2011 Hyundai Accent/Verna

Hyundai has got all its bases covered as far as its new range of saloon/sedans for 2011 model year is concerned - from the entry-level B-segment Verna/Accent right up to the D-segment Sonata. With of course, the newly unveiled C-segment Elantra/Avante being the most balanced of the lot - at least aesthetically and proportion wise. Boasting Hyundai's latest "fluidic design", the Accent is very much akin to a junior Sonata.

The 2011 Accent/Verna measures 4,340mm in length, 1,700mm in width, 1,460mm in height, and has a relatively generous wheelbase of 2,570mm - for a B-segment budget sedan.






The base Verna/Accent will beat with a 1.4-litre 4-pot capable of 106 hp and 135 Nm of torque - with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic.
However, the larger displacement 1.6-litre that pushes out 121 hp and 155Nm of peak torque will be paired only with a four-speed automatic transmission.

New Hyundai Accent in Malaysia

Spotted at a local shopping complex and highlighted by an avid bargain-hunter motorist who claimed it to be a better buy than the recently launched new Toyota Vios, I was piqued with curiousity regarding this new Korean offering, even though much belated coming into the Malaysian market.

Externally, the new Accent does look impressive for its class with larger-than-segment appearance. Though the integrated dual-exhausts may be a bit of an overkill it isn't as out-of-place as the dated, highly-placed side rubbing strips on the doors/flanks.

The entry-level Accent 1.4L make do with 95ps @ 6000rpm and 125Nm @ 4700rpm, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission, while the 1.6L with CVVT (variable valve timing) produces 112ps @ 6000rpm and 145Nm @ 4500rpm. A 4-speed automatic is standard for the Accent 1.6L CVVT.

The dashboard at least looks normal compared to the centre-skewed meter panel in the Toyota Vios, with the A/C dials appearing to be of better quality too. However, the seats are a tad skimpy in dimensions in contrast to the Toyota's B-segment leader, especially with that little-too-upright backrest plus useless twin lumps disguised as 'headrests'. To be fair, closing of all doors sounded very convincing versus most of the Thai-sourced but Japanese branded competitors.

Prices are verbally reported (by the salesperson) to be RM68k and RM73k (on-the-road with insurance) for the Accent 1.4 and 1.6 respectively. No price list flyer or even a proper colour leaflet brochure is available for the public at the roadshow.