2017 Hyundai Verna continues on testing trail ahead of its H2 2017 launch

Likely to be Hyundai India's only 'all-new' model this calendar year.

The 2017 Hyundai Verna (3rd gen) has been spied testing in Chennai by IAB reader Nishanth Kumar, still featuring a full body wrap and canvas covers. The new Verna will launch in India in the second half of this year, with reports narrowing it down to August.

We got our first look at the styling of the India-spec Hyundai Verna when the Korean manufacturer revealed the 2017 Hyundai Accent in Toronto. Influenced by Fluidic Sculpture 2.0, the new Verna’s is more angular and sharper than before. Dimensions are likely to be similar to the new Accent, measuring 4,385 mm in length, 1,729 mm in width and 1,450 mm in height, and having a wheelbase of 2,580 mm.

The interior also borrows cues from the Hyundai Tucson and Elantra and will have a dual tone beige and black colour combination. New features include a chunkier 3-spoke steering wheel, automatic climate control with Cluster Ionizer, new instrument dials with a larger MID, 8-inch touchscreen AVN system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and start/stop button. As its marginally larger than before, expect the space inside to be better for rear occupants.

Its engine lineup will retain the 1.4- and 1.6-litre N/A petrol and turbodiesel engines paired with a manual or automatic gearbox. The current Verna’s automatic variant is offered with a 4-speed automatic in both 1.6 petrol and diesel variants, while the next gen Verna could source the Hyundai Creta’s 6-speed unit. Expect fuel mileage to be slightly more than the current car’s 24.8 kmpl for the 1.4L CRDi turbodiesel, 23.9 kmpl for the 1.6L CRDi turbodiesel, 17.4 kmpl for the 1.4L MPI petrol and 17.01 kmpl for the 1.6 MPI petrol.

Also Read: Hyundai Eon could be a victim of the BSVI emission norms in 2020 – Report

As confirmed by HMIL's MD, Y.K Koo, the India-made Hyundai Verna will also be exported to markets across the globe, serving as another production hub for HMC.

Expect prices to be similar to that of the current Verna, which ranges from INR 7,95,599 to INR 1,317,385 (ex-showroom Delhi).