Hyundai is testing its mid-size sedan (codenamed BN7i), the new-gen Verna for quite some time now. And the latest reports suggest that the company would be commencing large-scale production of the sedan by as early as March 2023.
The market launch & global debut of the 2023 Hyundai Verna is likely to happen in the second quarter of this year, i.e., sometime around the month of April. Hyundai has also increased the production of the sedan, mainly for export.
Production To Be Ramped Up
The South Korean automotive giant will increase its production to 70,000 units per annum from around the earlier 40,000 units. A majority of the vehicles will be exported to the European and Latin American markets.
The closure of the brand’s St. Petersburg plant due to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has forced Hyundai to make alternate arrangements to supply its products to these markets.
Engine & Powertrain Options
Hyundai is likely to offer its 1.5-litre, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces 113bhp on the lower variants of the sedan. While a new, 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine is expected to be on offer. This motor will be capable of giving out 138bhp and will also replace the Creta’s 1.4-litre unit.
Whether Hyundai will offer its 1.5-litre diesel engine on the Verna is something that we are unsure about. Due to the growing strictness of emission regulations, it has become difficult to make it viable for the carmaker to sell the Verna with a diesel engine.
Features & Looks
The new-gen Hyundai Verna’s looks and design language will be based on the carmaker’s theme of Sensuous Sportiness. We expect Verna’s looks to have some similarities with the latest Elantra. Also, going by the current market trend, Verna’s rear end will feature connected LED headlamps connected together by an LED light bar.
The feature highlights of the Verna would include Level-1 ADAS, a 360-degree camera, Bluelink connectivity, Ventilated Seats, Ambient Lights, and an electric sunroof. The Verna will also get a completely overhauled interior with a dual-screen setup featuring a large touchscreen infotainment system in the centre and a digital instrument cluster.
The new generation of the Hyundai Verna will compete with the Honda City, Volkswagen Virtus, Skoda Slavia, & Maruti Suzuki Ciaz.