Hyundai bid farewell to the Accent in the US after the 2022 model year, but the sedan lives on in other markets. Entering its sixth generation, the affordable family car was officially unveiled this week in India where it bears the Verna name. Although it slips under the Elantra, it’s not a subcompact car given that it’s 178.5 inches (4535 millimeters) long and has a segment-leading wheelbase of 2670 mm (105 .1mm).
It is positioned above the B-segment Aura of the Hyundai India range and measures 69.5 in (1765 mm) in width and 1475 mm (58 mm) in height. The all-new model is significantly larger than the model it replaces and rolls on 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55 R16 tyres. Its design is inspired by the larger Elantra, but with a wide LED light bar like the Kona crossover, Staria minivan and the next Sonata Facelift.
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The interior is surprisingly nice for an economy car, with a pair of 10.25-inch screens, heated and ventilated front seats, leather upholstery, ambient lighting and a two-tone theme. Other perks worth mentioning include a power sunroof, power-adjustable driver’s seat, wireless charging, and even paddle shifters. Hyundai promised to stick to conventional controls for frequently used functionsso the Verna 2023 has many physical buttons on the center console.
Power is provided by a naturally aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine rated at 113 hp (84 kW) and 106 lb-ft (144 Nm) of torque sent to the front axle via a six-speed manual gearbox or an “intelligent variable transmission” (IVT). Step up to the turbocharged 1.5-liter and you get 156 hp (117 kW) and 187 lb-ft (253 Nm) along with the option to choose between a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Available in India in four trim levels, the new Hyundai Verna is priced at around $13,200 at current exchange rates. The most expensive of the bunch sells for $21,000 and can be had with a contrasting black roof, metal pedals and other niceties. Regardless of trim level, all cars are equipped with six airbags, rear disc brakes, tire pressure monitoring system, hill assist and electric parking brake.
We expect the equivalent Accent to debut in the near future for other markets, but the US won’t be one of them.
