All-new Verna to sport design cues from newer Hyundai models, and could come with mild-hybrid petrol engines.
Hyundai is readying the next-gen Verna, which will most likely see a global debut later this year. The car could be launched in India sometime in 2023, although Hyundai is yet to make an official announcement.
New Hyundai Verna: expected design cues
While the new spy photos still show a heavily camouflaged car, we can guess certain details of the new Verna’s design. Hyundai will redesign the sedan with its latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, which has been seen on the new Elantra and Sonata sold internationally, as well as on models like the upcoming Tucson and facelifted Creta SUVs.
While the test mule looks unmistakably like a Verna, a closer look reveals that the new car will have quite a few design cues from the latest-gen Elantra that is yet go on sale in India. The new Verna will feature a wide grille design that extends out and merges with the headlights, which could be double-layer units, something very unique for this segment. From the side, the new Verna seems to have a fastback style design.
At the back, it appears to have angular tail-lights that could be connected by a reflective strip, much like the current China-spec Verna. It is also likely to be slightly bigger than the outgoing model.
New Hyundai Verna: expected engine options
Not much is known about what will power the new Verna. However, it is likely that the sedan will continue with the existing 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel engines. Both units could use mild-hybrid technology with automatic start-stop, brake regeneration, not only to improve fuel efficiency but also to meet the upcoming and more stringent CAFE norms. It could even get a strong hybrid option like the upcoming Honda City Hybrid.
Gearbox options are expected to be the same, with both engines getting the choice of a manual or an automatic. Smaller, turbocharged petrol engines may join the line-up later. Additionally, Hyundai may introduce the N-Line version with more power and reworked suspension.
New Hyundai Verna: India launch timeline
The all-new Hyundai Verna will make its global debut towards the end of this year, so we might see the launch of the new sedan in 2023. However, Hyundai is yet to make an official announcement. The new Verna will compete with other midsize sedans like the Skoda Slavia, Honda City, Maruti Ciaz and the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus. Prices of the current-gen Verna start from Rs 9.19 lakh (ex-showroom, India).
Last year, the company said it will invest Rs 4,000 crore to launch six Electric Vehicles (EVs) in India by 2028. This year, the company is set to launch four new SUVs, including the all-new Tucson premium SUV.
Also see:
2020 Hyundai Verna review, test drive
2020 City vs Verna vs Rapid vs Vento vs Ciaz vs Yaris comparison video