Hyundai i10’s new look teased

● Sketch shows sleeker city car ● Final car revealed next month New i10 (above) will have five doors, but look much more exciting than current car

THIS is our first official look at the upcoming, all-new Hyundai i10. The fresh city car will be unveiled in full at next month’s Frankfurt Motor Show.

The sketch reveals a radical rethink for the brand’s VW up! rival, transforming it from a conservative and frumpy five-door to something far sleeker, but still offering fivedoor practicality. We’re promised that the sketch is pretty close to the car that will make it into showrooms early next year.

The new model looks lower and wider than the current i10, with a deep, wide grille flanked by circular daytime running lights. Meanwhile, the big news inside is a major tech upgrade, with the latest connectivity including Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with wireless smartphone charging and even a rear-view camera.

Hyundai also says the new i10 will be the safest model in its class, with big-car safety. Lane-keep assist will feature, plus Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist that uses a radar sensor to detect cars and pedestrians.

There’s no word yet on engine options, but expect them to mirror the current lowcapacity petrol motors, with no sign of electrification for Hyundai’s smallest car.

Speaking exclusively to Auto Express, Hyundai Motor UK’s managing director Ashley Andrew said: “The i10 is one of our main volume pillars and has been incredibly successful for us. I can’t overstate the importance of the new car.”

When the new i10 arrives next year, it’s also likely to see its price move away from the model’s current budget-car position. We expect that the new version will start at more than £11,000, rather than today’s £9,200.