Next-gen Hyundai Verna spied in India for the first time

First sighting of next-gen Verna in India; likely to get mild-hybrid tech.

Published On May 10, 2022 06:38:00 PM

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The next-gen Hyundai Verna, (Codename:BN7) has been spied undergoing tests in South India for the first time. The all-new Verna could see the light of day overseas later this year, followed by an India debut sometime next year. The model has been spotted testing in Korea earlier.

Next-gen Verna to get Elantra-like bold styling
Expected to get mild-hybrid powertrain options
India launch could take place next year

Next-gen Hyundai Verna: what will it look like?

All sightings of test mules of the next-gen Verna are heavily camouflaged, but there are a few giveaways of what the next-gen City rival could look like. Hyundai will follow its latest ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language, which has been seen on sedans like the new Elantra and Sonata overseas, as well as on models like the i20 hatchback in India.

The new Verna will get a wide-grille look that will merge with the headlamps, and could also feature a split headlamp design. It also seems to have a fastback like styling with a tapering roof, similar to the new Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus twins. At the rear, the tail-lamps are expected to be angular and will resemble the new Elantra. The new-gen Verna is also expected to be marginally larger than the outgoing model.

On the inside, expect an all-new dashboard design and more cabin room. As far as features go, the Verna will get the usual bits like a sunroof, LED headlamps and cooled seats among others. The spy shot also confirms an i20-like 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a full-digital instrument cluster.

New Hyundai Verna: mid-hybrid powertrains expected

We expect the new Verna to continue using 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 stringent CAFE norms. Another benefit of the mild-hybrid technology will be slightly improved fuel efficiency (about two to five percent more than the current car). This will help the Verna compete better with the likes of its more fuel-efficient rivals like the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the recently launched Honda City hybrid.

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 smaller capacity turbocharged petrol engines being added to the line-up.

New Hyundai Verna: when will it come to India

The all-new Hyundai Verna could make its global debut sometime this year. Keeping this in mind, we could see the new sedan launch in India in 2023, with an Auto Expo 2023 unveil expected in January next year. The new Verna will rival other midsize sedans like the Skoda Slavia, Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the upcoming Volkswagen Virtus that launches next month.

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