Mid-size sedans might be running out of favour in the crossover-crazy Indian market but these elegant three-boxes aren't going down without a fight. One such model is the Hyundai Verna which has carved a niche for itself in India over three generations. The current model has been especially popular, often challenging Maruti-Suzuki's Ciaz and Honda's City for sales supremacy in the segment.
Having been on sale in our country since 2017, the Verna is due for a facelift. While China got a controversial, love-it-hate-it design late last year, images of the Russia-bound Solaris facelift (That's how Verna is called there) that Hyundai released earlier this week made us feel better. Much better, in fact!
Now, we can confirm with authority the Verna facelift that's headed here is inspired by the Russia-spec model. Caught testing in Chennai by Mr. Sai Narayan, here are the clearest spy-shots yet of the soon-to-be-launched Verna, hinting at what's in store for us Indians.
Beneath the camouflage that's now a bit more revealing than before, an outline of Hyundai's trademark 'Cascading Grille' with a diamond-shaped mesh pattern can be seen. At it's top edges, the grille can be noticed merging with a pair of wraparound headlights. Circular fog lights can be seen on the farther edges of the bumper. The profile hasn't changed much except for the shape of the alloys. Changes to the rear appear minimal with the taillights and boot-lid looking like an evolution of the current model.
So, those of you that have been having nightmares imagining the China-spec Verna on our roads can relax now!
With the Bharat Stage-VI norms coming into effect from April, Hyundai is revamping Verna's power-train lineup. All four engines of the current model - 1.4-liter petrol and diesel and 1.6-liter petrol and diesel - are reportedly on the way out, replaced by petrol and diesel engines displacing 1.5 liters. Both manual and automatic transmissions are likely to be paired to these engines. Zoom in on the window sticker and you will notice this car is the top-spec 1.5-liter petrol with a 6-speed manual transmission.
We wish Hyundai sweetens the deal by offering the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission on the flagship variant.
Interiors are likely to get subtle changes as well and, in typical Hyundai fashion, get a plethora of features and creature comforts to keep the occupants happy. Remember, it was the Verna that introduced ventilated seats - an hitherto luxury car feature - to the masses! Expect the South Korean car-maker to continue that tradition.
When it goes on sale shortly, the Verna will face stiff competition from the Ciaz as well as the all-new fifth-generation Honda City. With similarly-priced crossovers out on the kill, this trio's fight to keep the segment alive and ticking is one to watch out for.
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