Hyundai Verna and Exter Facelifts Spotted Testing Together on Indian Roads
Hyundai Verna and Exter Facelifts Seen Testing in India With Design and Feature Updates
Hyundai is preparing updates for some of its popular cars in India this year. These are the Hyundai Verna sedan and the Hyundai Exter micro SUV. Both models were recently spotted during road testing, where the test cars were seen driving together on a public road which usually happens when companies test multiple updated models at the same time. Hyundai is not expected to redesign the cars completely, instead the company will likely add small design updates and some new features.
Both cars were launched not very long ago, whereas the Verna arrived in 2023 and the Exter also entered the market in the same year. Because of that Hyundai will focus on improving the cars rather than replacing them.
Hyundai Verna Facelift May Get Small Design Changes
The current Hyundai Verna came to India in March 2023. It competes in the mid size sedan segment where rivals include the Volkswagen Virtus and the Skoda Slavia. Hyundai now appears to be preparing a small update to keep the sedan fresh.
From the spy photos the front of the Verna looks slightly different where the bumper area seems revised which is something that often happens in facelift updates. The grille design may also change a little and some parts of the styling look inspired by Hyundai’s global design language which is also seen on cars like the Sonata. The split headlamp setup still looks the same, whereas the LED daytime running lights could receive a small change in shape or lighting pattern which helps the car look slightly updated.
At the rear the changes may be minor where the rear bumper could get a slightly updated design and the tail lamp graphics may also change, which means the lighting signature could look a bit different at night. Hyundai may also introduce new alloy wheel designs, more over the company sometimes adds fresh colour options during a facelift which helps attract new buyers.
Cabin Could Get More Technology
Inside the car Hyundai may focus more on technology where the dashboard layout could change slightly. Reports suggest a curved display setup may be introduced which would give the interior a more modern look.
This curved panel may include a digital instrument cluster and an infotainment screen which could measure around 12.3 inches. Which means the dashboard may look more premium and technology focused compared to the current version.
The infotainment system may also support wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto which is a feature many buyers have been waiting for. Other features are expected to remain mostly the same, whereas Hyundai usually keeps the feature list strong in the Verna so major removals are unlikely.
Under the bonnet there may not be major changes because the existing petrol engines are likely to continue where buyers should still get both manual and automatic gearbox options.
Hyundai Exter Facelift Also Spotted During Testing
The Hyundai Exter was launched in India in July 2023 and quickly became an important model for Hyundai in the entry SUV segment. The car competes with models like the Tata Punch and Citroen C3.
Now Hyundai appears to be working on a refreshed version of the Exter where spy photos show a test vehicle covered with camouflage at the front and rear which usually hides the parts that are getting design changes.
The overall body shape still looks the same which means Hyundai is not changing the basic design of the SUV. The H shaped LED daytime running lights also appear unchanged while the square projector headlamps remain in their usual position.
However the front bumper may look slightly different and the grille also appears a bit taller and more upright compared to the current model which gives the front a slightly stronger appearance.
Rear Design And Features May Improve
The rear section of the test car was mostly covered which makes it harder to see the exact changes clearly. From what can be noticed the tail lamps look similar to the current model. Hyundai could add a connecting light strip between the tail lamps, more over many modern SUVs now use this design element which gives the car a wider look at night.
Inside the cabin the layout may remain familiar, however Hyundai could expand the feature list with some useful additions. The updated Exter may receive an improved infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay while ventilated front seats could also appear in more variants. Whereas a rear USB Type C charging port may be added which improves convenience for rear passengers.
Some higher variants may also get additional safety features which could include a 360 degree camera system and an auto dimming inside rear view mirror.
Engine Options Likely To Remain The Same
Under the hood Hyundai is not expected to make big changes because the Exter facelift will likely continue with the same 1.2 litre petrol engine. Buyers should still get both manual and AMT gearbox options while the factory fitted CNG version is also expected to remain available. Hyundai’s dual cylinder CNG technology helps maintain usable boot space which means the car stays practical for daily use.
Expected Launch Timeline
Hyundai may introduce the updated Verna first whereas the refreshed Exter could arrive later. Once launched the Exter facelift will continue competing in the micro SUV segment where rivals include the Tata Punch and the Citroen C3.
The Verna facelift on the other hand will remain one of Hyundai’s key sedan offerings in India because the car is known for strong performance and modern features which is why it continues to attract buyers in the mid size sedan segment.
Hari Babu
I'm Hari Babu, a freelance automotive journalist with over three years of experience. I cover stories from national highways to rural roads and currently serve as Chief Editor at Gaadi Journal.
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