Hyundai today took the wraps off the new-generation 2023 Verna in India. The compact sedan seeks to punch above its weight with tech-rich features, bold design, and larger dimensions, all of which bodes well for the next-generation Accent, which will be virtually identical, as we’ve seen in photos of undisguised prototypes from Korea. Christened in 2000, the Verna is India’s version of what North Americans call the Accent. For 2023, the sixth-generation compact model has been thoroughly redesigned, featuring what Hyundai calls its “Sensuous Sportiness” design identity.
Sharp creases and bold design lines are
prominent features of the Verna’s design, elements that are also shared with
the Elantra. At the front, a distinct LED light signature, resembling a line of
jewels, sits atop a grinning grille, reminiscent of the Kona as well as the
upcoming facelifted Sonata. More importantly, the new Verna is 4,535 x 1,765 x 1,475 mm, making it
roughly 152 mm longer and 25 mm wider than the model it
replaces, giving it more room inside for passengers.
To elevate the sense of luxury, the Verna
offers premium leather upholstery, 64-color ambient lighting, as well as a
phone holder, available heated and ventilated seats, a cooling glove
compartment, and an impressive tech set for its category that combines a
10.25-inch infotainment screen with an identically sized digital instrument cluster—as
well as physical nobs and buttons lower down on the dash. In addition, the 2023
Verna also features a wide array of driver assistance features, including
forward collision warnings, lane keeping assistance, blind spot detection, lane
departure warning, safe exit warning, adaptive cruise control, high beam
assistance, and more.
Under the hood, it is offered with two
engines, both displacing 1.5-liters, and both fueled with gasoline. The MPi
engine makes 113 hp and 144 Nm of torque. It is
hooked up to either a six-speed manual or an intelligent variable transmission,
the former of which returns 44 MPG (18.6 km/L) while the latter gets 46 MPG (19.6
km/L). The GDi turbocharged engine, meanwhile, makes 156 hp and 253 Nm of torque. Buyers can pick between a six-speed manual or a
seven-speed dual clutch transmission, and the former gets 47 MPG (20 km/L)
while the latter returns 48.4 MPG (20.6 km/L).
Available in four trim levels, pricing for
the 2023 Hyundai Verna starts at 1.08 million rupees (US$ 13,178), while the turbo version starts at 1.48 million rupees (US$ 17,937). Hyundai has already opened order books for the new car.
The Korean-market counterpart of the
Verna, which is the next Accent, is expected to be unveiled shortly. However,
there are no current plans to offer the new Accent in the USA where Hyundai
discontinued the series in 2022 “due to an expanded SUV lineup”.
