Italdesign Giugiaro will introduce a new family of low environmental impact cars when the 80th Geneva International Motor Show gets underway this morning which are set to revolutionise traditional segmentation in the car market.

The design, created with the Malaysian manufacturer Proton (Perusahaan OTOmobil Nasional), is based on a hybrid drive system and was developed with the aim of optimising the available on‐board space and car access ergonomics.

"This is the outcome of several years of study: the solution allows interior spaciousness on a par with that of a segment D saloon despite maintaining the exterior dimensions of a segment A car," explained Giorgetto Giugiaro, Chairman of Italdesign Giugiaro. "You could say that it is a brand new type of car, a new automotive concept where looks are as important as function, ergonomics and comfort, not to mention environmental impact. It is higher than other compact cars to make the best use of interior space; the seat H point is at the same height as the passengers' hips: you do not get down into your car as in a coupé, you do not climb up as in an SUV but you enter in a natural way. Rear seat comfort when you enter and leave the car is absolutely unprecedented, the distance from the front seat is comparable to that of an SUV," added Giugiaro.

The platform, specially designed by Italdesign Giugiaro for this car family, includes a raised floorpan that is able to accommodate the hybrid system's batteries at the rear. The four seats are identical, independent and sliding, ensuring identical comfort to passengers and driver alike.

The first configuration of the compact car family, set to be unveiled this morning, is a four-seater, five-door hatchback just 3550 mm in length.

"We have created a family of models in different configurations, but which still offer the spaciousness of a medium‐category car while maintaining the exterior dimensions of a compact mini. The architecture has been designed in such a way as to allow us to outfit an infinite number of variants without giving up great comfort and extensive interior space," comments Giugiaro.

The country version offers the same dimensions as the hatchback; only the ground clearance has been increased. Compared to the first configuration, it can accommodate 5 passengers instead of 4, the B pillar has visually disappeared and the number of doors has decreased from 5 to 3. Access to the car is still easy however, due to a generous door no less than 1350mm in length and the ergonomic, rational rear seat position.

The series hybrid drive system was developed by Lotus Engineering, part of the Proton Group, and includes a 1.2-litre capacity 3-cylinder internal combustion engine that can run on petrol, ethanol or methanol. The front transverse internal combustion engine serves exclusively to recharge the lithium ion batteries.