2010 Paris Preview: Hyundai ix20

Hyundai is set to unveil an all-new production model, dubbed the ix20, at the Paris Auto Show later this month, in the form of a subcompact crossover that will share its platform with the i20 and Kia Venga, revealed late last year.

The ix20 is the latest of Hyundai's new models to adopt the company's 'Fluidic Sculpture' design language, already visible on the likes of the Sonata-replacing i45 and the Tucson-replacing ix35.

Designed and developed at Hyundai's German studios, the ix20 is described as a "striking departure from the boxy 'minivan' image typically associated with the segment."

Hyundai is keeping technical details close to its chest for now, but we can likely expect the ix20 to share the same 1.4 litre diesel and 1.1 and 1.4 litre petrol engines as the Venga.