Hyundai to introduce cheaper automatic version of Verna Fluidic to boost sales in India

It seems like Hyundai India is all set to raise the benchmark higher once again by launching a new variant of its Fluidic Verna. The line-up of this sedan will become cheaper in India with the introduction of a low priced diesel automatic variant, which is to be launched in coming months. It is apparent that the company has been paying attention to market demands and heeding to the requirements of the customers.

Official dealers have been receiving many enquiries regarding the availability of a lower priced diesel variant with an automatic gearbox, since the difference between the top end manual and automatic versions can be heavy on the pockets. The other reason is that almost all the automatic cars under Rs. 20 lacs come only in petrol variants. In a country with cost conscious buyers, it is a major concern for manufacturers since diesel is cheaper than petrol and AT lowers the fuel efficiency of a car. However, this did not deter the manufacturer to change the ongoing trend by introducing a diesel powered variant with automatic gearbox. Notably, Verna Fluidic is the only model in its segment that comes in diesel variant coupled with automatic transmission.

Back in 2011, Hyundai caught the nerve of the masses as it launched the Verna Fluidic with a host of new features. The C-segment sedan boasts of an astonishing 10 variants of the car, including a diesel variant. Unsurprisingly, the new Verna has become a hit for the South Korean manufacturer and accounts for 10 per cent of its overall sales. With the entry of a lower priced AT variant, Hyundai will be hoping to raise its share in overall sales to 25 per cent.

Presently, the disparity between the top-end AT and MT variants is Rs. 75,000 and auto experts believe that same difference will be followed in the lower variants as well. Recently, the company also started providing rear cameras as standard feature in all variants of the Verna Fluidic in a bid to boost its sales. As of now, it is the top selling model in its segment, with sales volumes of 27,533 units in the past 6 months.

If the car maker goes ahead and launches the entry level Verna Fluidic diesel with an automatic variant, it will be the first in the history of India to pull off something like this. It is not the first time that Hyundai has presented buyers with a complete package of top-of-the-class features and segment-defining technologies in its cars. Earlier, the first CRDI diesel car that catered to the mass market was the diesel variant of its coveted Accent. Moreover, it provided a premium experience to price conscious hatchback customers by offering i10 and i20 with exclusive interiors coupled with new features like sunroof and six speed gearbox.