The current-gen Verna has been on sale in India and in many international markets from 2011. The model has gone through two major updates since then, where the most recent update included additional features along with substantial styling revisions as well. Since its launch, the competition has only been getting stronger, in the form of the new generation Honda City, all new Maruti Ciaz and refreshed Volkswagen Vento.

Now, Hyundai is in process of readying the next-gen Verna and has also begun road- testing the new model in countries like China and Korea. The Verna is sold in two body styles globally – a standard sedan, also known as the Accent or the Solaris internationally, and a five-door hatchback which is sold primarily in North America.

While official details are scarce, the heavily camouflaged test mules do reveal some bits about the new car. Firstly, the overall silhouette of the new Verna remains very close to that of the current model. However, it does look a bit angular and more upright towards the front and rear. This means it is safe to assume that the India-bound next-gen Elantra’s styling will be one of the prime inspirations for the new Verna. The new Elantra sports Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 styling language which is also seen on the current-gen Sonata, the Tucson SUV and the recently unveiled Ioniq hybrid. The new Verna is likely to get improved interiors too, more in line with the current-gen Hyundai models.

On the engine front, the new Verna is likely to continue with the same set of motors. However, there is a chance of the next-gen car getting the new 1.4-litre turbo-petrol motor and a DCT gearbox for some markets.