The next-gen Hyundai Verna has already been spied testing on our roads before. So, while the sighting of a test mule of the next-gen Verna is not new, what these new spy shots reveal is that the upcoming sedan will come with ADAS features in India, something Autocar India first reported in July this year.
- ADAS features to include lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control
- Next-gen Verna draws design inspiration from new Elantra
- Will be sold only with petrol engine options
Next-gen Hyundai Verna: spy shots confirm ADAS tech
As before, the test mule of the next-gen Verna continues to be draped in heavy camouflage, but what can be seen clearly is the bumper-mounted radar module for ADAS up front. As we have reported before, the ADAS tech on the next-gen Verna will already have been calibrated for Indian road conditions.
When the Tucson debuted Hyundai’s ADAS tech in India, the system had to recalibrated for our chaotic road conditions as it could not be carried over from another market unchanged. The calibration affects things like the sensitivity of the sensors, viewing angles and distances of the cameras, the time taken for the system to intervene, and the level of driver input required.
Now that Hyundai has already calibrated the system for our roads, it can be ‘plugged into’ other models with minimal adjustment. Moreover, to recoup the time and cost invested, it’s in Hyundai’s best interest to offer it in as many models as possible. The upcoming Ioniq 5 and Creta facelift are other models that will receive ADAS tech in India.
The ADAS suite on the next-gen Verna will include features like lane departure warning, lane keep assist, adaptive cruise control, forward collision mitigation, driver attention monitoring and rear cross traffic assistance.
Next-gen Hyundai Verna: what else do we know?
Despite the heavy camouflage, some visible styling cues indicate that it may have a design heavily inspired by the new Elantra. The new Verna will follow Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language with a wide grille that merges into the headlamps.
The test mule can also be seen sporting a fastback-like styling with a tapered roof, Tucson-like chrome styling elements on the C-pillar and dual-tone alloy wheels, suggesting that this was a higher-spec trim. The ADAS features will also likely be limited to the high-end trims.
As far as engines are concerned, Hyundai is expected to continue to offer the current 115hp, 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine along with the 140hp, 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine from the Creta. The current Verna uses the smaller 120hp, 1.0-litre turbo-petrol unit from the i20.
However, the 115hp, 1.5-litre diesel engine will be discontinued on the next-gen Verna. Hyundai is also discontinuing the same from the i20 due to the upcoming RDE emission norms.
Next-gen Hyundai Verna: launch and rivals
The next-gen Verna could see its public debut at the upcoming Auto Expo 2023, followed by a market launch later in 2023. Upon arrival, it will continue to rival the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia – all of which are already petrol-only – along with the Honda City. Do note, Honda will also discontinue its diesel engine from the City due to the RDE emission norms.
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