Hyundai finally pulled the wraps off the production version of the 2012 Accent today in Russia, where it will be called Solaris. The all-new Solaris is Hyundai’s first model to be produced at the company’s sixth overseas manufacturing base in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Solaris is based on the RB Concept, which was recently unveiled at the 2010 Moscow International Motor Show.

The Hyundai Solaris is essentially the redesigned Accent that South Koreans and North Americans will be receiving next year. The Solaris continues Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design theme and incorporates, according to the company, elegant lines resembling a calligrapher’s “orchid strokes”. The front fascia, as previewed by the RB Concept, sports a new front fascia that evokes that of the larger Avante/Elantra.

The Hyundai Solaris will be available in two powertrain configurations for the Russian market, 1.4L or 1.6L DOHC in-line Gamma four cylinder gasoline engines that feature multiport fuel injection with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing). The 1.4 Gamma produces 105 horsepower and 100 lbs.ft of torque, while the larger 1.6L churns out 121 horsepower and 114 lbs.ft of torque. Both engines are mated to either a five-speed manual tranny or a four-speed auto.

To fit the climate of the Russian market, the Solaris will be equipped with specialized features such as rear heating duct, 4.0L washer fluid reservoir with a fluid level sensor, 60Ah battery for higher cold start performance, wiper deicer, front seat warmers and heated outside mirrors.

Hyundai plans to sell 85,000 units of the Solaris annually in Russia starting 2011 including the five-door hatchback model which will join the line-up later that year.

[Source: Hyundai Motor Company/Image: AP Photo]

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