HYUNDAI will try to position its new Atos supermini as a low-cost alternative to the pace-setting Mercedes-Benz A-class model in Britain next year. Initial supplies of the boxy, one-litre economy car will be based on an entry-level version priced at about £7,000 and a luxury rendition - complete with air conditioning, twin airbags and anti-lock braking - will cost about £9,000, a Hyundai Car spokesman revealed at the Tokyo Motor Show.

'By 1999, we should be in a position to offer a version with a lower roof line and another model with a semi-automatic clutch to make it even easier to drive through heavily-congested city centres' he said. Production of the South Korean model begins in January and UK sales are expected to reach 1,500 after first supplies reach showrooms in spring.