These are the first ever spy shots of the upcoming Hyundai RB saloon, spotted by Autocar near Kodaikanal in South India. First shown at the Moscow motor show, the Hyundai RB is a repackaged new Accent with new bumpers and a new front grille, bonnet and headlights. Its design also incorporates Hyundai’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design language. It will be available with Hyundai’s new 1.4 and 1.6 Gamma petrol engines, producing 106bhp and 122bhp respectively. Transmission options for both engines include a four-speed automatic and a five-speed manual. The key challenge for Hyundai will be to make this car ride and handle well to compete better with the likes of Maruti SX4, VW Vento and segment leader Honda City.
Hyundai Motors unveiled the RB Concept at the 2010 Moscow Auto Show and it will be on sale from 2011 in many countries, it is expected that it will be sold as Accent. The RB Concept will be sold as Solaris in the Russian market. It has be seen that by which name it will be sold in India, Hyundai India may revive and reposition the Accent name as it holds strong brand name value in Indian market. Also from last few years after the launch of Verna and i20, the sales of Accent has dropped.
It is expected that top variant of Hyundai RB will feature Dual SRS Airbags, ABS, EBD, Climate Control System, Dash Integrated Music System, Alloy Wheels plus many more comfort and styling features. It is expected that RB Concept will be positioned between Verna and soon to be launched Avante and will be priced around Rs. 9 lakhs. Hyundai RB Concept will compete with the likes of Honda City and Volkswagen Vento.
Moscow Press Release says Hyundai Motor Company introduced a new sub-compact family sedan concept RB at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show (MIMS). The RB projects a coupe-like dynamic styling that is sculpted, stately and performance-oriented. With elegant lines that resemble a calligrapher’s “orchid strokes,” the concept RB continues Hyundai Motor’s ‘fluidic sculpture’ design philosophy that injects sophistication and dynamic angles into the shape of a vehicle. Like any timeless work of art, the characterises molding design of Hyundai’s latest models is inspired by nature, realizing the harmonic coexistence of all things created. The strong design hints of the production version are highlighted in concept RB’s large hexagonal front grill, headlamps and “L”-shaped fog lamps that give luxurious and exquisite looks.
When the production sub-compact sedan arrives in Russia, it will be powered by the modern Gamma engine, 1.6L or 1.4L DOHC in-line four cylinder gasoline engine that features multiport fuel injection with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing). By replacing the old Alpha engine with Gamma, the sedan promises more power and torque, as well as best-in-class fuel economy, in keeping with Hyundai’s pledge to be the industries eco-leader. The estimated power and torque of 1.6 Gamma are respectively 124ps and 156 Nm while those of 1.4 Gamma are 107ps and 135 Nm. The powerful and fuel-efficient Gamma engine will be mated to a four-speed automatic transmission or a standard five-speed manual transaxle. Production version of this concept car is scheduled to begin at Hyundai’s first full-cycle plant in Saint Petersburg, Russia, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Russia (HMMR) in January 2011, and will join the Hyundai line-up in the spring of 2011.
Source:-Autocar
