Chinese start-up Small Sports Car (SSC) has revealed an electric two-seat coupé that it claims will act as a "national sports car" for China.

Called the SC-01, the small, sleek EV is the company's first ever car and will arrive later this year with a price of around ¥300,000 - the equivalent of around ​​£39,000 in the UK.

It measures 4085mm long, 1820mm wide and 1162mm high and weighs 1300kg, meaning it’s similar in size to the petrol-engined Alpine A110 and Audi TT.

It features a mid-mounted battery positioned behind the driver cabin and an electric motor at the front and at the rear. With a total of 429bhp on tap, it can sprint from 0-62mph in 3.9sec and offers “pure driving pleasure”.

SSC says a this battery positioning helps for weight distribution and positions the driver closer to the ground all while reducing the car’s height and wind resistance. 

It claims a range of 310 miles (500km) on the NEDC test cycle; figures using the less generous WLTP system haven't been revealed. 

Under the skin sits a spaceframe chassis, with horizontal, pushrod-driven shock absorbers, which SSC says contributes to improved rigidity while keeping the car compact. 

Although not yet shown, the interior is said to be “minimalist”, with no infotainment screen, everything instead being controlled through traditional switches and buttons. 

SSC says deliveries of the SC-01 will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, with all components made in China.

It’s not clear whether it will be sold in any international markets, such as Europe or North America. 

Additional reporting by WIll Rimell