Beijing Hyundai will launch its new Verna sedan in China by August 2010, while its hatchback model will appear on the market by the end of this year, the company recently told reporters. The Verna sedan is the core model of Hyundai's global strategy of small cars. Specially designed for the Chinese market, the car made its world debut at the 2010 Beijing Auto Show earlier this year. The Verna sedan, whose overall body was designed in a concept of the modern "fluid sculpture", was jointly made by Hyundai Motor's Nanyang R&D Center (located in China' Henan province), as well as the company's North American and European R&D centers.
The new Verna is powered by the new generation Gamma gasoline engine, featuring multiport fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts, and continuously variable valve timing. Verna delivers best-in-class fuel economy, in keeping with Hyundai’s pledge to be the industry’s eco-leader. And it fully satisfies China’s Step 3 fuel economy regulations – two years ahead of schedule.
Featuring all-aluminium construction for weight-saving, the 1.6L DOHC Gamma delivers 90.4Kw@6300rpm and 155Nm of peak torque @ 4200rpm through a smooth-shifting four-speed automatic transmission.
For cost-conscious car buyers, the base Verna is offered with the 1.4L DOHC edition of the Gamma which puts out 78.7Kw@6300rpm and 135.4Nm@5000rpm and comes with the choice of a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic. Fuel economy is rated 5.7l/100km with the manual; 6.2l/100km with the automatic (1.4L with Fuel Economy Package).
Verna’s wheelbase-longest-in-class-and its low overall height, give it extra stability and a very stylish look but without incurring a penalty in cabin size. In fact, the overall cabin dimensions are bigger than any rivals. And the trunk, measuring a spacious 454L can easily accommodate as many as four golf bags plus three small tote bags. So not only does it look great, but it’s very practical.