India-bound next-gen Hyundai Verna to be more spacious than its predecessor

A couple of days ago, the all-new Hyundai Verna was spotted undisguised. Needless to say, it looks imposing and impressive. There is a liberal dose of the company's Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design all over the car. This includes the Audi-inspired wide grille with chrome outlines and a slimmer air dam. Bulging headlamps from the previous model have been retained as is the sloping roofline towards the rear. The tail lamps have been heavily revised as are the bumpers.

The car retains few visual cues from the outgoing unit overall. It can also be said that this car seems derived from the Hyundai Elite i20, especially the face while the rear seems to be slightly inspired by the latest-gen Ford sedans.  Of course, it will also become one of the few cars in this segment, apart from the Honda City, to offer a sunroof.

But styling was never an issue with the new-generation Hyundai Verna. It always was the backseat comfort. Hyundai may have now rectified this with the all-new Verna. It is claimed that the wheelbase has been increased by 30mm (improved leg space at the rear) than its predecessor, while the overall length has gone up by 5mm. Overall width too has increased by 28mm (improved shoulder room). Expect segment best knee room or on par with the Honda City.

While there are no spy images from this angle, expect the new Hyundai Verna to have updated interiors to match up with the competition. This should include a touchscreen infotainment system (a bigger screen perhaps than the existing unit) with Android Auto, electrically adjustable driver's seat, dual-zone climate control, leather seats and increased boot space.

This being a new generation of the Verna, the chassis is expected to be new. While Hyundai did work on the current Verna last year with a slightly stiffer suspension at the rear to improve its dynamics, the new car should have an ideal mix of ride and handling. Hyundai's N division could have given inputs with respect to the handling of the car. Expect it to be at par with the Honda City and Maruti Ciaz.

It is believed that the same set of 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre engines will continue on the new Hyundai Verna. However, expect more power and increased fuel efficiency from these engines. Hyundai engines, both petrol and diesel in India, have been known for their refinement, and we don't expect anything to change in this department, if not better.

Hyundai is likely to showcase the car at one of the upcoming autoshows. The all-new Hyundai Verna should be in Indian showrooms in early 2017.

As far as other Hyundai India launches are concerned, the all-new Elantra will be at a showroom near you this August. Dealers currently are offering a huge discount of around Rs 2 lakh on the existing Elantra lots. The Hyundai Tucson, which makes a comeback here, is scheduled for a launch later this year.

Source: Autohome