Hyundai has introduced an all-new i20 hatchback to rival the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio and VW Polo.

It showcases the brand's latest design langage with a sportier look and a lower and wider body.

Powering the new i20 is a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with a 48v mild-hybrid system.

There will also be an i20 N, aiming to steal sales from the Fiesta ST.

Prices start at £18,595 (on-the-road) for the SE Connect trim, which comes with an eight-inch touchscreen, digital instrument cluster, rear parking sensors and camera.

It also gets the Hyundai SmartSense safety package, which includes lane keep assist, forward collision alert and a speed limit warning.

The i20 Premium is available from £20,795 and adds a larger 10.25-inch infotainment screen, LED headlights, power folding door mirrors, privacy glass and climate control. It also features heated front seats, heated steering wheel and Hyundai’s Bluelink telematics system.

A range-topping Ultimate trim (£22,095) sees the inclusion of keyless entry, blind-spot monitoring and a new Bose audio system.

An N Line variant will join the range at a later date.

Ashley Andrew, managing director of Hyundai Motor UK, said: “All new i20 has already received positive reviews for both its styling and dynamics and we can now reveal that it follows the lead set by the all new i10 earlier this year with an improved level of specification which focusses on exceeding customer expectations in this segment. The efficient 48V hybrid powertrain will deliver a strong balance between economy and performance, whilst drivers more focused on sportier handling and performance won’t have to wait too long until the i20 N Line and i20N join the range.”

The i20 N will be powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 204PS, enabling a 0-62mph time of 6.7 seconds.

Hyundai’s engineers have retuned and refined the regular i20’s chassis, suspension, brakes and steering in order to deliver more agile ride and handling.