![Gran Turismo 5 demo coming to PSN on Dec 17, GT Academy returns [w/VIDEO]](http://www.blogcdn.com/www.autoblog.com/media/2009/12/370z-gt-academy_143x85.jpg)
Verna Transform is not America's next top model Hyundai Accent
2010 Hyundai Verna Transform/Accent - Click above for an image gallery
On Wednesday, we brought you the first pictures of Hyundai's new Transform, a Korean market derivative of the Verna hatchback that is a close relative of our stateside Accent, the automaker's lowest-cost offering. For 2010, the KDM Verna Transform model incorporates a unique front fascia and a controversial looking grille among other changes. The big question we had on our mind after seeing it was: Is this model bound for the U.S. – or was it simply another foreign Accent?
Well, we put exactly that question to Hyundai P.R. manager Dan Bedore, and he indicates that the Verna Transform is not representative of what we will see in the U.S. – on the contrary, our Accent successor "...will have a distinct, exciting new look of its own when it is introduced. The Verna Transform pictured here is a sport package for the KDM model Verna only."
Bedore went on to confirm that the next U.S. Accent is part of the company's 24/7 plan (which will see seven new model introductions over a 24 month period that began with the rollout of the Genesis Coupe). While we're not privy to the salacious specifics of Hyundai's product calendar, we expect to see the new Tucson crossover join the family next, followed either by the aforementioned Accent replacement or the Veloster-based 2+2 sporty coupe.
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
P.V. 7:04PM (6/05/2009)
That's fine. The Accent is a competent but not quite competitive car in the subcompact segment, so I'm more than willing to wait for the new one to come out. That said, it had better come out soon, as the current one is already sort of long in the tooth.
Reply
Dave 7:04PM (6/05/2009)
I look forward to seeing the new American Accent. This Verna Transform was disappointing in terms of style, especially compared to the refreshed Fit and the Yaris.
Reply
Taglane 7:16PM (6/05/2009)
Good because this looked like crap.
Reply
Victor 7:16PM (6/05/2009)
Add whiskers to the face, and it'll almost look like a catfish
Reply
BigWill 7:54PM (6/05/2009)
Hopefully that "distinct, exciting new look" is the Kia No. 3.
Reply
ryuryuryturtuy 8:49PM (6/05/2009)
Such antiquate to use the name "transform".
Reply
RamblinReck89 9:11PM (6/05/2009)
Good.
Reply
sfast 10:35PM (6/05/2009)
People always say I talk funny. When asked why, I just point to the parking lot.
Reply
xtasi 9:37PM (6/05/2009)
Not just Hyundai... but how hard is it to get projector lights on all cars? Why do manufacturers leave them for their "upper level" models/trims. I see it as a safety feature.. the better the lighting at night, the better I can see.
Reply
Tomac 9:51PM (6/05/2009)
As I understand it, they add considerable cost, which probably doesn't make sense on entry-level cars. They could probably engineer for it and make it an option, but when the customer saw the option price most would decline, you lose your economy of scale, and the thing ends up a waste of time to design to begin with.
I also understand that when they "burn out" the whole thing has to be replaced. It's not just a bulb you can pick up at the local auto parts store.
bwzd7p2 10:39PM (6/05/2009)
No, Tomac, it's not a whole assembly. My Sonata has projectors. You just unscrew a plastic cap at the back, remove a bail wire, then pry off a connector. It's a standard bulb available at most any auto parts store.
xtasi 11:04PM (6/05/2009)
I'm not sure what the additional cost is... since you have to have head lamps... I don't mean it as an option. On many cars, I can buy aftermarket head lamps assemblies for less the $300, for the whole thing... i wonder how much it would cost to make them standard.
tankd0g 10:29AM (6/06/2009)
Are you talking HIDs or just focused beam headlamps? Projector lenses on regular headlamps seem like a good idea, until you use them. You just get one focused hot spot and no light to the peripheries. HIDs require an expensive setup because they must be self leveling to be legal.
Tdogg 9:44PM (6/05/2009)
Good, cuz everything in front this thing's firewall is hideous.
Reply
indijanac 2:38AM (6/06/2009)
It would be nice if Hyundai brought the i20 from Europe, but we'll probably get this Accent with more normal looking bumpers and grill.
Reply
hypermiler 10:11AM (6/06/2009)
Hyundai sells 700 Accents a year in Korea, mostly as a delivery vehicle. Accent is strictly for cheap Americans.
Reply
efw 1:53PM (6/06/2009)
check your facts. hyudai sells at least 500 verna(accents) a month.