Hyundai Verna Facelift – What to Expect?
The Hyundai Verna was one of the best-selling sedans in India during the 2010s. The market desired a sedan back then, and the demand for sedans was booming. They also got a tax break on the SUVs as per the older tax laws. Lately, the tax advantages are gone, and demand has shifted towards SUVs. Many brands have already given up on sedans, but Hyundai haven’t yet. Reports suggest that a Verna facelift is in the works to boost sales, and here is all you need to know about it.
Read More: Buying These SUVs Is Waste Of Money?
Looks
Hyundai faced major criticism with the 4th-gen Verna. The polarising design, which included quirky taillights and split headlights, divided opinions. The first 3-generation Vernas looked elegant and sophisticated, but this version felt out of place with its sharp cuts, creases, and over-the-top design language. Hyundai will try to change that with the facelift.
A Verna test mule was spotted recently. The design changes seem subtle with this facelift. The facelift will feature a new fascia, updated bumpers and a revised front grille. Sad news for the Verna purists: the tubelight-like front light bar remains. However, the headlight units seem to have been refreshed. The overall design is likely to have a slight resemblance to the Sonata sold in foreign markets.
Read More: Toyota Fortuner At The Price Of Best-Selling 7-Seater!
Interior
Spy shots also revealed some interior features. It will feature a curved dual-screen layout, shared with the Venue or the Creta. The outgoing Verna is arguably the most feature-loaded car in its segment, and it will remain so with the facelift. The feature list could include a 360-degree parking camera, a panoramic sunroof, ventilated front seats, powered front seats, and wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Hyundai could also improve the ADAS list by providing Level 2+ ADAS with the facelift.
Powertrain
While the Verna may have faced backlash for its design, its engine was still desirable. The 1.5L turbo-petrol is the most potent engine in the segment. And thanks to the great dynamics of a sedan, the Verna is a delight to drive. This engine is the Verna’s main USP. The facelift will keep the same engine options, with a 1.5L naturally aspirated petrol on lower variants and a 1.5L turbo-petrol on higher variants. The gearbox options are great as well: a CVT, a manual, and a DCT.
What makes the Verna even more desirable is that you get a manual option even on the turbo-petrol. This combination of a 158-horsepower engine, a manual and excellent handling makes it a solid driver’s car. Even the DCT alternative makes for a fun drive.
Hyundai have also revealed plans to unveil its hybrid technology in the Indian market and the Verna could be one of the first models to implement this tech. Rumours suggest that this strong-hybrid system could be mated to the 1.5L naturally aspirated engine to maximise fuel efficiency.
Read More: This Was India’s First Muscle Car!
Rivals
The competition is getting slimmer by the day. It competes against the Skoda Slavia, Volkswagen Virtus, Honda City and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz. This list is not expected to increase any time soon. When all the Virtus, Slavia and the outgoing Verna were first launched, the sedan segment seemed to be back. But the sales have faded ever since. The Virtus is still selling in modest numbers, but the other cars in the segment can barely reach 1000 sales per month.
Expected Price And Launch
The current Verna starts at 12.73 lakhs, and the top model costs slightly more than 20 lakh rupees (on-road, Mumbai). The price hike is expected to be minimal, around 25,000 rupees, as Hyundai aims to keep pricing aggressive. This also means that the Verna and Creta pricing is similar. You could get a top-end Verna for three lakhs cheaper than the Creta top trim. You miss out on ground clearance, road presence, and a few features, but you’re compensated with better driving feel. It can be a solid option if you want an alternative to SUVs.
We could see the facelift on Indian roads by mid-2026. Hyundai has many SUVs like the Palisade and Bayon lined up for release, and the Verna seems to be the anomaly in the range of upcoming Hyundai cars.
Read More: Doing This To Your Innova Hycross Will Cost You Rs 15 Lakh!
Comments