- Next-generation Hyundai Verna to be at least as large as the 5th-gen Honda City/Skoda Slavia
- Dealer-level source informs us of a March-end launch date
In spite of compact SUVs stealing the show away from C-segment sedans, the carmakers are yet to give up on the traditional three-box body style. In fact, the latest car launches in the C2 segment (Skoda Slavia and VW Virtus) have clearly shown a preference for powerful yet practical sedans tailor-made for the Indian market. Hyundai Motor India Ltd, the second most popular carmaker in 2022, will now unveil the next-gen 2023 Hyundai Verna at this year’s Auto Expo next week.
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Bigger and Bolder
The next-generation of the carmaker’s popular sedan was recently seen by one of the members of CarBlogIndia in the Mohan Estate area of Delhi. Even though the car was almost completely concealed by a heavy camouflage, the large dimensions and the sleek profile were immediately apparent. In all likelihood, the 2023 Hyundai Verna would be as big as the latest-gen Honda City and the aforementioned VW Group offerings. Previous sightings have even revealed a more modern interior with digital instrumentation similar to the one seen on the latest-gen Tucson.
Aesthetically, the next-gen C2-segmenter should benefit from the carmaker’s Sensuous Sportiness theme already seen on the latest Creta. The LED taiilamps will have an LED strip running between them. Meanwhile, the somewhat steeply raking roofline could limit rear headroom but give the new sedan a very sporty profile. Up front, the new model will likely look a lot like the not-for-India latest-get Elantra. This would mean an aggressive front-end with a wide grille and sleek LED headlamps.
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Inside, expect segment-leading equipment in the form of voice-controlled electric sunroof, wireless smartphone charger, wireless Android Auto/Apple CarPlay, 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment, digital instrumentation, cooled seats and more. The safety kit should include a full quote of 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESP, front and rear fog lamps, 360-degree camera and Level 1 ADAS.
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Launch Date & Specifications
2023 Hyundai Verna will likely share its engine options. The most powerful motor on offer would be the 1.5-litre turbo-petrol belting out 160 PS of maximum power and 260 Nm of peak torque. The motor will come mated to a 7-speed DCT and eventually replace the 1.4-litre Turbo on the Creta. The lower variants, however, are likely to get the 115 PS naturally-aspirated petrol unit. While there are talks of the new car missing out on a diesel engine due to the RDE norms, we feel Hyundai would use the 115 hp version of its 1.5-litre oil-burner to power the next-gen mid-size sedan. Hyundai has been tight-lipped about the launch date but our dealer-level sources have hinted at a March-end launch.
