Arriving in the same month and soon after the heavily updated Elantra as the Avante in South Korea, Hyundai has unveiled the all-new Verna in India.
One of the most important Hyundai models in India competing with Suzuki Ciaz, Honda City (Ballade) and Volkswagen Virtus, known locally as Polo Sedan, Verna sports a futuristic design inspired not only by Staria, but also. MPV Stargazer.
size
While sales of the Accent in South Africa ended more than five years ago, as evidenced by the now-outgoing fifth generation that never made it to the local market, the new sixth generation has been designed from the ground up with real differences from the old model. .
Measuring 4 535 mm overall length, 1 475 mm high and 1 765 mm wide, wheelbase Verna stretched 2 670 mm, which amounts to an increase of 70 mm over the old model.
Also read: Should it go back? A sleeker Hyundai Elantra facelift has been revealed
Also, the overall length has increased by 95 mm and the width by 36 mm with the height remaining unchanged, the boot space has also increased from 480 liters to 528 liters.
Packed with features
A design preview said that from Sonata entered, Verna several models spanning three trim levels; EX, S and SX with the latter offering an optional package that results in it being called SX (0).
In terms of spec, the Ex it receives a conventional LCD audio system, rear parking sensors, electric mirrors, rear armrests, six airbags and electric windows all around, while S get 15-inch alloy wheels, rear AC vents, eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, cruise control, cooled glovebox, front armrest, keyless entry, push-button start, four-speaker sound system, Electronic Stability Control , tire pressure monitor and Hill Start Assist.
At SXHyundai has added front parking sensors plus reverse camera, full-LED lights, 16-inch diamond-cut wheels, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear lever, drive mode selector on automatic models and wireless smartphone charging.
Choosing this option package adds the following;
- leather seats;
- electric folding mirrors;
- paddle shifters on automatic models;
- 10.25-inch infotainment system;
- heated and cooled front seats;
- electric driver’s seat;
- eight-speaker Bose sound system
Also exclusive to the automatic model is Hyundai’s Smart Sense range of safety and driver assistance systems that include Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Blind Spot Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Driver Attention Warning, Safe Exit Warning, Lane . Low Assist and Auto High Beam Assist.
The power of both
Up front, and in line with India’s stringent BS6.2 emissions regulations that will come into force on April 1, the Verna no longer runs on a diesel engine, instead getting a new 1.5-litre turbo petrol alongside the normally aspirated unit. of the same displacement.
In the case of the latter, which Hyundai also uses in the Creta, the output stands at 85kW / 144Nm sent to the front wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, or CVT known in Hyundai-speak as Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT).
As for the turbo, which was launched last month in Alcazar, known as the Grand Creta in South Africa, it develops 117kW / 253Nm. The standard transmission is again a six-speed manual, but the option comes in the form of a seven-speed dual-clutch.
In addition to better power and torque figures, the turbo is also equipped with some unique exterior and interior details, namely 16-inch black alloys, black exterior accents, red brake calipers, turbo badging and, on the manual model, the drive mode selector.
Please note that the turbo is only available on the SX and SX(0) models as an option for the free-breathing 1.5 which makes this standard, in addition to being the only powerunit option for the EX and S.
Color and Price
On the color front, seven colors are available; Atlas White, Abyss Black, Typhoon Silver, Titan Grey, Tellurian Brown, Starry Night and Fire Red.
Reserved for the latter color and Atlas White is a dual-tone color option contrasted with a black roof, but only on the turbo model.
In India, Verna prices start at Rs 1 090 000 (R239 810) for the 1.5 EX and end at Rs 1 738 000 (R382 376) for the SX(0) Turbo equipped with a dual-clutch box.
For now, no-no
While it will go on sale in North America as the new Accent, until Hyundai South Africa announced, there are no currently known plans to bring the Verna back to local soil as the Accent.
Additional information and images from autocarindia.com and Hyundai India.