2023 Hyundai Verna Long Term Review - Driven Over 2,000 Km

In March, Hyundai introduced the latest generation of the Verna. This 2023 model showcases significant updates in design, features, dimensions, safety features, and an all-new engine. The brand has taken a bold and innovative approach to its design, while also incorporating some segment features in the sedan segment. After spending several days with the new Verna 1.5-L T-GDi turbocharged petrol engine with 7-speed DCT and driving it for over 2,000 km, we present a comprehensive long-term review of the 2023 Hyundai Verna.

What We Like?

• The engine offers a smooth and refined performance
• The vehicle is packed with convenience and safety features
• It provides more rear space and enhanced comfort compared to its previous generation.

What We Don't Like?

• In Eco mode in the turbocharged engine feels somewhat sluggish
• Unfortunately, there are no diesel or hybrid powertrain options available
• The driver's seat offers electric recline angle adjustment but lacks height adjustment
• Additionally, there is no 360-degree camera on offer

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Here's a mileage run video of the 2023 Hyundai Verna.

2023 Hyundai Verna - Exterior

The exterior of the Verna has got a radical update as compared to its previous generation. It features the brand's 'Sensuous Sportiness' Global Design Identity, giving it a more contemporary look. The front end of the sedan showcases a muscular appearance with redesigned headlights, bumper, and parametric grille. A long LED light bar runs over the front grille, and the bonnet displays four distinct lines, adding to its appeal. Notably, the Verna introduces the segment's first horizontal LED positioning lamps.

The side profile of the Verna showcases sharp lines, maintaining the Parametric design language. It gets 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels, along with sharp lines and subtle motifs on the C-pillar. The side design bears resemblance to the Tucson, as both feature striking and similar sharp lines along their sides.

The rear of the car gets a bolder and more robust appearance with the inclusion of a connected tail lamp and horizontal tail lights on both ends. Halogen turn indicators are present both at the front and back. A tasteful VERNA branding can be seen within the glass of the tail light, adding to the overall aesthetics.

The 2023 Verna sedan boasts dimensions of 4,535 mm in length, 1,765 mm in width, and 1,475 mm in height. Notably, it features the best-in-segment wheelbase, measuring 2,670 mm, and also the widest segment width at 1,765 mm. Additionally, the Verna's spacious boot has a capacity of 528 liters, making it the largest in its segment.

2023 Hyundai Verna Interior

The interior of the Verna has undergone a substantial update, featuring a new dashboard layout, seats, screens, and center console. Upon entering the cabin, your attention will be drawn to two 10.25-inch panoramic screens. One serves as an infotainment touchscreen, while the other functions as the instrument cluster. The dashboard has been redesigned to accommodate full-width AC vents positioned beneath the screens. Moreover, the Verna now boasts a new 2-spoke steering wheel, adding to the fresh look and feel of the cabin.

The center console of the vehicle includes controls for both the infotainment screen and the air-conditioning system. To make it convenient for users, the brand has incorporated a single switchable button that allows seamless switching between the controls of the air-conditioning and the infotainment screen. This feature facilitates easy navigation between the two options. Additionally, there are two knobs to adjust the volume and temperature, providing the driver with a user-friendly interface while driving. In addition to the aforementioned features, the Verna also offers wireless charging, heated and ventilated seats, a type-C charging port, USB sockets, rear AC vents, an electric sunroof, an 8-speaker Bose sound system, wireless phone charging, wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, connected car technology, auto headlamps, auto engine stop/start, a sunroof, and keyless entry and start.

The 2023 Hyundai Verna offers two interior color options. The turbo engine variants feature a sporty black interior with red accents, while the NA engine variants come with a premium dual-tone beige & black interior. The interior design gets a premium layered dashboard featuring a soft touch finish. The interior also gets leather upholstery on seats, and the dashboard & door trims are adorned with ambient lighting, adding to the luxurious ambiance. Additionally, the steering wheel and gear knob are wrapped in leather, providing a touch of elegance. For the turbo engine variants, metal pedals are also included, adding a sporty touch to the overall interior design. The dashboard also gets an ambient light bar which extends to the doors

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2023 Hyundai Verna Engine & Performance

The 2023 Verna offers a choice of 2 engines and 3 transmission options. The first engine option is a 1.5-liter NA 4-cylinder MPi petrol engine, available with either a 6-speed manual transmission or an IVT/CVT automatic transmission. The second engine option is a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder Turbo GDi petrol engine, available with a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DCT automatic transmission.

The variant we had was equipped with a 1.5-liter turbo petrol engine with a 7-speed DCT gearbox. This engine option is also available with a 6-speed manual transmission. In terms of performance, it stands out in its segment with the highest power output of 160 PS and peak torque of 253 Nm.

The turbocharged engine variant offers three drive modes: ECO, NORMAL, and SPORTS. In ECO mode, the engine may feel a bit sluggish, requiring a harder press on the pedal to accelerate the vehicle. On the other hand, NORMAL mode provides a well-balanced throttle response and appropriate revs from the engine, which contributes to better mileage on highways. During a 1,000 km road trip with normal driving at 100 km/hr, the Verna achieved a mileage of around 17-19 km/l on highways.

When switched to SPORTS mode, the engine exhibits a more aggressive performance, delivering a punch at lower speeds and coming to life with a thrilling roar. In SPORTS mode, the sedan effortlessly reaches triple-digit speeds, offering a spirited driving experience. But this takes a toll on the fuel-efficiency.

2023 Hyundai Verna Ride & Handling

Compared to its predecessors, the 2023 Verna exhibits noticeable improvements in ride quality. The suspension has been retuned to ensure a comfortable experience for both the driver and passengers. It effectively absorbs most potholes and uneven road surfaces at lower speeds, contributing to a smoother ride. However, at higher speeds, the car feels somewhat bouncy when crossing flyover joints, which can be disappointing in terms of ride quality.

When discussing the vehicle's handling, it's worth noting that the steering feels excessively light and lacks confidence at higher speeds. Nonetheless, this light steering proves advantageous in navigating through city traffic and parking. Although the drive modes do add a bit of weight to the steering, the effect is so minimal that it might go unnoticed.

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2023 Hyundai Verna Safety Features

Hyundai has equipped the 2023 Verna with an extensive array of safety features. This model will showcase 30 standard safety features, encompassing essentials like 6 airbags, seat belt reminder, ISOFIX, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with VSM, Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), All Disc Brakes, Electric Parking Brake (EPB), Front Parking Sensors, Electro Chromic Mirror (ECM), TPMS (Highline), and cutting-edge safety technologies such as Hyundai SmartSense.

Additionally, the 2023 Verna will incorporate Level 2 ADAS which includes Forward Collision Warning, Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, adaptive cruise control, and High Beam Assist. These advanced safety technologies collectively contribute to enhancing the safety and security of the occupants in various driving scenarios.

203 Hyundai Verna Price

The 2023 Hyundai Verna comes with a starting price of Rs 10.96 lakh and goes up to Rs 17.38 lakh (ex-showroom). It comes in five variants: EX, S, SX, SX(O), and SX(O) Dual Tone. Customers can choose between two engine options: a 1.5-liter MPi NA petrol engine and a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The MPi variant costs between Rs 10.90 lakh to Rs 16.19 lakh (ex-showroom), while the Turbo variant ranges from Rs 14.84 lakh to Rs 17.38 lakh (ex-showroom).

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