The global debut of the all-new Hyundai Verna is still some time away, but news about the sedan has been trickling in almost every day. The latest spy shots of the upcoming Honda City facelift rival show the car in its production guise. Hyundai is yet to officially show the car in its final production form, but we can confirm that series production of the new Verna has begun at the brand's Chennai facility.
- Verna made in India for domestic and export markets
- India price announcement expected on March 21
- Automatic variants gathering more bookings
The price announcement for the new Hyundai Verna in India could take place on the same day as its global debut – March 21. Also, a handful of Hyundai dealers across the country have shared fresh insights with us on the new Verna’s booking and delivery details.
New Verna delivery and booking details
Bookings for the new Hyundai Verna officially began earlier in February and dealers tell us that there have been a number of bookings at their outlets. While some of the bookings were carried over from the outgoing Verna, a handful of Creta buyers awaiting delivery of their SUV have also shown interest. There have also been a few conversions as well, along with fresh bookings for the new Hyundai Verna, both at the dealerships and online.
Along with opening bookings, Hyundai had announced powertrain details and some of the new features that will be seen on the all-new Verna. As far as variants go, the new Verna will come in EX, S, SX and SX (O) variants. Two engine options are available, an entry-level 1.5-litre NA good for 115hp and 144Nm – which will be available across the line-up – while the new 160hp, 1.5-litre turbo petrol will only be available on the higher variants. Gearbox choice includes a six-speed manual or an IVT for the 1.5-litre NA, and a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT for the 1.5-litre turbo engine option.
Verna 1.5T sees more bookings, but that could change
Dealer sources tell us that a major chunk of bookings are currently for the automatic iterations, especially the higher-tier Verna variants equipped with the 160hp, 1.5 turbo-petrol, 7-speed DCT automatic that's loaded with all the bells and whistles. The Verna 1.5-litre NA with CVT automatic is the second most popular choice currently at most locations and is expected to have a comparatively lower waiting period.
This, however, could change once prices are announced as the top-spec 1.5-litre turbo petrol variants are expected to be upwards of Rs 20 lakh, on road, while the 1.5-litre NA variants with the CVT gearbox would be around Rs 18 lakh, on road, according to dealers.
The 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine on the new Hyundai Verna will have class-leading power and more advanced DCT gearbox, however, dealers tell us that on-road price could be one of the major deciding factors for most buyers. As compared to the automatics, the manual gearbox-equipped variants have a decent amount of bookings as well.
(all prices mentioned above are on-road, Mumbai)
New Verna price announcement and rivals
While the price announcement for the new Verna will most likely take place on March 21 itself, dealers tell us that deliveries will start a little later, possibly by mid-April at most locations, depending on variant, powertrain and paint shade selected.
The radically styled new Verna will see strong competition from its arch rival, the refreshed Honda City, which will go on sale on March 2. Additionally, it will competition from theSkoda Slavia,Volkswagen Virtusand theMaruti Suzuki Ciazin the Indian market.
Would you be willing to pay over Rs 20 lakh (on road) for a fully-loaded sedan? Let us know in the comments below.
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*all prices on-road Mumbai
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