If this disguised car looks familiar it's no surprise: this is the Hyundai Arnejs, sister car to the Kia Cee'd.
Like the Cee'd from which it has grown (the cars share a platform), the Arnejs is designed specifically for Europe – the American market will still get the Elantra saloon instead. The Arnejs will most likely run a choice of 1.4, 1.6 and 2.0 four-cylinder petrol and 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesel engines.
Like the Cee'd, the Arnejs (pronounced Arnez) has been designed to provide greater appeal than previous bland Korean designs. But like its Kia sister, the Arnejs has inevitably lost some of its glamour in the translation from show car to road car. Here's hoping that it will be as good to drive as the Kia, which has got what it takes to rival Europe's best hatches.
The Arnejs goes on sale in the spring, with prices expected to start at around £11,000. An estate version and also a coupe-cabriolet are expected to follow.
Rory Lumsdon
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