In August, for almost 315 kilometres on Cape Town’s macadamised roads, free of a single pothole, Hyundai invited journalists from India to test the diesel and petrol versions of the Verna. The cars were tested for their speed, acceleration, power, road handling, braking and reliability. They did not encounter a single bump, speed breaker or rumbler except for the cool winds and rains that usually sweep the southern hemisphere during that time of the year. All the cars tested on that cold and wet day reached their destination intact.

In India, it may not be a smooth drive for the Verna. In South Africa, as well as a few other countries, the 6th generation egg-shell design Verna has substituted the 5th generation Accent. Hyundai, which has a seven percent market share in South Africa, is slowly clawing back in the country after a disastrous period a few years back. “The response has been great,” said a dealer in Cape Town.

In India the Accent will not be discontinued. The Verna will not only compete with its own model, but will also have to fight for space with established brands like the Honda City, Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Fiesta. Hyundai Motor India Managing Director HS Lheem says that introduction of new models in one segment does not mean the company will stop producing any existing cars, thereby clearly indicating it will not phase out the Accent.

“Yes, there may be a bit of cannibalisation with the Accent around,” admits Arvind Saxena, vice-president, sales and marketing. “However, there is enough space for two or more models in each segment.” The Verna comes in both diesel and petrol version with engines that boast of being more powerful than any car in its segment. It will be available in three petrol versions costing Rs 6.21 lakh, Rs 6.36 lakh and Rs 6.93 lakh (ex showroom Delhi) The single diesel version will cost Rs 7.35 lakh. These are introductory prices.