Video - Refreshed Hyundai Verna (Solaris) makes video debut

Hyundai launched the refreshed Verna (Solaris) in Russia earlier this week. Launched in sedan and hatchback bodystyles, the Verna now sports an updated front fascia thanks to redesigned headlights, foglights, grille and bumper.

[Head to YouTube if you're unable to view the video above.]

Changes at the rear are minimal and extend to the shape of the reflectors and inclusion of LED taillights, while changes inside the car are non-existent. A picture comparison of the refreshed Verna versus the older model can be seen here.

Mechanical changes come to the gearboxes used by the 1.6-liter petrol variant (in Russia, the Verna is available with 1.4- and 1.6-liter petrol engines). Engineers have ditched the 4-speed automatic favoring a 6-speed unit, while the manual variant sees a step up from the 5-speed unit to a 6-speed gearbox.

The Solaris in Russia is produced at Hyundai's St. Petersburg facility. Being one of the most popular foreign models in Russia, the Solaris won the car of the year award twice in a row for the years 2012 and 2013. Last year alone, Hyundai sold over 1.13 lakh units of the Solaris in Russia.

We expect the Hyundai Verna to incorporate these design changes sooner or later given increasing competition from new cars like the Ford Fiesta facelift, Nissan Sunny facelift, Honda City diesel and the upcoming Maruti Ciaz.