2023 Hyundai Elantra launch not in sight yet, might come only after the launch of the 2023 Verna
A few months back, Hyundai silently discontinued its lone D segment sedan, Elantra, in India and the hope was that the company might launch the 2023 model as its replacement sooner. But, now, sources say that the launch has been postponed to make way for the 2023 Verna.
Internationally, Hyundai Elantra is currently in its seventh generation making its global debut back in 2020. It follows Hyundai’s latest sensuous sportiness design language. The 2023 Verna, on the other hand will become the sixth generation model and yet to be unveiled.
Codenamed BN7, Hyundai will most likely launch the car later this year in global markets. The sedan could sport ADAS features for the first time as Hyundai recently said it’s planning to introduce the said safety features in all of its premium offerings right from the Verna.
Unlike the previous iterations, from spied the test mules, the upcoming Verna’s silhouette looks like a proper D segment sedan with elongated boot and bonnet. It also looks a little low slung for better road manners at high speeds.
According to Hyundai, the new Verna will very well suffice the needs of a typical D segment sedan buyer with better space and features. At least for the time being, there would be no requirement for the Elantra in the Indian market, the Korean maker feels.
With the entry-level luxury sedan segment becoming nearly dead in India with Volkswagen Group deciding to pull the plug on Octavia and Superb, the Elantra, even if launched now, would just be a hit or miss for Hyundai as people are more inclined towards SUVs.
Sources further said the decision to launch the Verna first will help Hyundai test the higher variants of the C segment for acceptability. If the costlier variants find enough buyers, the Korean maker will have no issues launching the Elantra in the higher end of the spectrum.
Hyundai is also cautious not to cannibalise the sales of the Tucson with a similarly priced entry-level luxury sedan. The Elantra has some great strengths and features. It features the premium Parametric design theme.
Power comes from a 2-litre petrol engine paired to a CVT gearbox. The Korean maker is also offering a 1.6-litre turbo petrol hybrid unit with a combined output of 139 HP and 264 Nm. There’s also a sporty N variant with 276 HP on tap from the regular 2-litre petrol engine.
When launched in India first, the all-new 2023 Verna is expected to feature the same 1.5-litre petrol and turbo-diesel engines but with mild-hybrid technology and CNG. At least for now, there’s no information about a hybrid model in the works.
