There is only a 50:50 chance of a premium Hyundai brand being introduced in the UK.

Despite media reports of plans to introduce the Genesis brand in three years' time, the carmaker says this is in no way certain and "not in any plan".

A Hyundai spokesman said: "We've not ruled out it coming to the UK, but it's just a 50:50 chance at the moment."

Trials are taking place in Europe on a coupe and saloon to see if buyers would accept Genesis as a brand separate to Hyundai. The Continental launch would be late 2012.

There is no UK trial because the cars are lefthand drive and petrol, which "wouldn't sell here".

The spokesman said the easiest sell would be the coupe.

"It's an atttractive car. But we could keep the Hyundai badge on it and it would sell. By late 2012 there would be enough new Hyundais in the car parc for people to accept it."

The coupe (pictured) features a turbocharged 2.0-litre engine or 3.8-litre V6.