The first images of the new-generation Hyundai Verna (or Accent BN7 as it’s known internationally), have just surfaced online. The all-new sedan has been spotted testing in South Korea, which – like most other Hyundais – will be the first market it will be introduced in.
- New Verna will get similar styling as the latest Elantra
- Expected to get 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engine with mild-hybrid tech
New Hyundai Verna: expected design details
While the leaked images of the new sixth generation Verna (Accent) are of a camouflaged test mule, there are a few things we can pick up on. Hyundai will redesign the new Verna with its latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, which has been seen on sedans like the new Elantra and Sonata abroad, as well as models like the i20 hatchback in India.
Like the aforementioned seventh-gen Hyundai Elantra sold abroad, the new Verna looks to feature a similar wide grille design that extends out wide and merges in with the headlights. When viewed from the side, the new Verna’s tapering roofline appears to end in a fastback style boot.
At the rear, the Verna also seems to sport angular taillights that are connected by a reflective strip, just like in the current China-spec Verna. The new-gen Verna is also expected to be marginally larger than the outgoing model. Unfortunately, due to the heavy camouflaging, not much else is discernible, though more details will surface closer to its unveiling.
New Hyundai Verna: expected engine options
There isn’t much known yet about the Verna’s powertrain options. However, we expect the midsize sedan will continue to use both the 1.5-litre petrol and 1.5-litre turbo-diesel. Both engines are likely to feature mild-hybrid technology with automatic start/stop and brake-energy regeneration features, in order to comply with the upcoming and more stringent CAFE norms. Another benefit of the mild-hybrid technology will be slightly improved fuel efficiency (anywhere in the range of two to five percent more than the current cars).
Gearbox options are expected to be the same with both engines getting the option of a manual and automatic. There can be more options of turbocharged smaller capacity petrol engines being added to the line-up.
New Hyundai Verna: India plans
The all-new Hyundai Verna will only make its debut sometime next year. Keeping this in mind, we could see the new sedan India launch in 2023, however, no official plans have been announced by Hyundai yet. The new Verna will compete with the other midsize sedans like the Skoda Slavia, Honda City,Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and even the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus.