At the 2017 Chongqing Motor Show, Beijing Hyundai
unveiled an all-new sedan that could hit the Chinese market later this year,
dubbed the Hyundai Reina.
Based on the previous generation Hyundai Verna, the Hyundai Reina has a wheelbase of 2,570 mm
and will slot below the new Hyundai Verna. The exterior design is based on the
latest version of the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, featuring a hexagonal grille with
a gloss black mesh, swept back halogen headlamps, angular fog lamps, and small
multi-spoke alloy rims. The waistline gradually rises to give the rear-end a
stubby look, and houses vertical taillamps, a clean boot lid and a wide
windscreen.
Being a pre-production prototype, the interior was
not revealed. The design is said to be similar to the outgoing model and will
come equipped with a touchscreen system with Apple CarPlay and Baidu’s Carlife
system. Under the hood is a 1.4L N/A petrol engine with 95 hp, paired to either
a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic.
To attract more prospective buyers from key markets
towards their brand, Hyundai creates low cost, budget-oriented sedans exclusive
to a market that meets local requirements. For instance, the Indian market has
the Hyundai Xcent, Brazil has the Hyundai HB20S sedan, and China will soon have
the Reina to take on the Chevrolet Sail. The Reina is Hyundai’s third
China-exclusive sedan following the Mistra and the Celesta.
