Hyundai HB20S-08

Here’s something not from Geneva. Hyundai Motor Brasil has launched the Hyundai HB20S for the fast-growing Brazilian market. The HB20S is the sedan version of the HB20 hatchback, which also spawned a tougher looking “crossover” HB20X.

The affordable HB20 hatchback, which went on sale late last year, is a Brazil-specific model (HB stands for Hyundai Brasil), adapted from the B-segment European Hyundai i20 hatchback. In the South American country, the HB20S will take on sedan versions of big rivals VW Gol and Chevrolet Onix.

The sedan is 4.2m long, 1.7m wide and 1.5m tall. The wheelbase is similar to the hatchback’s, which is 2,500 mm. The boot has a capacity of 450 litres, 150 litres more than the five-door hatch. The HB20S’ proportions are quite typical for hatch-based sedans – narrow and tall, high boot – but looks decent for what it is.

Engines offered are a 80 hp 1.0 litre three-pot and a 128 hp 1.6 litre four-cylinder, with a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic as gearbox options. It’s Brazil, so the engines are flex fuel and can run on either petrol or ethanol. Sales are scheduled to begin next month.

The rest of the world won’t get this, but they have the Accent/Verna.

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