Just days after the all-new 2011 Accent sedan was launched in Manila, Hyundai set the global debut of the Verna hatchback (our Accent) at the Guangzhou Auto Show in China. The new car measures 4085mm length x 1700mm width x 1460mm height, with a 2570mm wheelbase (vs Jazz’s 3920mm x 1695mm x 1525mm, with 2500mm wheelbase.)
Like the sedan, the hatch will have a choice of 1.4 and 1.6-liter engines, coupled to a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4 liter engine produces 107 bhp/135 Nm, while the 1.6 liter outputs 122 bhp/155 Nm.
As with the sedan, the styling follows in the vein of the new Sonata, Genesis Coupe, and Tucson, with an angular face and pronounced side creases. The rear looks similar to the current i30 (which in turn looks like the BMW 1 Series hatchback).
With Hyundai’s newfound styling chops as well as the promising specifications of the Accent, life might become very difficult for the Honda Jazz, Toyota Yaris, and Ford Fiesta should the hatchback find its way here (which has a nearly 100% probability). The only question remains: where is the diesel? It would be the killer app that will give the Accent even more of an edge over its rivals.
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