THE second member of Hyundai's latest i30 family, the i30 wagon, will make its world debut at the Geneva Motor Show next month.

It shares the same engines and running gear as the new generation i30 five-door hatchback, but has a longer body.

In fact the estate's overall length has been significantly increased, making it longer than the original i30 wagon and into one of the most accommodating vehicles in its class.

Compared with the five-door, the wagon expands boot space from 378-litres to a claimed best-in-class 528-litres - and with the rear passenger seats folded down, cargo volume increases more than three-fold, to 1,642-litres.

Designed and engineered specifically for European customers, the wagon's front is distinguished by a hexagon-shaped grille and jewel-like headlamps, and the roofline extends back over the passenger and cargo area.

Full UK specification will be confirmed at a later date, but the same trio of petrol engines and three diesel units as the five-door, producing 90 to 135 PS, will be available

Hyundai's European chief Allan Rushforth said: "The new generation i30 has been widely praised for its style, quality, and value.  Our new wagon offers all of those attributes plus even greater load-carrying capacity.

"We expect it to appeal strongly to those looking for stylish and flexible practicality, especially active families."