ALL NEW AUTO CARS

Carscoop reader Jacek just caught Hyundai's new ix20 small MPV on the road in Poland before its Paris debut. Using Hyundai's new "fluidic sculpture" design language, this car's working hard to not be a box-on-wheels people mover. If it tickles your fancy, you can read all about the little MPV in our previous post. Under the hood, it'll pack 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter diesel and gasoline 4-cylinder engines.

If this is supposed to be a little Honda Fit hunter (or Nissan Versa in the US, take your pick - and yes, we know it will go against the Nissan Note in Europe), could - or should - Hyundai bring it to the States?

Now that Hyundai has begun to solidify its upper-tier segments, the ix20 could be a nice little complement to the upcoming Veloster and Elantra in the entry-level arena instead of the ho-hum Accent.

By Phil Alex

Props to Jacek for the picture!

The first batch of official pictures of Hyundai's new ix20 small MPV have made their way onto the web ahead of the car's world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September 30. The South Korean firm's Honda Jazz / Fit rival was designed and developed at its European R&D centre in Rüsselsheim, Germany.

And by designed, what Hyundai actually means (but doesn't say) is that it took the five-seater Kia Venga and made some exterior and interior styling changes. On the outside, that translates to a new face with a hexagonal grille inspired by the ix35 / Tucson SUV, unique tail lights and exterior mirrors, plus new alloy wheel designs.

Similarly, changes to the interior are limited to the trim and the styling of the steering wheel, instrument binnacle, air-condition / audio systems and door panels. Welcome to the wonderful world of badge-engineering.

Like the Venga, the ix20 will be offered in Europe with a choice of 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter diesel and gasoline engines. Sales are expected to start this fall.