The ideal segment where the Hyundai RB can be positioned is just below the current Hyundai Verna. Even in the case of the two models overlapping, there is nothing Hyundai will lose. The RB is a modern Hyundai and it needs to be positioned as aggressively as possible rather than worrying about cannibalization.
The video explains the design of the RB unveiled at the Moscow Motor Show earlier this week.
Hyundai is planning to introduce a brand-new entry-level sedan in Russia and emerging markets. The car in question is the Verna RB, which according to internet sources, is a sedan based on the i20′s platform.
We earlier reported that the Verna RB will be 12-13 lakh rupees, but that isn’t true after the emergence of this recent report unless Hyundai is looking at the CBU or CKD option. If the compact RB is based on the i20′s platform, we find no reason why they must import it.
It will also feature a specially tuned suspension set-up adapted to Indian road conditions. The Verna RB should be sold under a different name and will lock horns with the Honda City, VW Vento, Ford Fiesta and the likes.
This is the exact same segment which the Verna is currently participating in. With fresh competition arriving in the form of the Euro Fiesta sedan and Nissan Micra-based sedan, Hyundai must position the RB sedan below the Verna considering it will have a 1.4-liter engine producing 109 hp.
We expect the next generation Hyundai Verna (code – RB) to arrive in India by the end of 2011. The Hyundai RB can only be locally assembled at the Chennai plant, and should also be in Hyundai’s export plans. The RB is based on the i20 platform (unconfirmed) and the interiors, especially, look similar to the i20′s.
Hyundai could borrow the Verna Transform’s diesel engine for the RB with tweaks for power and torque gains. Pricing is expected to be on the other side of 10 lakh rupees. This then is Hyundai’s answer to the Cruze/Corolla Altis/Laura/Civic.
Inside Line is reporting that the next generation Hyundai Verna (RB), which arrives in India next year, is very likely to be based on the Hyundai i20 platform.
Hyundai will launch the next generation Verna in Russia in January after an official unveiling in September, and we expect to see it by the end of June 2011. Inside Line also adds the Russian Verna will come with a 1.6-liter Gamma direct-injection gasoline engine that makes 122 horsepower or a 1.4-liter, 107-hp engine that will be more fuel efficient.
Hyundai’s next big launch – the 2011 Hyundai Verna (Hyundai RB), is being spied on a daily basis. These images is the second installment after we posted images of a blurry back-end and front three-quarter spy shot.
The Hyundai RB is styled like the new Tucson and Sonata. All three incoporate the fluidic design sculpture, which describes Hyundai’s modern design language. This could be Hyundai’s first car sporting the new design language, perhaps the i40 could reach here earlier.
We’re not sure about the engine options but our hunch is Hyundai will use the same 1.5 and 1.6 liter petrol and diesel engines on the Hyundai RB. The engines could have upgraded technology to deliver a better driving experience.
The RB might be manufactured in India as early as 2011. With the competition stiffening in India, Hyundai has got a terrific product in the RB which can take care of things is priced well.
The next generation Hyundai Accent/Verna you see here, could be launched in India by the end of next year sporting a 1.6-liter petrol and 1.5-liter diesel engine (same engine block, added technology). It could be built at Hyundai’s Chennai facility and would present itself as an alternative to the Honda City, if our guesses are right. The engineering under the vehicle could be exactly the same as the Hyundai i20, but we have no confirmation.
Spied in China, the next generation Hyundai Accent/Verna is reportedly waiting under dust sheets for an unveiling at the Beijing Motor Show. This spy picture doesn’t reveal anything more than what we’ve seen previously. IAB has tracked every move of the 2011 Hyundai Accent/Verna. We almost became an unofficial website to this car, which to us is a very important model for Hyundai India who is perceived as a budget hatchback manufacturer.
The vehicle could undergo a cosmetic makeover suiting Indian tastes when it arrives here next year. Similarly in the US, Hyundai could tweak its looks to suit regional preference.
On first glance, the Hyundai RB looks like a cross between the Avante and the next generation Sonata. We have already seen the beige interiors in the previous shots which Indians will adore. Hyundai has applied its trademark fluidic design sculpture on this compact sedan which is already gaining ‘mini Sonata’ as its other name.
A 1.6 GDi that produces 140bhp could make it on to the RB soon. Also allegedly in the works is a hybrid powertrain.
We’ll wait for the official photographs before making more comments.
We understood that the regular CRDi engines and larger displacement 4 pot petrols will rest under the new Verna’s hood. There are also chances for the 1.6 GDi that produces 140bhp to make it on to the RB, but the Indian RB is likely to feature traditional CRDI engines and to the maximum extent, a petrol engine with variable valve timing – which again is our best guess.
We also hear that Hyundai will introduce refreshed Verna Transform in India shortly and that to us will only place a giant blot on Hyundai’s design language. On one hand there’s the fluidic design sculpture scheme used in excess on the Sonata and flowing lines on the i20 that keeps us interested. Then there’s this bipetal alien in the form of the new Verna Transform which frankly speaking is the worst facelift (they should call it the Hyundai ‘Accednt’) we’ve witnessed recently.
Along with the pictures, the website mentions the new Accent/Verna, scheduled for a 2011 debut (and high possibility of an Indian debut almost immediately after), would sit on the i20′s platform. The website refers to the car as “miniature Sonata YF” and we can’t find another suitable description.
Previously, we understood that the regular CRDi engines and larger displacement 4 pot petrols will rest under the new Verna’s hood. There are also chances for the 1.6 GDi that produces 140bhp to make it on to the RB, but the Indian RB is likely to feature traditional CRDI engines and to the maximum extent, a petrol engine with variable valve timing – which again is our best guess.
