The debut of Hyundai’s new Accent budget sedan, known as Verna in several markets, was teased well before its formal unveiling. The launch is slated for March 21. This marks the sixth generation of Hyundai’s affordable compact, and recent sightings show it test-driving on public roads without camouflage, signaling the brand’s confidence in the styling package.
Historically, the Accent has stood as an economical four-door subcompact that enjoyed strong demand in various regions, including Russia, where it once enjoyed notable popularity. The sixth-generation model continues this legacy while embracing Hyundai’s latest design language for entry-level models.
Photographs circulating on regional forums indicate the new model adopts a refreshed corporate identity, aligning with Hyundai’s contemporary visual language. The design language mirrors elements seen on the updated Sonata, featuring a bold two-story grille and sophisticated lighting profiles that sharpen the sedan’s face at a glance. The rear fendersEcho silhouette hints at influences from the Tucson, and the alloy wheels appear proportionally smaller relative to the body, creating a distinctive stance.
The window line and a steeply raked rear screen draw lineage from the Elantra sedan, while the rear lamps form a continuous horizontal strip beneath the trunk edge, a signature detail emphasizing width. The Accent badge confirms that these photos were taken in South Korea, where the sedan is marketed as Accent, while the same model is branded Verna in India and some other regions.
Actual photography provides a clearer impression of the design than the official sketches Hyundai released recently. Concept sketches can exaggerate proportions and lighting, making wheels look oversized and general geometry appear altered. Real-world images ground expectations about how the car will look in typical lighting and on real roads.
Under the hood, buyers can expect a naturally aspirated 1.5 MPi engine rated around 115 hp paired with a six-speed manual transmission. An additional option features a 1.5 T-GDi turbocharged engine delivering about 160 hp, usually paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch or automatic transmission depending on the market. The engine lineup aims to balance efficiency with acceptable performance for a budget-oriented compact sedan, catering to urban commuters and small-family use alike. This powertrain strategy aligns with Hyundai’s approach to offer accessible entry points without sacrificing modern fuel economy and driving refinement.