Hyundai next-gen Verna to launch on 21st March; exterior revealed

Ahead of its global debut on March 21, 2023, Hyundai has officially released the first exterior image of the new Verna sedan. Bookings for the Verna are currently open with the booking amount set at Rs 25,000. Hyundai says the new Verna gets the brand’s Sensuous Sportiness design language that is also seen on newer models like the Tucson SUV, the latest-gen Elantra that's sold overseas and on the recently unveiled Hyundai Grandeur sedan.

Exterior design details
The new Hyundai Verna for India (codename: BN7i) gets many unique styling elements that set it apart from its predecessor. It gets a split headlamp set-up up front and a full LED light bar that stretches from edge to edge. The grille almost stretches the entire width of the car and has similar details as the Tucson. The edges of the bumper have an arrowhead-like design with vertically positioned extensions that add to the car’s striking appeal. 

The bonnet is flat and has a subtle crease on each side. The doors get striking character lines that blend neatly with the flared wheel arches at the rear, giving the car a muscular appearance. What really stands out in profile is the new fastback-like design for the rear quarter and a chrome trim underlining the glasshouse. Stylish diamond-cut alloy wheels fill the wheel arches well. However, it will likely be toned down on the production model.

While the rear of the Verna has not been revealed yet, going by the teasers shown earlier, it gets a full-width LED light bar and crystal-like inserts in the tail-lamps.

Two powertrain options
The big addition to the next-gen Verna’s engine line-up will be the new 1.5-litre direct injection turbo-petrol, which will produce 160hp that will be mated to a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox. It will also do duty on most Hyundai-Kia models in India like the Creta, Seltos and Carens, and replace the existing 1.4-litre turbo-petrol unit.

The other engine will be the 115hp, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol unit carried over from the outgoing Verna. This will be paired to either a 6-speed manual or a CVT gearbox. Both the engines will be RDE and E20 (20 percent ethanol blend) compliant. 

However, there will be no diesel engine available with the next-gen Verna and, with this, the midsize sedan segment will go on to be petrol-only as the Verna's rivals do not offer a diesel engine either.

Variant details and pricing
The new Verna will be sold in EX, S, SX and SX (O) trims. We expect the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine to be available on the higher trims, with the 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine used in the lower trims. Expect the new Verna to be priced around Rs 60,000-1 lakh more than the outgoing sedan.

Rivals in India
The new Verna will rival the Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, the upcoming Honda City facelift as well as the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which recently had a slight refresh.