Hyundai previews 2020 Verna facelift ahead of launch

Hyundai Motor India has released the first teaser images of the India-spec 2020 Verna facelift, providing a glimpse of its updated Honda City-fighter ahead of its launch in the coming weeks.

Internationally, Hyundai has already rolled out a facelift for the current-gen Verna in China and Russia, and teaser images make it clear that on the outside, the updated Verna for India has plenty in common with the Russia-spec Verna facelift.

Up front, big changes for the Verna facelift include reshaped LED headlights with DRLs, the addition of the sizeable, chrome-heavy ‘Cascading Grille’ and a redesigned front bumper with a brushed-aluminium insert for the lip. Viewed side-on, the Verna facelift remains largely the same save for new, dual-tone alloy wheels. At the back, the LED tail-light elements receive a redesign, and there’s a restyled bumper with a chrome appliqué and a subtle faux diffuser.    

Along with sharing the teaser images, Hyundai has also confirmed the 2020 Verna facelift will get new engine and gearbox options, including a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. In the Hyundai Venue, Grand i10 Nios and Aura, the 1.0 T-GDI engine develops 120hp and is expected to have the same power output in the Verna facelift. The shift to BS VI emission norms means the pre-facelift Verna’s engine options have been phased out, and the facelift gets BS VI-compliant 1.5-litre petrol and diesel engines. In addition to a six-speed manual gearbox, the Verna 1.5 petrol will get the option of a CVT automatic; while the Verna 1.5 diesel will be available with the option of a 6-speed torque-convertor automatic.

Inside, the Hyundai Verna facelift is equipped with a 4.2-inch colour TFT screen for the part-digital instrument cluster. Also expected to be part of the equipment list is a larger, 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Hyundai’s own BlueLink connected car tech. As before, the Verna facelift will come with features such as ventilated front seats, wireless smartphone charging, hands-free boot opening and an Arkamys sound system.

The timing of the Hyundai Verna facelift's introduction is key. Honda is currently gearing up to reveal – and launch – the all-new City in India in the coming days, and Hyundai is keen to follow it up with the launch of the refreshed Verna. The Hyundai Verna facelift’s price is likely to go up by a fair bit; the pre-facelift Verna’s price ranges from Rs 818,000-14.08 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi).