MPVs line up for launch at Paris Motor Show

(Hyundai)

Hyundai has released a sketch of its new ix20 MPV (multipurpose vehicle), which is set to debut alongside other MPVs at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The Korean brand says that the vehicle is a departure from box-shaped minivans typically associated with people carriers, instead featuring a sportier profile and fluid lines.

Designed in Germany, the ix20 is expected to go on sale in November this year, where it will compete with offerings from established European brands such as Citroen, which makes the best-selling Picasso MPV.

It will also compete with several other MPVs due for a launch at the show.

Among them will be the Chevrolet Orlando MPV, a seven-seater which represents the US brand's latest attempt to crack to European market.

Japanese brand Toyota will also return to the mini-MPV segment at the show with the launch of the Verso-S, promising that the Verso-S will offer the shortest overall length of any B-segment MPV in Europe (under four meters).

Peugeot has also been generating considerable buzz with the impending launch of the 3008 MPV, the world's first diesel-hybrid vehicle offering a fuel economy of 3.8 L/100 km.

The Paris Motor Show runs in Paris October 2-17.

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