Fourth-Generation Hyundai Accent RB

2011 Hyundai Accent

Back in April 2010, at the Beijing Motor Show, Hyundai unwrapped the new Verna (known as Accent in some countries, including North America and the Philippines) to bring an edge to the Chinese market and it was on sale since August 2010. In South Korea, Koreans are eager about the new Verna, but Hyundai decided to rename this Verna (now under the chassis code of RB) back to Accent after 11 years of absence. It seems odd why they will rename it back is completely a discreet thought for the Korean automotive brand behind the CRDi engines that we Filipinos love, but whatever, the important thing is, the Accent gained a much awaited full model change.

The Chinese-market Accent or Verna looks more like a YF Sonata, but the South Korean-spec Hyundai Accent resembles more like the Hyundai Avante MD (Fifth-generation Elantra), thanks to Hyundai's fluidic sculpture philosophy. Honestly, the fourth-generation Accent RB resembles more like the RB Concept from the Moscow Motor Show 2010. Much likely, this will be sold in Russia as the Hyundai Solaris by next year.

The profile for the new Accent resembles more of a sports coupe, giving an edge of sportiness on the outside every time boys want to have fun with this compact sedan.

2011 Hyundai Accent interior

The new Accent RB has an interior so exquisite, you may think that this interior is way better thanthe Kia Rio because of such shape! The main question is, does this new interior made the new Accent so manly, only grown men can fit in?

OK, now on the engine types, the new Accent features two available engines available if this car made its Korean debut this early November. First off is the entry-level 1.4L CVVT engine produces a power output of 107hp, and then, there's the high-performance Gamma 1.6L GDi engine (derived from the Avante MD) produces a higher power output of 140hp with the fuel economy of 16.7km/L. So much for that eco car, we just hope that the CRDi R E-VGT engine will be equipped on that new model to make it more fun for diesel-loving Filipinos like us but we'll have to wait until Hyundai Motor Company will decide if the CRDi E-VGT diesel engine is a perfect match for the fourth-generation Accent. Anyway, the 1.4L CVVT variant features a 5-speed manual, 5-speed auto, and a 4-speed auto transmission while the GDi 1.6L variant features a 6-speed manual and the 6-speed automatic.

Available in six exterior colors such as Crystal White, Veloster Red, Blue Ocean, Sleek Silver, Carbon Gray, and Phantom Black.

My thoughts about the Accent:
In my honest opinions, I think that the 1.6L GDi variant for the new Accent was not a good fit in the Philippines because it can't handle most of our gasolines, so we best be fitted with the 1.4L CVVT engine, and no word yet if the CRDi R E-VGT diesel engine can make it to the new Accent for now. Despite my opinion, the new Accent became the most stylish compact sedan that is targeted by young men. I am very excited to witness how this new model be if this car makes it for South Korean launched this early November and soon next year in the U.S. and in the Philippines! What's great about the Accent is the new design based on Hyundai's fluidic sculpture but what's needed for us is the CRDi R E-VGT diesel engine to make this new Accent more of an eco-car rather than being a sporty compact that can compete the Toyota Belta, Kia Rio/Pride, or even the upcoming Volkswagen Jetta (take note; the Euro-spec Jetta. Not the North America-spec Jetta currently on sale in the North American market) to show who's the best eco sedan built for the young males. I had my fingers crossed that this new Accent will reign supreme. I also hope for the hatchback version too!

Photo: Hyundai Motor Company