Hyundai has been working on the next-gen Verna for some time now, and it is expected to debut globally at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023. While previous sightings of the test mule have given us hints of the next-gen Verna’s design, new spy photos now give us a first look at the interior of the 2023 Verna. The biggest takeaway? A large horizontal dual-screen infotainment setup.
- Next-gen Verna to get dual screen setup
- Will get ADAS tech like lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control
- To be sold as a petrol only model
2023 Hyundai Verna: interior spied
The interior of the Verna test mule spotted here is still heavily camouflaged, but what can be clearly seen is a new continuous dual-screen setup for the infotainment system without a separate instrument binnacle.
While this interior setup has not been seen on any Hyundai model in India before, the South Korean carmaker already offers a similar layout on the Ioniq 5 and Ioniq 6 EVs that are on sale globally. Even the slim band of AC vents below the infotainment screen is similar to the Ioniq models. In fact, the Ioniq 5, which is expected to arrive in India before the next-gen Verna, will be the first model to offer Hyundai’s dual-screen setup in India.
Like the Ioniq models then, the system is likely to be a touch-based unit and will come with an array of connectivity features. Although not seen in the spy picture, Hyundai is also likely to retain physical buttons and knobs for the HVAC control, similar to the Ioniq models. As we have reported before, the next-gen Verna will also come with ADAS features such as lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.
The dual screen layout was originally used by Mercedes-Benz in models such as the previous-generation S-Class and the current-gen E-Class, and was once considered a premium feature. It was then democratised by the Mahindra XUV700 in India, and is now being increasingly adopted by more and more cars. Even the upcoming Kia Seltos facelift will boast of a similar layout.
2023 Hyundai Verna: what else is known?
Previous spy pictures of the next-gen Verna show styling cues that indicate it may have a design heavily inspired by the new Elantra. The new Verna will follow Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, with a wide grille that merges into the headlamps. It will have a fastback-like styling with a tapered roof, Tucson-like chrome styling elements on the C-pillar and dual-tone alloy wheels.
As far as engines are concerned, Hyundai is expected to continue the current 115hp, 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine along with the 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Creta. The current Verna uses the smaller 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit from the i20. However, the 1.5-litre diesel engine will be discontinued on the next-gen Verna and also the i20, due to the upcoming RDE emission norms.
2023 Hyundai Verna: launch timeline
The next-gen Verna could see its global debut at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, followed by a market launch later in the year. Upon arrival, it will rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia – all of which are already petrol-only – along with the Honda City. Do note, Honda will also discontinue its diesel engine from the City due to the RDE emission norms, which means this segment will go on to become a petrol-only one.
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