 "Hyundai launches all-new Verna, looks to regain lead in midsize sedans")
In a bid go regain its lead in the midsize sedan segment, which it had lost two years ago to the new Honda City, Hyundai Motor India launched the refurbished version of Verna on Wednesday.
The new Verna, however, is costlier than its key rivals. At a starting price of Rs 7.74 lakh, it is Rs 21,000 more expensive than the City and Rs 53,000 than Maruti Suzuki's Ciaz.
B S Seo, managing director and CEO of Hyundai Motor India, said that the new Verna will strengthen its line-up in the sedan segment. "We aim to be the most loved, trusted and caring car manufacturer in India offering class-leading Hyundai experience to the aspirational Indian customer," he added.
The Verna - termed 'world sedan' because it is sold in the same form in 66 markets including Russia and the US - still features the 'fluidic sculpture' design philosophy it debuted in 2011. The company says it has significantly improved the driving dynamics, while giving the car a whole-new front design with projector lamps in the headlights. Till date, 2.3 million units of Verna have been sold globally.
The new Verna also gets a new wing-shaped grille, fresh detailing on the tail lights, and new 16-inch alloy wheels. The other new features include rain sensing wipers, auto headlamps and a push-button start. The car also offers six airbags and rear-parking camera/sensors. Anti-lock braking system is standard across variants.
Verna lost the leadership in the midsize segment after the new Honda City was launched in January last year. A second hit came with the Maruti Ciaz launch in October 2014. Monthly volumes have since halved. In January 2015, the City sold 7,671 units; Ciaz 6,005 units; while Verna did 1,620 units. In January 2014, 3,803 units of Verna were sold.