Accentuated

PITSTOP

The second generation Hyundai Accent that we have currently was launched globally in 1999. Now, it's time for a new car. Hyundai has introduced the new Accent at the New York Motor Show, which is more spacious, refined and safer too.

Dimension-wise, it's marginally bigger than the car it replaces, and is three inches taller . The new Accent looks substantially different from the current version, with a modern, aerodynamic look. We won't be wrong if we say that the front-end looks as if it's borrowed from the Toyota Corolla. Do expect the Indian Accent to have a different front-end treatment though.

One unique design element is the side moulding, which is placed higher up, to prevent dings on the door. And yes, it does make the car's sides look different. Hyundai has spent time making the interiors more luxurious and exude quality.

Expect the engine options to be carried over from the existing Accent, including the CRDi unit. This version here featured a 110 bhp 1600cc inline-four with continuous variable valve timing. The new Accent can make it to India by next year, once the right-hand drive versions are developed. We'll of course let you know about it soon

Foxtrot

Volkswagen has launched a new entry level small car at the Leipzig Motor Show in Germany. Called the Fox, the new hatch is longer than a Lupo but shorter than a Polo "� in other words, it's less than a foot longer than the Hyundai Getz, and just as tall.

The three-door Fox will have come with three engine choices "� two petrol and one diesel. The petrol units are 54 bhp 1200cc and 74 bhp 1400cc, while the diesel is a 74 bhp 1400cc TDI featuring Volkswagen's Pumpe Duse unit injector technology.

The Fox will possess all the traditional qualities of VWs "� robust build quality, reliability, durability "� and is quite spacious inside too. It has gone on sale in Europe in April. How about a five-door version for India, VW?