Hyundai has officially released the first exterior images of the new Verna sedan ahead of its global debut on March 21, 2023. Bookings for the Verna are currently open in India, with a deposit of Rs 25,000. Hyundai claims the new Verna will feature the brand's Sensuous Sportiness design language.
The new Hyundai Verna for India features several distinct styling elements. It has a split headlamp setup in front and a full LED light bar that stretches from edge to edge. The grille almost spans the entire width of the vehicle and features similar details to the Tucson. The bumper's edges have an arrowhead-like design with vertical extensions.
The bonnet is flat, with a slight crease on each side. The doors have prominent character lines that complement the flared wheel arches at the rear. The new fastback-like design for the rear quarter and the chrome trim underlining the glasshouse stand out in profile. The wheel arches are filled with stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels. The production model will most likely be toned down.
It comes with the new 1.5-litre direct injection turbo-petrol engine that produces 160 hp. It will be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox in the next-gen Verna.
The other engine will be the 115 HP, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit from the previous Verna. This will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission. Both the Hyundai engines will meet RDE and E20 standards.
The next-gen Verna will not be available with a diesel engine. This will make the midsize sedan segment petrol-only. As Verna's competitors do not offer diesel engines either, like Honda City, Skoda Slavia, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, and Volkswagen Virtus.
The new Verna will be available in EX, S, SX, and SX (O) trim levels. We expect the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine on higher trims, while the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine on lower trims. The new Verna is expected to cost around Rs 60,000 to 90,000 more than the outgoing sedan.