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.
Read: 2024 Hyundai Accent Combines Bold Design Cues From Sonata-Elantra In Subcompact Size
More importantly, the new Verna is 178 inches long, by 69 inches wide, by 58 inches tall (4,535 x 1,765 x 1,475 mm), making it roughly six inches (152 mm) longer and one inch (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 knobs 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 (84 kW/115 PS) and 106 lb-ft (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 (117 kW/160 PS) and 187 lb-ft (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 ($13,178 USD at current exchange rates), while the turbo version starts at 1.48 million rupees ($17,937 USD). 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”.