The new, second generation Hyundai i20 will cost from £10,695 when it goes on sale in early 2015.
First unveiled at the Paris Motor Show last month the i20 is available to order now.
The supermini will go up against the hugely popular Fiesta, the new and much improved Vauxhall Corsa, Skoda’s Fabia, the Mazda 2 and others.
Initially it will be offered in five-door format only, with a three-door version joining the range later on.
As well as revamping the car’s looks, both inside and out, Hyundai has also improved the range of equipment on offer.
The South Korean company says the new i20 also has more interior space than the outgoing model, is more refined and has a better-quality finish.
With sales having surpassed the 73,000 mark since it was launched in 2009, the i20 is Hyundai’s second-best selling model (after the i10) so it’s important the second generation car does well.
Hyundai uses the not-at-all-pretentious term “fluidic sculpture” to describe the i20’s styling.
What that means is it’s sleeker and smoother than its predecessor, with a more modern look to it.
There’s a 45mm longer wheelbase, which improves interior space, particularly for rear passengers: Hyundai insists the new car will be able to seat five adults in relative comfort.
Another boon is a boot with a 326-litre capacity that’s 36 more than its rival the Ford Fiesta can muster.
On the options list will be a full panoramic glass roof, which can tilt or slide open.
Buyers will have a choice of two petrol and two diesel units. There’s a 1.2 litre petrol with either 74 or 83bhp, and a 1.4 litre with 99bhp.
The diesel options are 1.1 and 1.4 litre engines with 74 and 89bhp. The smaller of these does 86mpg with emissions of 86g/km and the bigger 76mpg and 97g/km.