Hyundai Verna only midsize sedan to retain its diesel engine after RDE norms

The next-gen Hyundai Verna will be the only midsize sedan in its segment to feature a diesel engine. With the upcoming set of stricter emissions regulations known as Real Driving Emission (RDE) norms, many manufacturers are not looking at upgrading their diesel engines to meet the requirements. 

• Venue, Creta, Alcazar to also continue with 1.5-litre diesel engine
• Honda will discontinue its 1.5-litre diesel next year
• Verna expected to debut in 2023

Honda‘s 1.5-litre diesel engine (which does duty on the City and Amaze sedans) will soon face the axe before RDE comes into effect from April 2023. Many manufacturers like Maruti Suzuki, Renault-Nissan and the entire Volkswagen group gave up on diesel when BS6 was implemented in 2020. 

We recently reported that Hyundai will discontinue the diesel engine in the i20 from 2023. The 1.5-litre diesel engine will continue in the Venue, Creta, Verna and Alcazar as well as many Kia models. While the Venue and Sonet get the diesel in the 100hp tune, the others will get a higher 115hp tune with a variable geometry turbo (VGT). It is unclear whether Hyundai will upgrade the diesel engine in the Venue or retain the fixed-geometry turbo. 

New Hyundai Verna: what we know so far

The next-gen Verna (codenamed BN7) was spotted testing in India earlier this year and is expected to debut in 2023. While the car was heavily camouflaged, some visible styling cues indicate that it may have a design heavily inspired by the new Elantra. The new Verna will follow Hyundai’s ‘Sensuous Sportiness’ design language with a wide grille that merges into the headlamps. Hyundai is also reportedly focussing on the next-gen Verna in favour of the Elantra. 

The test mules can be seen with a fastback-like styling with a tapered roof, similar to previous Vernas. It is also expected to get angular tail-lamps, similar to the Elantra. Furthermore, the ADAS tech, calibrated for India, from the new Tucson is also expected to arrive in the new Verna as well as the facelifted Creta.

In addition to the 1.5-litre VGT diesel engine, the next-gen Verna will also retain its 1.5-litre petrol engine. Hyundai may also add the 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine from the Creta since its main rivals – the Virtus and Slavia – get 1.5-litre turbo petrol engines. Gearbox options are likely to be carried over unchanged. 

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