2014 Hyundai Verna images and details released, India launch soon

Hyundai will showcase an updated Verna (known as Accent in the US) at the LA Motor Show this week. The 2014 Verna is the facelifted version of the 'fluidic design' model that was introduced in 2011. This Verna update will come to India and we may probably get to see it as early as the Auto Expo in February.

Mechanically, it retains the all-aluminum 1.6-litre Gamma four-cylinder engine that delivers 138PS of power and 167Nm of peak torque. India will also get the uprated 1.5-litre CRDi diesel engine. Transmission options are 6-speed manual or automatic with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

The injection systems in the new Verna have been tweaked  for better fuel economy, increased power and reduced emissions. The vpetrol model's efficiency numbers, according to US cycles, are 11.4kmpl in the city and up to 16kmpl on the highway.

The Verna retains the all-aluminum 1.6-litre Gamma four-cylinder engine that delivers 138PS of power and 167Nm of peak torque

Other enhancements include application of Dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT) on both intake and exhaust camshafts, an alternator management system, an offset crankshaft design, a variable induction system, an electronic throttle control, a silent roller timing chain and anti-friction coatings such as CrN Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD).

The petrol car boasts of a low kerb weight owing to an aluminum block, monotube shock absorbers, integrated parking brake and a super-flat torque converter. Safety features include six airbags, active front head restraints, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), traction control, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and ABS with EBD and BA. Suspension duties are handled by a MacPherson strut with coil springs and twin-tube gas shock absorbers up front and a torsion axle setup with coil springs and monotube shock absorbers at the rear.

With a length of 4369mm, the new Verna claims increased leg room, head and shoulder room. One-touch triple turn signal, sliding sun visors and a driver's blind spot mirror are now standard on all 2014 Accent variants. Projector headlights with LED accents join a driver's auto-up power window and tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel on select models. The sporty 5-door gets a B&M Racing Sport Shifter for added performance.

The company claims an improved voice recognition system and button layout

Other additions include a standard 6-speaker, 172-watt audio system with  SiriusXM, a CD/MP3 player and auxiliary jacks, Bluetooth and making calls, accessing contacts and call logs using audio system controls or the available steering wheel audio controls. The company claims an improved voice recognition and button layout.

One of Hyundai's successful models in the US, the 2014 Verna gets a few styling changes, added equipment and features