Hyundai will launch the new Verna in India on August 22, 2017. The rival to the Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz was first revealed as a concept at the 2016 Beijing auto show last August. 2017 saw the launch of a Russia-spec model (called the Solaris) and a Canada-spec model (named the Accent).
The sedan will continue with the Verna nameplate in India and has been spruced up to better compete in this aggressive segment. Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2 design language will feature prominently on the new sedan, with the Verna taking after its larger sibling, the Elantra, in terms of styling.
A 15mm increase in length, 29mm increase in width, and with a wheelbase that is 10mm longer than the current model, the new Verna is expected to be more spacious on the inside. The boot space is also up by about 16 litres. Due to these increases, the new Verna will weigh 10kg more.
To suit the slightly larger interiors, the cabin gets a more driver-focussed dashboard layout that should feel considerably more premium than the existing model. High-end variants will get a new 7.0-inch touchscreen display that is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatible. Dual airbags and ABS are expected to come as standard, while top-of-the-line trims will get six airbags. ESP on the automatic offerings is also expected.
Hyundai has used larger amounts of advanced high-strength steel (50 percent compared with 41.5 percent in the outgoing model) in the new Verna, resulting in a 32 percent increase in torsional rigidity. Along with the wider stance and longer wheelbase, this should help the Verna handle better. The Korean brand has claimed that efforts have been made to improve the steering feel as well.
Engine options are expected to be unchanged with the same 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines on offer, albeit with tweaks for better drivability and fuel economy. While the manual transmissions remain the same, Hyundai will provide the option of a new six-speed torque converter automatic gearbox.