New-gen Hyundai Verna gets a launch date, production commences

Hyundai is currently gearing up for its next big launch—the new generation Verna. The internet is flooded with images of the new-gen Verna spotted testing on the roads. Certain spy images have confirmed that production of the sedan has already begun at the company’s facility near Chennai.

According to media reports, the upcoming iteration of Verna will officially make its debut in India on March 21, 2023, while deliveries are expected to commence from April onwards. Bookings for the updated mid-size sedan have begun at a token amount of Rs 25,000.

Earlier, the Korean carmaker teased preview sketches of the new-gen Verna on its social media handles, and now recent spy images reveal the car in its production guise. The new Verna will not only be visually different from its predecessor, but also carry a lot more features and an updated set of powertrains.

Exterior styling

The design of the new Verna will be a stark departure from the outgoing model, as suggested by the recent spy shots. Based on Hyundai’s Sensuous Sportiness design philosophy, the new-gen model looks radical, to say the least. It borrows signature visual elements from other Hyundai models but also gets its own distinct touches.

The most prominent update is a new parametric grille up front, featuring mesh inserts with a gloss black finish. It gets a split LED headlamp setup connected with the main headlight encased within the grille, whereas the LED turn indicators on each end are connected by a full-width LED light bar.

Edges of the front bumper feature an arrowhead-like design with vertically positioned extensions that also house the fog lamps. The silhouette of the car appears to be inspired by its larger sibling, Elantra, sold in international markets. The side profile looks very sharp thanks to the striking character lines blending with the flared wheel arches.

At the rear, the new Verna features new vertical LED taillamp clusters connected by a full-width light bar across the boot lid. Reverse lamps are housed within separate units of the taillamp cluster and are split into three horizontal lines. Like the current Tucson, the rear bumper gets diamond-like patterns and a faux skid plate.

Expected features

While the interiors of the new Verna haven’t been revealed yet, the cabin is expected to be packed with features. The dashboard is likely to flaunt a new layout courtesy of an integrated screen setup comprising a touchscreen infotainment system and a digital instrument cluster.

Other expected creature comforts include a wireless phone charger, dual-zone climate control, ventilated front seats, a premium sound system, and more. Another major addition will be ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems) consisting of features like adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection, auto emergency braking, lane departure warning, and driver attention warning.

No diesel on offer

Hyundai will discontinue the 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine from Verna in the new-gen model. The Korean brand will also remove the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol unit from the sedan and replace it with a larger 1.5-litre direct injection turbo petrol motor. The latter kicks out 158 bhp and 253 Nm of peak torque. 

Transmission duties on this engine will be carried out either by a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Hyundai will also carry forward the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit from the old Verna which pushed out 114 bhp and 144 Nm of peak torque. This mill will be mated to either a six-speed manual or a CVT automatic gearbox. Both engines will be RDE and E20 (20% ethanol blend) compliant