Hyundai unveils new Verna compact at Beijing show

Shanghai, April 27 (Gasgoo.com) Hyundai Motor unveiled its new compact Verna (sold as the Accent in the U.S.) at the ongoing 2010 Beijing auto show, and will sell the model first in China before introducing it in other markets, media reported.

The Verna is built on a new platform, which is slightly larger overall, with about a 3-inch longer wheelbase than the current U.S. Accent. Production in China will begin in July at Hyundai's car-making joint venture in Beijing.

Hyundai says the car has a "smart" alternator and AC compressor to further boost efficiency. It will come in an "eco" model that Hyundai claims will be rated higher than the equivalent of 41 mpg. Steering assist is electric.

The compact Verna will be sold in China with 1.4-liter and 1.6-liter variants of Hyundai's Gamma family of engines with multiport injection and variable valve timing.

Buyers in China can select between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed auto. With the former the 1.4-liter version delivers 100 kilometers with 5.7 liters of fuel.

The design of the new Verna/Accent is inspired by Hyundai's new design language. The front end looks a lot like the front end featured on the new Sonata.