Midsize sedans have had certain alterations recently that go beyond the typical facelift or new model generation. Together with the regular abuse from large and compact SUVs, there is also the recent extinction of the higher executive sedan (sector. Hence, the most recent generation of midsize sedans had to improve in terms of size, specs, power, technology, premium feel, and, yes, pricing as well. Hyundai really refers to its brand-new Verna as a “mid big sedan,” a description it also gives to its rivals, the City, Slavia, and Virtus, in light of both their larger sizes and more expensive price tags. Because of this, the Ciaz is noticeably missing from the list. (2023 Hyundai Verna)
Interior Layout, Room, And Back Seat Of The 2023 Hyundai Verna
When the most recent Verna was introduced to the market in 2017, it had a back seat that was noticeably less roomy than those of competitors like the Ciaz and Gen 4 City. This, according to Hyundai, was the first issue the new Verna was designed to address, and it is evident. The space behind us is now enormous and at least as large as competitors.
Another long-standing Driver pet peeve is that you don’t seat as low as you used to. Which not only improves access and egress but also provides you a far better perspective of the road ahead. It all comes down to superior packaging and that fastback roof. Which allowed them to accomplish this while maintaining adequate headroom and without increasing the vehicle’s overall height.
At first glance, the design appears to be a true generational jump. With the previous V form being replaced with a more straightforward, horizontal appearance. The shelf-like dashboard features brushed silver accents on the full-width AC vents and an LED ambient light bar that wraps around the doors.
A hooded binnacle is unnecessary thanks to the twin 10.25-inch infotainment and instrument displays. Which are an upscale touch comparable to the Ioniq 5. Both the touchscreen and the console below it are tilted towards the driver. Albeit the digital dials still function more like a backlit panel than a true colour screen like in the Creta or Alcazar.
The new two-spoke steering wheel is rake and reach adjustable. Has a metallic finish that feels upscale, and has a futuristic appearance. While it may seem gimmicky, the dash’s little panel that switches between the AC and infotainment controls at the touch of a button really works extremely well.
Despite certain functions being on a touch panel. It still includes two physical knobs that are simple to operate while driving and are still preferable to using the touchscreen’s submenus. As is typically the case with Hyundai vehicles, quality is excellent. With plenty of soft-touch material on the dash and excellent plastic quality elsewhere. As with the i20 and Creta, there are no large expanses of flat, boring plastic. And even the hard plastic panels in the door cards have been given a leather-like touch.
The inside is cream and black on vehicles with the 1.5 MPi engine. Which will undoubtedly become dirty easily, especially near the window controls, but it looks spacious and upscale. The inside of 1.5 Turbo vehicles is black with red accents, giving it a good, athletic appearance. Also, there are several noteworthy features that enhance the ambiance of the interior. Such as the seats’ contrast-colored stitching and piping and the 64-color ambient lighting that extends onto the doors.
Exterior of the 2023 Hyundai Verna
Hyundai truly wiped the schedule clean and began over with its new-generation Verna. Due to its revolutionary new design and new platform, it sets the bar for future Hyundai vehicles. In order to fit in with this new style, the bigger Elantra and Sonata have just undergone facelifts overseas. The headlights split off and are demoted further down in the form of non-projector LEDs and halogen indicators. Its distinguishing feature is a thin LED light strip across the nose, which is the brand’s new sedan hallmark.
The door panels and fenders, as well as minor motifs on the C-pillar and even the bumpers. All display the new “Parametric Dynamics” design lingo, which chops up the previous Vernas’ smooth “fluidic” lines into sharply intersecting angles. The grille, which is now edge to edge, much like the Tucson. And features sharp slashes in place of a typical mesh or slatted design, is where it is most obvious.
With sharp edges and angles, a lip spoiler, a full-width LED light bar. And vertical LED DRLs as its culmination, the rear is also noticeably more assertive. In truth, this configuration is intended to seem like the letter H when viewed from the side. But, just like the front, the indicators are distinct from this slick array and instead use halogen lighting that feel pasted on. It still has 16-inch wheels on the sides, which are normal for the sector. Although they appear notably smaller due to the car’s bloated proportions (95mm longer, 36mm wider, and with a 70mm larger wheelbase).
The design is eye-catching and will be instantly recognisable. But there’s no denying that it divides opinion since it incorporates so many different components that it occasionally comes off as over-styled. Yet, if you can see past these elements, you’ll discover a well-proportioned saloon below. The top flows down almost like a fastback. And there are strong haunches above the rear tyre arches that help hide a lot of the extra mass. And that means there is now a class-leading 528 litres of boot capacity in addition to the inside space (more on that in a moment).
Hyundai Verna Performance, Fuel Efficiency, And Transmission in 2023
With the release of the new Verna, diesel is no longer an option for midsize sedans. Instead, you get one of two petrol engines: the 1.5-litre MPi, a four-cylinder, normally aspirated engine linked to a 6-speed manual or an eight-step CVT, or the 1.5-litre T-GDi, a 4-cylinder, direct-injection turbo engine coupled to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. With the exception of the standard MPi manual, we had the chance to drive each one.
The 115hp naturally aspirated petrol engine. Which was also utilised in the Verna and Creta before it is already well-known with the exception of the Kia Selto and Carens. Because of its sleek design and equally distributed power and performance. It looks appropriate for driving on highways and in cities. To put it lightly, the CVT in this situation feels better tuned than the one in the Creta.
Despite the predicted sluggishness in the Eco driving mode, in Normal, responses and performance nearly correspond to engine rpm. It nearly seems gratifying to drive in this mode, more so than Sport mode, which does give some pep at low speeds but also has a terrible rubberband feeling as you go faster. This isn’t the engine for spirited driving. Despite the temptation to use the paddles to swiftly switch between the simulated “gears.”
That would be the newest turbo-petrol engine, which comes with a few pleasant surprises. Moreover, according to the ARAI cycle. It has statistics of 20 kpl and 20.6 kpl for the manual and DCT, respectively, making it more fuel efficient than the 1.5 MPi. It has 160 horsepower and 253 Nm of class-leading power and torque.
Also, it has a true manual transmission rather than Hyundai’s two-pedal iMT. Which, according to our sources, is an acknowledgement that aficionados prefer three pedals. It is also more convenient than the preceding 120hp 1.0 T-GDi and, as a consequence. At the time of this assessment, 40% of Verna bookings were for. It is available in two trim levels and two gears.
This powerplant excels as a fantastic all-arounder. One benefit is that it is polished and smooth, without the original 1.0’s three-cylinder thrum. It lacks the gut-punching acceleration of other competitors, much like the Creta’s former 1.4-litre turbo, which this practically replaces, but the performance is still there. You’ll quickly realise that it is presented in a linear fashion, and you are more than up to speed. It’s enjoyable to control all of this power with a 6-speed manual transmission that provides easy throws and quick shifts. The clutch has a high engagement point and a long pedal travel, which is the only drawback.
It’s interesting that the manual version also has driving modes. Which are supposed to change the throttle response, but, to be honest, the difference is hardly noticeable. The DCT version, which seems to be the best of the bunch, makes the distinction obvious. As was already said, it combines the efficiency of an automatic with some additional features. As well as the performance of this engine. The DCT transmission is surprisingly smooth and doesn’t seem cumbersome when shifting between ratios. Making it ideal for both aggressive driving and intercity use. Yes, you should use the paddles in this situation.
Features, Technology, And Safety for the 2023 Hyundai Verna
Hyundai wouldn’t be Hyundai if it didn’t have some best-in-class features, and even if competitors have caught up, the Korean manufacturer still has a few aces in its bag. The previously stated dual-purpose control panel is an excellent example. As is the free-standing dual-screen setup, but what really stands out are the heated and ventilated. Front seats and the driver’s seat’s semi-power adjustment (height adjustment is manual).
Drive modes, an excellent 8-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto, linked car technology, automatic headlights, auto engine stop/start, a sunroof, and keyless entry and departure are further noteworthy features.
Six airbags across the board, ABS, EBD, ESC, TCS, TPMS, hill-start assist, seat-belt reminders for every seat, front and rear parking sensors, rear disc brakes, and an electronic parking brake make up the robust safety package (the last two only on the turbo DCT).
In this class, the Honda City may have barely edged out Hyundai in terms of ADAS availability. But the Verna has a little advantage. The Verna incorporates a camera array in addition to front and rear radar modules (but only on the turbo DCT), which improve the system’s performance in low-light situations and enable adaptive cruise control and front vehicle departure warning.
2023 Hyundai Verna Handling, Comfort, and Ride
On a Hyundai Verna, steering has always been one of the obstacles to spirited driving. And sadly, this issue hasn’t been fully rectified. It turns out that the steering becomes heavier as a result of the driving modes. But the difference is so little that I had to walk back outside just to be sure. Although it is significantly superior to the previous Vernas in terms of feedback, weight, and precision, it is still far from perfect. You’ll especially love it when you’re just cruising around town or parallel parking because it excels at being light and easy.
The suspension and ride quality have been improved. There were thuds and crashes through bumps as a result of the past generation’s. Far more controlled correction of what was previously an excessively soft, bouncy setup. This time, they appeared to have worked out the kinks and discovered a contented equilibrium that benefits both the driver and the driven. It still leans more towards comfort, with lovely soft edges that absorb low-speed bumps. When you accelerate, it doesn’t become overly agitated and even maintains composure at motorway speeds.
The ADAS features are effective and give you enough time to react before the car does it on its own. Warnings that are audible and visible grab your attention and often appear before the car takes action. Contrary to more costly vehicles, the steering wheel on this vehicle does not detect your hands returning to the wheel as well during adaptive cruise control, and you must gently tug on it to alert the vehicle to your presence.
Price and Verdict for the 2023 Hyundai Verna
The price is the last piece of the jigsaw, and Hyundai has skillfully ensured that it. At least initially. Is well within the limits. Imposed by its competitors. While the Turbo variant costs between Rs 14.84 lakh and Rs 17.38 lakh, the MPi version costs between Rs 10.90 lakh and Rs 16.19 lakh. Without include the Ciaz, it is the most affordable entry-level petrol, and it is also the most affordable of the more potent turbo-petrols. And this is with a comprehensive list of equipment that includes things like ADAS. Even filling the gap left by the Elantra and providing excellent service to chauffeurs are accomplishments.
With a goal of tripling the previous Verna’s sales and passing the City to become the sector leader, Hyundai undoubtedly believes this formula will be a hit. Even while it’s not the ‘furious’ sports sedan you might be led to believe it is. The new turbo DCT is the centrepiece of the lineup. It combines performance with usability and elegance. And the MPI is always an option if you’re searching for a better value.
The new Verna feels like the segment change Hyundai predicted it would be and has advanced a segment in all the areas that count. Although it may not be the best in terms of performance or fuel efficiency like some of its competitors. It truly excels in practically every regard, with very few obvious drawbacks. Choosing the new Verna as your next saloon looks like a no-brainer if you’re among those who prefer the edgy new appearance.
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