Odometer: over 19,000
MPG: 27.2
While there have lots of buzz over the new Sonata, especially with the announcement of turbo and hybrid versions, I found this story even more exciting.
While I may be totally wrong about this Verna from China to become the Accent in the rest of the world, (Many times Chinese models just stay in China) this maybe the sexiest, most sophisticated looking subcompacts ever. Most sub-compacts are econo-boxes and look like toys....stubby, tiny wheels... remember the Chevy Chevette and Toyota Tercel. While the Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris have significantly added more style to the sub-compact segment, this new Verna leapfrogs the competition.
While the previous Accent in my opinion still played the ugly runt car that seemed designed to soley make you move on to the next segment up, this new Verna borrows significantly from the new Mercedes CLS-inspired Sonata. It also has some of the sleek looks of the current Elantra. It doesn't make you look like a cheapskate or that you haven't "made it" yet.
While I have no specs to see how the designers did it...lower the roofline or did they lengthen the car? Where did they hide the stubbiness? Autobog reports this: "Verna's wheelbase-longest-in-class-and its low overall height, give it extra stability and a very stylish look but without incurring a penalty in cabin size. In fact, the overall cabin dimensions are bigger than any rivals. And the trunk, measuring a spacious 454L can easily accommodate as many as four golf bags plus three small tote bags. So not only does it look great, but it's very practical." Pictures from Autoblog
