Update - HMIL announced today that it will launch the 'New 4S Fluidic Verna' on the 18th of February.
Market launch of facelifted Verna expected in the next couple of weeks.
Dealers of Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) have started accepting bookings for the Hyundai Verna facelift, which is due to launch this month (reportedly on February 16). Indian Autos Blog got in touch with several dealerships, which confirmed the start of bookings for INR 20,000. However, one dealer was taking bookings even for INR 10,000.
When contacted, HMIL's spokesperson did not confirm whether bookings were officially open.
The Verna facelift is expected to look identical to the Solaris facelift which went on sale in the Russian market last year. Redesigned headlights with projector beams, a new grille and a new bumper make up the changes at the front.
The Russian Solaris also got LED taillights and a re-profiled rear bumper, but there were no interior changes. For the Indian model, the top-end Verna facelift is expected to come with a touchscreen infotainment/navigation system, a feature that is presently missed.
The engine options are expected be carried forward from the pre-facelift model. HMIL offers two petrol and two diesel engines on the sedan. Starting the range are a pair of 1.4-liter petrol and diesel units, while higher up, the Verna is powered by 1.6-liter petrol and diesel engines.
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Hyundai could upgrade the 4-speed automatic transmissions to more modern 6-speed units, as in the Elantra. This technical upgrade was seen in the case of the Solaris, while the 2015 MY Verna in Korea received the new 7-speed dual clutch unit.
Stay tuned for our review of the Verna facelift next week.
Competitors: VW Vento, Skoda Rapid, Honda City, Maruti Ciaz
Expected Price: INR 7.5-11 lakhs, ex-Showroom
Launch date: February 16 (reported)