It was speculated that Hyundai will showcase the new-gen Verna sedan at the 2023 Auto Expo that didn’t happen. The company is also preparing a new micro SUV, internally codenamed Ai3, which will be positioned against the Tata Punch. These two all-new Hyundai cars will be launched before the end of this year.
New Hyundai Verna
The new-gen Verna has been spotted testing multiple times on the Indian roads. It is reported that Hyundai has fast paced the development of the new Verna, as the launch of the new Creta has been pushed to 2024. The new model will grow in size and will share the styling cues from the global-spec Elantra sedan. The bigger size will help Hyundai to create more space inside the cabin.
In terms of styling, the new-gen Verna will have the brand’s parametric jewel design grille, full LED headlamps, fastback-like styling with a tapered roof and split tail-lights. The new model will come with an all-new interior, featuring a dual-screen display – one for infotainment and one for instrument cluster. The new model will come with ADAS tech with features like lane assist, forward collision mitigation, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic assistance and others.
The new Verna is reportedly to be offered with 3 engine options – a 115bhp, 1.5L NA petrol, a 115bhp, 1.5L turbo diesel and a new 160bhp, 1.5L turbo petrol engine. Hyundai could also offer the 1.0L turbo petrol engine with the new Verna sedan.
Hyundai Ai3 CUV
Hyundai will launch the new Ai3 small SUV in the country during festive season, before Diwali. The new model will be positioned against the likes of the Tata Punch and the Nissan Magnite. While testing of the new model is yet to commence in India, the new Hyundai Ai3 has recently been spotted at a parking lot in South Korea.
The new Ai3 SUV will be based on Hyundai’s K1 platform, which also underpins the Hyundai Casper. However, the spy images reveal that the SUV will be significantly different from the Casper. It will share the design similarities from the Venue compact SUV. It is likely to measure around 3.7-3.8 meters in length and will have a longer wheelbase compared to the regular model.
The new model is expected to share features from the Grand i10 Nios. It is likely to get an LED lighting system, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a semi-digital instrument console, automatic AC and others. In fact, the small SUV will also receive a single pane sunroof. It is most likely to get a 1.2L 4-cylinder NA petrol engine that produces 81bhp and 114Nm of torque. The company could also offer a CNG version of the micro SUV. Both manual and AMT gearbox options will be on offer.
