Hyundai ix-metro

One of Britain’s most famous motoring badges is making a come back – the Metro has returned, and this time it’s dressed as a Hyundai!

Ahead of its official unveiling at the Frankfurt Motor Show later this month, the Korean firm has revealed these exclusive images of its new baby SUV, which resurrects the famous Austin and Rover supermini name. Called the ix-Metro, the newcomer is designed to shrink the winning compact-SUV formula into a city car sized package.

The show car takes its lead from the larger, production ready ix35 which also makes its public debut at the Frankfurt expo. Swooping curves and a squat, muscular stance are designed to bring the rough and tough looks of a 4x4 to a model designed with the urban environment in mind.

Described by designers as a CUV – City Utility Vehicle – the ix-Metro is powered by a new hybrid powertrain. Its 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine uses continuously variable valve timing, direct injection and a turbo along with a torque boost from its battery to deliver 123bhp with CO2 emissions of only 80g/km. This powerplant will appear in non-hybrid form in a revised version of the i10 city car next year.

While it rides on huge 20-inch alloys, the Hyundai is smaller than the average supermini. To make the most of its compact dimensions, there is no B-pillar to give the largest possible opening into the cabin, while the rear doors slide back for easy access in tight spaces.