SCOOP! Hyundai RB spotted in India

These are the first ever spy shots of the upcoming Hyundai RB saloon, spotted by our reader Chris Sekar somewhere 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 RB is called as Solaris in the Russian market, but it remains to be seen  what name it carries when launched in India.

It is expected to be launched sometime early next year. 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.