New Hyundai Verna boasts highest-in-segment performance figures with its 1.5L turbo GDi petrol engine, which is even higher than the Germans
As sedan space has taken a new direction with the launch of 5th gen City, Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus, Hyundai aims to carve out a larger piece too. The new crop of sedans have grown larger in size to bridge the gap between C and D segments. Hyundai has followed a similar strategy and is a larger product in general when compared to its predecessor.
Hyundai is launching it on March 21st 2023, and bookings for the same have been open for a token amount of Rs. 25,000. Being offered by Hyundai and its relatively larger dealer network than the Germans, we would wager that sedan segment could tip the scales towards Verna upon launch.
Ahead of launch, Verna is reaching dealerships. And in a country as populous as India with a booming rage of social media and popular video streaming platforms like YouTube, it didn’t go unnoticed. It has been papped and looking at it, we would say that it is a mid-level trim and is likely to be the one with the most demand as well. Images are credited to Adi Zone and sansCARi sumit channel.
Hyundai Verna SX Mid Variant – First Look
Recently papped Hyundai Verna is in black colour and is completely undisguised. We’d say it is a mid-level trim because it lacks ADAS module at its front, something which top-spec models do get. However, it comes with a lot of goodies.
We’re talking about a single-pane sunroof, stylish alloy wheels, LED triple barrel reflector headlight setup similar to top-spec variant, front parking sensors, a wide LED light bar split into two smaller outer elements flanking a larger central one and more. If it was top-spec trim, it would feature some chrome detailing, ADAS module at front and ORVM-mounted cameras – as we have seen in earlier spy shots.
2023 Verna SX interiors are finished and black and beige. This particular model gets dual horizontal displays, one for infotainment and the other for instrumentation. Both screens are slightly angled, lending a wrap-around feel for driver. Speaking of a wrap-around feel, the whole cabin seems to be centered toward driver. Below central screen, we have buttons that can double up to control both AC and infotainment.
Other elements in the 2023 Verna mid variant include a two-spoke steering wheel, a wireless charger, a manual transmission and AC vents that are neatly housed into a horizontal element that runs across its dashboard, similar to what Audi has been doing for some time. There is a chrome line running across this AC housing lending a premium feel. Ambient lights are also there.
Specs & Features
There seems to be a dashboard-mounted speaker as well. New Verna SX doesn’t have Bose branding. Door pads are kept very minimal too with a Black-Beige dual-tone effect, just like its dashboard. We hope Hyundai offers soft-touch plastics in new Verna as it would lift the ambience by a large margin as opposed to its rivals which offer just hard plastics.
In terms of powertrains, new gen Verna gets a 1.5L MPi naturally aspirated petrol engine mated with a 6-speed MT or an IVT (fancy name for a CVT). This powertrain is capable of making 113 bhp of power and 144 Nm of torque. This would suit everyday users looking for a no-nonsense sedan.
For those looking for excitement, Hyundai is offering a 1.5L turbo GDi petrol engine with highest-in-segment power (158 bhp) and torque (253 Nm), mated to either a 6-speed MT or a 7-speed DCT. Variant-wise details will be revealed at launch along with prices, on March 21. 2023 Verna prices are likely to be in the Rs 10-19 lakh range, ex-sh.
