The changing face of the global automotive industry is clearly visible with Hyundai's latest offering – the all-new i10. While mammoth and previously untouchable automakers like General Motors and Ford struggle, ambitious manufacturers like Hyundai emerge ever stronger. Hyundai, with a strong product line and improving quality, has been continuously making inroads into established markets such as Europe and the US.

Hyundai's new cars, which have heralded an alphanumeric naming system that is to be uniform worldwide, have quality and driving dynamics that rival the very best even from Japan. The i10 also reflects the importance of India in the global automotive scenario. We've gone from having to endure archaic technology to showcasing the very latest from global manufacturers. While this hasn't quite happened in the blink of an eye – it is finally becoming a reality.

This is good news, not only for Indian consumers, but also for the Commerce Ministry as they aim to make India a small-car manufacturing hub. By 2008, India will account for 30% of total production for Hyundai – 50% of which will be exported overseas. India will be the sole production hub of the i10, which has local content of over 90%, and will be exported to over 75 different countries. It's a huge testament to the emerging position of our country that a manufacturer would launch a car in India prior to anywhere else in the world. It also means that Indian buyers are finally considered worthy and discerning enough to have the option of buying the most modern and advanced cars available.

The i10 slots in between the very successful but ageing Santro, and the slightly less triumphant but recently refreshed Getz, which is a great car but has failed to capture the hearts and minds of a great deal of car buyers. Hyundai is pursuing a strategy mastered by Maruti over time. In this instance, they're attempting to keep you, the valued car buyer, within the Hyundai family. Maruti have been doing this successfully for years with a wide range of cars that appear to compete with each other and cannibalize sales. In reality, however, what they do is give buyers multiple choices, and in doing so ensure that those buyers stay loyal to the brand.

In regards to the i10 – Hyundai may well have another winner on their hands. In short, it's fantastic. It's exactly what a new and modern small car should be – innovative and refreshing. Read on to find out more.