Both the Hyundai Verna facelift and Elite i20 Cross are scheduled for launch in the first half of 2015 and will also get updates to the suspension for improved handling and ride quality.
2015 will be surely an interesting year for Hyundai India with a plethora of new launches and updated products lined up for launch. Apart from the scheduled ix25 compact SUV and Elantra sedan, the country’s second largest automaker plans to bring the updated Verna as well as the all-new Elite i20 Cross to the market next year. With the launch still a good six months away, the 2015 Verna facelift and the Elite i20 Cross were spotted testing outside Hyundai’s Chennai facility with medium camouflage, giving away new details on both the models.
Starting with the 2015 Hyundai Verna facelift, the C-segment sedan receives a major overhaul with comprehensively updated front fascia, while the rear remains similar. The Verna facelift will be in tandem with the international model sold in Russia under the Solaris moniker and gets a more mature and executive styling. The single-slat grille has been replaced with twin-slat units, while the mildly tweaked headlights now feature projector lamps. The front bumper has been completely redesigned and gets a new fog lamp cluster with integrated LED DRLs.
The engine options will continue to be the same 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel units paired to a 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and a new 6-speed automatic transmission. The powerplants however, are being tuned to return more fuel efficiency, while speculations also suggest that Hyundai is working on a firmed up suspension set-up to improve handling and ride quality on the sedan. With the all-new Honda City and Maruti Ciaz gunning for the top spot in the C-segment sedan space, the Verna has been falling behind in sales in the past year.
The other model spotted on test was the Hyundai Elite i20 Cross that will take on the Fiat Avventura, Toyota Etios Cross and Volkswagen Cross Polo in the newly formed pseudo crossover segment. The Hyundai Elite i20 comes with a raised ground clearance, black body cladding, roof rails, revised front and rear bumpers that differentiate it from the regular Elite i20. The test mule also carried projector headlamps and new 16-inch alloy wheels, while we also expect to see LED DRLs on offer.
The model will draw power from the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.4-litre diesel engine options with no changes to the output. A stiffer suspension set-up is expected on the i20 Cross compared to the regular model, especially with an anti-roll bar to combat the raised ground clearance. Hyundai could also add new features to the cabin, much like what Fiat did with the Avventura that would be a splendid touch to the crossover. Equipped with mild offroading skills, the i20 Cross will be positioned above the Elite i20 in the automaker’s lineup.
Source – Gaadi.com
