HYUNDAI has released teaser images of its new i30 hatchback which is due to have its world premiere prior to the Paris Motor Show in September.

The car, a rival to the Ford Focus, builds on the Korean company's new design theme created by styling chief Peter Schreyer and first seen on the larger Tucson SUV.

Schreyer says the car has been designed with European tastes in mind and it will be built at the Hyundai factory in the Czech Republic.

"The new Generation i30 is a car for everybody," said Schreyer, who is now the president and chief design officer of Hyundai Motor Group.

"From a design perspective, we haven't just considered one customer; we have focused on a wide range of different people.

"This model showcases an evolution of Hyundai Motor's design language with natural flowing lines, refined surfaces and a sculpted body to create a timeless appearance. We are also introducing our further developed grille: the Cascading grille."

The current i30, which arrived in the UK four years ago, has proved to be a popular seller and has helped boost Hyundai's small car range which also includes the i10 city car.

Last year, Hyundai sales grew by more than three per cent in Britain and the company is close to selling 100,000 models a year putting it into the top 10 car brands.

The new model, which will be the third generation i30, will be revealed on September 7 in Germany before its public debut at the Paris show at the end of the month.