Hyundai Verna world-premiere in Beijing

The third China-exclusive model by Hyundai has been presented at the 2010 Beijing Automotive Exhibition. The Verna is the new sub-compact model from Hyundai and has a coupe-like design that gives him a sporty and at the same time futuristic look.

The Verna was developed over the last five years especially for the Chinese market. An exhaustive market research took place in China so that Hyundai could meet Chinese consumers’ tastes and trends. The new sub-compact vehicle is built on an all-new platform at the company’s highly automated plant in Beijing.

“Today is a really special day for us, not only because we’re launching a new car, but because it’s one of the very few times we’ve done a world-premiere outside of Korea: And we chose to do it right here in China because it’s our way of recognizing how important our Chinese customers are to us,” Euisun Chung, Vice Chairman of Hyundai Motor said today at the Beijing auto show.

To enhance the fuel efficiency the Verna will be fitted with the new generation Gamma gasoline engine, which features multiport fuel injection. Delivering best-in-class fuel economy, the new Verna satisfies China’s Step 3 fuel economy regulations two years ahead of schedule.

Two different Gamma engines will be offered with the new Verna. The 1.6L DOHC Gamma has an output of 90.4kW, at 6300rpm and maximum torque of 155Nm of at 4200rpm and it is fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission. The other engine is a 1.4L DOHC which boasts 78.7 kW at 6300rpm and has a maximum torque of 135.4Nm at 5000rpm. This engine can be fitted by either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Verna will be built at Hyundai’s highly automated Beijing plant from July and will be released on the Chinese market in the second half of this year. The brand will launch it first in China and will then progressively introduce it to other regions.