Rumour: Next-gen Hyundai Verna to come with mild-hybrid tech

If recent media reports are to be believed, Hyundai is planning to equip the next-gen Verna sedan with a mild-hybrid system. This step is likely being taken to place the Verna as a competitor to the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz, which gets Suzuki's SHVS mild-hybrid tech.

The Ciaz saw a significant boost in its sales after the mild-hybrid technology was introduced to its diesel variants. Hyundai now appears to be following the market leader's footsteps and is thus aiming increased fuel economy and some government subsidies for the new-gen Verna through their mild-hybrid system.

A mild-hybrid system generally consists of a small integrated starter generator (ISG) that supplies grunt to the wheels when the car accelerates from standstill. In a conventional car, moving from standstill requires a lot of effort from the internal combustion engine. As a result, the electric power supplied to the wheels in a mild-hybrid helps in reducing fuel consumption and thus enhancing economy. A regenerative braking system is also a part of the mild-hybrid system, which converts energy generated during braking to electricity, which is then supplied to the car's battery that powers the ISG.

Hyundai is expected to launch the new-gen Verna in India in the second half of 2017.

Source: ZigWheels