Meridian Enterprises, local representatives of Hyundai are announcing the arrival in Malta of the new Hyundai i20 Coupe, a three-door version of the new i20 launched earlier this year.

Designed at Hyundai's European design centre at Russelsheim in Germany, the new i20 Coupe shares most of its technical underpinnings and engine line-up with the five-door but it also brings some fairly major differences in the design than the 5-door version.

All three pillars have been altered, and support a roofline that's lower by 25mm and ends in a tailgate spoiler, giving this model a sportier look, aided by the gloss black C-pillar break that links the side window with the rear screen. Its tail-lights and sill mouldings have been redesigned as well.

The front is marked by a distinct 'reverse hexagonal' front grille placed in a deeper recess to give the i20 Coupe a slightly moodier feel than its five-door counterpart. Albeit more sporty, the boot space is slightly bigger than the five-door's, with 336 litres on offer (a 10-litre increase.) This model also comes with optional 17-inch alloy wheels.

Engine-wise, expect a brace of diesels (a 74bhp 1.1 and 89bhp 1.4) joined by two petrols, an 83bhp 1.25 and 99bhp 1.4. A further three-pot petrol turbo will join the range shortly after launch.

Like its immediate predecessor, the new i20 Coupe remains faithful to its original design principles - to transport driver and passengers in great comfort and sophistication. Elegant lines, refined details and use of soft-touch materials bring another class-leading interior space featuring high specification and unique-in-segment features such as subtle black inserts and chrome detailing that creates a modern and sophisticated interior package.

The i20 Coupe has been engineered to deliver a most pleasurable ride. It comes fitted with a number of new technologies that provide levels of comfort and convenience normally associated with large-vehicle segments. For example, the inclusion of front and rear parking assist, heated steering wheel, static bending headlamps and automatic defog system are firsts for a Hyundai B-segment vehicles. Additionally, the lane departure warning system and Hill Assist Control are another innovative features, normally found in higher segments. The unique-in-class panoramic sunroof, able to both tilt and fully open, enhances the comfort and the sense of space for occupants, filling the cabin with natural light and fresh air.