A few days ago, Hyundai not only gave us a glimpse of the facelifted Verna for India, but also confirmed that one of the brand-new engine options for the updated sedan will be a 1.0-litre T-GDI turbo-petrol. We’ve now got some exclusive details of the sportier Verna, which is clearly designed to appeal to those who enjoy driving.
Available only with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the Hyundai Verna turbo-petrol will get a key addition in the form of paddleshifters, which will go a long way in adding to the sporty appeal of this version. What the Verna 1.0 T-GDI will also get are front parking sensors, a black chrome finish for the ‘Cascading Grille’ and a black interior with red accents and contrast stitching; touches we’ve seen recently on the Grand i10 Nios Turbo and the Aura Turbo.
Another key point to note is that the Hyundai Verna turbo-petrol will only be available in range-topping SX(O) trim, which means it’ll be packed to the gills with features including a 4.2-inch colour TFT screen for the part-digital instrument cluster, a larger, 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Blue Link connected car tech, a sunroof, ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, hands-free boot opening and an Arkamys sound system.
Hyundai hasn’t revealed power figures for the Verna’s engine options yet, but expect the 1.0 T-GDI – which also powers the Hyundai Venue – to produce 120hp and 172Nm of torque. Other engine options for the Verna facelift include a 1.5-litre petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel, with both engines expected to produce 115hp. In addition to a 6-speed manual gearbox, the Verna 1.5 petrol will get the option of a CVT automatic, while the Verna 1.5 diesel will be available with the option of a 6-speed torque-convertor automatic.
Action in the midsize sedan segment is intensifying, with Honda set to reveal – and launch – the all-new City in India this month, and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Volkswagen Vento having become petrol-only models. Hyundai hopes the turbo-petrol-DCT combo will help the Verna stand out in the crowd and attract driving enthusiasts. As it packs in a turbo-petrol engine, a dual-clutch automatic and will be available only in the fully-loaded SX (O)trim, the Hyundai Verna 1.0 Turbo’s price is likely to be at the higher-end of the spectrum, in the range of Rs 13-14 lakh (ex-showroom).
Think the Hyundai Verna Turbo – with its combination of a 7-speed dual-clutch auto and paddle shifters – will be an appealing buy for enthusiasts? Let us know in the comments.
COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE USED FOR REPRESENTATION ONLY
Rivan RS 
Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
