New Hyundai Verna: The mid-size sedan segment in India has seen a lot of changes with the arrival of the new generation Hyundai Verna.
This new offering from the Korean carmaker is a head-turner and is a welcome change on both the outside and inside compared to the previous model and features never-heard-before features in the segment, and aims to take on some of the competitive names in the segment.
Coming at a time when everyone had given up on sedans and shifted their allegiance to compact SUVs, the new Verna is Hyundai’s answer to a dying trend – that of sedans in India, while believing also in this new fad of making theircars stylish and techie.
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New Hyundai Verna Design Evolution: The conservative shackles are off
The New Verna makes a strong statement with its impressive design and the product stands to its statement a neat departure from the restrained look of the previous model.
Up front, an expansive parametric grille stretches the full width of the car and is complemented by a set of slim LED headlamps with unique daytime running light signatures.
This connected light forms a futuristic face that stands out on the road.
From the side it shows a fastback-like profile with a gently sloping roof that curves into a short deck lid, and the sedan has coupe-like proportions that haven’t gauged rear headroom much.
Crisp character lines flow across the body sides, to form an energetic, capable surface that plays with light and shadow.
The 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels are a perfect fit in the arches and help achieve a planted look to the car.
At the back, the LED tail lamp assembly that runs through the boot area, adds to the car’s dynamically excellent road presence, giving a unique lighting signature; even in the night-time.
The rear bumper has some subtle diffuser parts just in case anyone would believe that this estate has sporting claims, but not so much that it looks over the top.
This unified design strategy has produced a sedan that photographs well from every angle- a consideration for today’s social media-driven universe.
Interior: High-Class Ambiance, Practical Technology
New Hyundai Verna Slip into the new Verna and one is greeted with an interior that’s a mix of plush materials and well thought out ergonomics.
The horizontal theme extends to the dashboard, which incorporates air vents that run from one end to the other providing a satisfying width.
There are soft touch materials used at all critical touchpoints with piano black inserts and metal effect trims boosting perceived quality beyond this segment’s norm.
There’s a two-tone interior scheme as well that provides an airiness, helped along by factory customizable ambient lighting in higher trims.
The seats are particularly supportive and deep of bolster while remaining comfortable for a day’s driving; they are better padded than their predecessor, which is a welcome change.
The additional wheelbase itself has brought passengers in the rear seat extra leg room, rear A/C vents, and an USB charging point -everything what a modern connected traveller demands.
All that’s set up as the centerpiece of the interior is a dual-screen system that puts the digital instrument cluster and the infotainment touchscreen under the same glass panel.
A design touch, only previously found in top end European offerings, that makes it a high end place to be and at the same time makes things easier for the driver in terms of controlling the vehicle.
Tech: Feature List That Defies The Norm Of The Segment
So loaded is the new Verna with tech that it will compete with not just direct competitors, but cars from segments above as well.
The infotainment system is compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and also has connected car features through Hyundai’s BlueLink portal.
Such features, which increasingly appeal to tech savvy buyers, include remote engine start, climate-control activation, vehicle location, and geofencing alerts.
The driver aid offering stands out for this segment with lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control available on higher grades.
These aids not only improve safety, they also alleviate driver fatigue during extended periods of travel.
The 360-degree camera with dynamic guidelines assists while threading through tight spots – a useful feature quite considering India’s parking situations.
Other highlights include ventilated front seats, premium 8-speaker sound system for optimal cabin acoustics, wireless charging pad with cooling function, and electric parking brake with auto-hold.
This extensive feature list keeps the Verna fresh not only today but also few years later into the model cycle.
2 Powertrain Choices: A Mix of Power and Efficiency
Powering options On the mechanical front, the new Verna offers variety of engines to suit various motoring tastes.
There’s a smooth 1.5-liter normally aspirated petrol engine – more than adequate for daily running with good fuel economy.
If you want to give it a bit more stick, then the 1.5-litre turbo petrol’s extra torque is a big help from as low as about half way up the rev range, and lets you feel a good deal more confident with overtaking manouvres and freeway cruising.
For driving purists, a 6-speed manual gearbox is a wise choice, while an effortlessly shifting 7-speed dual-clutch automatic provides the best of both worlds — efficiency in sedate driving and snappy shifts when pressed.
The three well-programmed driving modes (Eco, Comfort and Sport) modify throttle response, steering effort and transmission programming to suit both your driving mood and the road.
The suspension does an excellent job of balancing ride comfort with handling accuracy. Up front, the MacPherson struts and the rear torsion beam configuration have been set up keeping in mind the Indian road conditions, soaking up all the poor roads while retaining its composure around corners.
Electric power steering gives sufficient feel yet is easy to manoeuvre in the city.
New Hyundai Verna Market Position and Competitive Threat
(Sid) With its bold design and advanced technology, the new Verna is entering a new segment (Racing Blue – pictured) where it will give the leaders a run for their money.
Hyundai also has done a nice job of slotting various grades for different buyers, ranging from the affordable entry version to the tech-heavy top-of-the-line one that competes with segment-above cars.
This strategic placement is what enables the Verna to take on not only conventional-sedan rivals but also to put up itself as a viable alternative to compact-SUVs priced at the same level.
And that is to prove that, despite being a more classical form, the Verna is a prioritising machine – and far from irrelevant away of stuffing four… ahem… Indian passengers (there’s only one size apiece either side) into a sedan.
New Hyundai Verna Conclusion
The new Hyundai Verna is an assertion from a carmaker who didn’t want to turn its back on sedans in a time when everyone is flying off the segment like their rear wheels were on fire.
With its handsome design, high-quality cabin, and well-equipped version lineup, it makes a compelling case for itself against rivals and competing non-luxury models.
In rethinking what a midsize sedan can be — in terms of visual appeal as well as technological sophistication — Hyundai has given birth to a product that caters to a buyer looking to remain different in the increasingly monotonous sea of compact SUVs.
It is with the latest Verna that sedans are not down and out and if they play their cards right, such vehicles can continue to be in demand in the new age automotive world.
