SsangYong will unveil a new compact passenger car concept at the Paris Motor Show next month.

The new concept kicks off SsangYong's plans to launch 20 new models on five different platforms over five years, starting next year.

The C200 is the first SsangYong to feature a front-wheel drive platform and monocoque construction (existing SsangYong models in the UK feature separate body and chassis construction). The model will also be available in four-wheel drive.

Offering a smaller model will help expand SsangYong’s customer base, with choice currently limited to much larger models like the Rodius.

The C200 comes with a six-speed manual transmission and a new 175bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine.

There's no word on an official launch date for the C200 but dealers can expect it to hit UK roads next year.

The company could potentially run into problems with Merdedes-Benz as the C200 name may clash with the German brand's C-Class range.

A spokesman for SsangYong said: "We're not aware of any problem with Mercedes-Benz at this time."