Hyundai Verna: Old Vs New

Hyundai has cleverly removed a few goodies from the Verna’s feature list in lieu of new segment-first ones in the 2017 model! 

There’s no denying that the last generation Hyundai Verna was one of the highest selling mid-size sedans, at least in its initial years. The new 2017 model has big shoes to fill, doesn’t it?  

The prime reason why the outgoing model became the bestseller when it was introduced was its potent 1.6-litre diesel engine. What came in handy with this was the bucketload of segment-first features and coupe-like styling. But it did receive a lot of flak for its poor dynamics. 

One look at the 2017 Verna and it is quite apparent that Hyundai has followed the same approach – first-in-segment features and coupe-like styling –  while improving its road manners. We had a brief chance to take the new Verna diesel for a short spin, check out our road test here: 2017 Hyundai Verna: First Drive Review 

Let’s see what's different between the two model. 

Trivia: The Hyundai Verna is known as the Accent in select markets. In India, the third-generation model was renamed the ‘Verna’ because the Accent was selling alongside it for a few years. The Accent, which was introduced in the country, was the second-gen global model. So technically, the new 2017 sedan is the fifth-generation model. Hyundai has sold more than 8.8 million units of the nameplate (Accent+Verna) in over 66 countries, which includes 3.17 lakh units in India.

Dimensions 

Design

The 2017 Verna’s design is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, and that’s not a bad thing. The previous model was one of the best-looking sedans in its segment with its swooping roofline and wraparound head and tail lamps. 

Hyundai’s latest ‘Cascading Grille’ design element is the highlight of the 2017 Hyundai Verna. It gives it a fascia very similar to the new Hyundai Elantra. Like before, the side is dominated by the coupe-like roofline and diamond-cut alloy wheels.

At the rear, thanks to the new sleek, split wraparound tail lamps and increased width, the new Verna looks much wider than the previous model. Also, the dual-tone bumper reduces some of the visual bulk from the rear.

Features 

With the 2017 model, Hyundai has given a major overhaul to the Verna’s list of features. Hyundai has cleverly omitted some goodies in the new model and added some segment-first features to elevate the Verna’s overall package. 

Carried over features: 

• Standard dual-front airbags and ABS (anti-lock braking system) 
• Top-spec trims get curtain and side airbags (total of 6 airbags)
• 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels (gets a new design)  
• Projector headlamps 
• Automatic headlamps with follow-me-home function
• Shark-fin antenna 
• Dual-tone (black and beige) theme and faux leather upholstery 
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob
• Height-adjustable seatbelts  
• Auto climate control with cluster ionizer 
• Cooled glovebox 
• Electronically-adjustable and foldable outside rearview mirror (ORVM)
• Auto-dimming inside rearview mirror (IRVM)
• Passive keyless entry with push button engine start-stop  

New features 

• Electronic sunroof (added for the first time in India-spec Hyundai Verna/Accent)
• Ventilated front seats (added for the first time in India-spec Hyundai Verna/Accent)
• Eco Coating (AC odour eliminator)
• Hands-free boot release (all you need to do is wave your foot underneath it and it will pop open) 
• Projector fog lamps (also available with the Hyundai Elantra, relatively better than the multi-reflector unit)
• LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and LED tail lamps (Gets Elantra-like graphics in both the lights)
• Hyundai's latest 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system (IPS display for wide-angle viewing) with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink Connectivity. The unit is coupled to a 6-speaker (4 door speakers and 2 front tweeters) sound system with Arkamys sound tuning 
• Hyundai iBlue smartphone app-based remote for the infotainment system (works with select Android phones)
• 5.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with rear parking camera on lower variants
• Rear AC vents have been added for the first time 
• Rear USB charging port
• Auto Link connected car tech 
• Cruise control
• Luggage hook and net 
• Manual rear curtain

Missing Features 

• EBD (electronic brake-force distribution) was offered standard with the previous model, which is surprisingly not even in the equipment list now 
• Rear disc brakes (removed with the introduction of last-gen facelift model, but was available in the pre-facelift last-gen and the third-gen model)
• Rain-sensing wipers 
• Ergo-lever (rear seat passengers can adjust the front passenger seat to enhance legroom)
• Telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel 
• No time lag function in the power windows (power windows are operational even after the key is removed for a few seconds)
• Driver vanity mirror 

Don't miss: 2017 Hyundai Verna: Variants Explained

Engine and Transmission 

Hyundai has ditched the entry-level 1.4-litre petrol and diesel engines of the previous-gen model and offers the larger, more powerful 1.6-litre engines only. Also, an optional 6-speed automatic transmission (available with both petrol and diesel as before) has replaced the ancient 4-speed auto.

• Petrol: 1.6-litre Dual VTVT: 123PS and 155Nm (6-speed MT/AT) 
• Diesel: 1.6-litre U2 CRDi VGT: 128PS and 260Nm (6-speed MT/AT)

Check out: 2017 New Hyundai Verna – Expected Prices