HYUNDAI claims a best-of-both-worlds design has given it a lead in economy motoring - but the South Korean company's UK importer has still to decide if its new supermini will appear on British roads. David Walker, managing director of Hyundai Car (UK), revealed no commitment had yet been made to the manufacturer on ATOS, a multi-functional supermini which is regarded by Hyundai as unique.

'We are talking to our dealers about this, but if it gets the go-ahead, we think ATOS could add 1,000 units to annual sales,' said Walker as the short and tall model made its world debut at Frankfurt.

Hyundai chairman Mong-Gyu Chung said: 'We have set out to build a car which is environmentally conscious, and while it in no way compromises customers' expectations in function and safety. This model has excellent economy and low emissions. It is only the start of our new drive to help the environment, however. All our next-generation models will have recyclable parts and components.'