[Aditya]

A test mule of the Hyundai Verna facelift has been spotted near the company's plant in Chennai.

Link to Team-BHP News Article

[shobhit.shri]

Just a curious question: what information they would generally expect to find by doing a road test for a cosmetic facelift, especially with such cladding?

[RSR]

Originally Posted by shobhit.shri

Just a curious question: what information they would generally expect to find by doing a road test for a cosmetic facelift, especially with such cladding?

The car is expected to get some minor mechanical changes/tweaks as well, to go along with the facelift. The 4-speed auto 'box maybe replaced by a 6-speed torque converter, and the engines and suspension may receive minor tweaks too.

The cladding theoretically serves two purposes. One, it makes the unveiling event worthy of its name by keeping the facelifted version out of the eyes of the mainstream media and most of the general public (automobile enthusiasts always have access to such photos of test mules and underlying facelifted versions already on sale overseas). Two, it helps in keeping interest in the Verna alive among potential customers who are still undecided or are looking at competitors' offerings now.

The Verna is currently facing the heat on the monthly sales charts. It's no longer the segment leader after the City dethroned it, and it's also coming under increasing pressure from new & facelifted/improved cars such as the Ciaz, Vento, Rapid etc.

[adarsh76]

Improving the backseat comfort, suspension will definitely make it a good contender. It's a really capable car especially the Diesel.

[karts]

Originally Posted by adarsh76

Improving the backseat comfort, suspension will definitely make it a good contender. It's a really capable car especially the Diesel.

With respect to the backseat comfort, I believe, what hyundai has provided with the current car is the best they could do. The main problem is the coupe styling and that leaves little head room at the back even with lower seats. Not sure, how would hyundai handle this.