The Hyundai World Rally Team has started searching tests of its new generation i20.

French driver Bryan Bouffier put the new generation hatch through its paces in a private test in Germany last month.

Based on the recently launched third generation B segment, the i20 is new from the ground up.

Hyundai Motorsport team principal Michel Nandan said the German based squad had been working on the project for some time.

“The data and experience that we have accumulated during our debut WRC season has contributed to our approach with this new car,” Nandan said.

“We will introduce it in competition when we are absolutely sure that it is ready to replace the current Hyundai i20 WRC – we’re not in a rush.

“It’s a totally different car compared to current WRC model; the platform is different, the car is longer, lower and wider and it features a new engine, transmission and other components.

“Of course we are just at the beginning of a long process and we will continue to work hard on development and continue testing in the next months and throughout 2015.”

After a 10-year hiatus, Hyundai returned to WRC this season with its lead driver Thierry Neuville and co-driver Nicolas Gilsoul claiming a shock win in Rally Germany in August.