Verna Transform is not America's next top model Hyundai Accent

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.