Take a close look at this car. It is Hyundai’s new Verna, and its twin is better known in the U.S. as the Accent. So while Hyundai calls it a “China-exclusive” model, this one is likely to escape into the Western world.

The design takes obvious cues from the 2011 Sonata. Hyundai calls this style philosophy "Fluidic Sculpture", and it seems to do more justice on smaller cars like the Verna. Where distinctive styling can sometimes be a gamble on an everyday mid-size sedan, a unique design can help add perceived value on a car in the traditionally bland subcompact market.

The Verna will offer two new four-cylinder DOHC versions of Hyundai’s Gamma engine. The 1.6-liter unit features 121 hp and a four-speed automatic transmission. The 1.4-liter unit makes 106 hp and is available with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.