Upcoming stricter emission regulations in India have made it difficult for many car makers to offer a diesel engine. The new norms, known as the Real Driving Emission (RDE), ensure that the CO2, NOx etc., that a vehicle emits when driven on the road are captured accurately. Currently, the emissions are measured while the vehicle is static.
Hyundai will likely be the only car maker to offer a diesel engine option in the mid-size sedan segment in India. Honda’s 1.5L engine doing duty in the Amaze and the City will soon be discontinued as well. Others like Maruti, Volkswagen, Skoda, Renault and Nissan have already given up on the diesels.
Hyundai is working on its 1.5-litre diesel mill that is offered on the 120, Venue, Creta, Alcazar and all the Kia models. It is said that while the diesel will be let go from the i20, other cars will continue to get the diesel option. Venue and Sonet will get the 100 HP tune, while others will get a 115 HP tune with the variable geometry turbo.
The upcoming Hyundai Verna was spotted testing earlier this year. It is expected to debut in 2023. Despite the test mule being heavily camouflaged, some details were visible. The Verna borrows its styling for the larger Elantra, and it is not difficult to mistake it for any other car apart from a Hyundai. The Verna gets a wide grille with headlamps on both sides, a design based on the Sensuous Sportiness theme. It gets a sloping coupe-like roof line. The Verna gets tail lights similar to the Elantra, and it is also expected to get ADAS tech as well.
The Hyundai Verna will continue to get a 1.5-litre NA petrol, a 1.4-litre turbo petrol and a 1.5-litre diesel engine. In terms of transmission options, Hyundai could offer a 6-speed manual, a CVT for the NA petrol, a 6-speed automatic and a DCT gearbox as well.
Also Read – 2023 New Hyundai Verna testing continues on Indian streets