Hyundai Motor India on Wednesday launched the all-new version of its mid-size sedan Verna and announced plans to invest more towards setting up a diesel engine plant. The Korean carmaker is also gearing up to introduce a new small car to take on the competition in this crowded segment.
Called Fluidic Verna, the sedan comes with many first-in-its-class luxury and safety features, and will be available in petrol and diesel versions, with five variants each. The two petrol variants (1.4 litre engine delivering 107 PS power and giving mileage of 17.43 km a litre and 1.6 litre engine giving 123 PS power and 17 km a litre mileage) are priced at between Rs.6.99 lakh and Rs.9.64 lakh. Similarly, the two diesel variants (1.4 litre with 90 PS power and mileage of 23.5 km a litre and 1.6 litre 128 PS power and fuel efficiency of 22.32 km a litre) are priced between Rs.8.09 lakh and Rs.10.74 lakh. “The Verna has been a trendsetter since it was first launched in 2006…the all-new Fluidic Verna will create a new benchmark and raise the bar for the upper mid-size cars in India as it comes with futuristic looks, luxurious interiors, cutting-edge technology and premium appeal,” HMIL Managing Director and CEO H.W. Park said at the launch event. Hyundai Motor Company President & CEO S.S. Yang, who had especially flown in from South Korea to launch the car, said: “HMIL is important for us. To keep pace with the growth in the Indian market, we will offer our full line of products here. We have supported this market through technology and new models... we will continue to bring in new technology.” “The new Verna will help in consolidating our position in the mid-size segment. Our brand image will enhance and we will no longer be considered as a small carmaker in India,” he said.