Hyundai has revealed the new i10 ahead of its official launch at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month.

It’s set to go on sale in the UK in December and although there are no details on prices and equipment levels yet, it’s expected to be more expensive than the outgoing model, albeit with a higher standard specification

The current i10 has been a big success for Hyundai but the brand is clearly aiming for younger buyers with this new version, which gets a less boxy shape. It has a lower height and longer overall length, plus it’s wider which should mean better elbow room inside. Both front and rear passenger space has been improved over the current i10 and the boot is larger – up to 252 litres.

Under the metal, the new i10 uses the same platform as the Kia Picanto – one of the best small cars around – but with the i10 will have to be good to compete with the likes of the Volkswagen Up, SEAT Mii and Skoda Citigo. We’ve had a brief drive in a pre-production version and it’s clear that refinement has taken a huge leap forward, as has interior quality, equipment levels and space.

The new i10 was designed in Europe – at Hyundai’s Technical Centre in Germany – and as well as a longer wheelbase has relocated dampers designed to deliver better handling on all road surfaces. Hyundai says it has tuned the new model to provide refined driving with low noise levels similar to that of a larger hatchback.

At launch there will be two petrol engines – a 1.0-litre with 70PS and a 1.2 with 85PS. Hyundai has yet to release performance and economy figures, but expect them to be close the Kia Picanto.