 16-inch alloy wheels, voice activated Bluetooth, Cruise Control with speed limiter, front fog lights, Lane Departure Warning System, rear electric windows and reversing sensors among many other features – prices start from just £12,725.

The premium model adds Smartphone Docking Station, automatic dimming rear-view mirror, automatic headlights and wipers, Climate control, cornering lights, LED daytime running lights and LED rear lights, projection headlamps and privacy glass.

The Premium SE tops the range with equipment that includes front parking sensors, heated front seats and steering wheel and opening panoramic glass sunroof.

Other features include a first-in-class panoramic opening glass sunroof as well as a new Smartphone docking station centrepiece on the all-new dashboard. Other infotainment features include voice activated Bluetooth, including My Music functionality which can store and play up to 1GB of music, USB/iPod and auxiliary audio-in connectivity. Meanwhile an optional in-built touch screen navigation system will be available as a factory fit, which includes the addition of a rear-view camera.