Hyundai Verna has always been the bold one of the C2 segment face-off. The first-generation model was a testimony for other automakers to up their game, or lose it! It introduced an array of first in class features that left consumers scratching their heads as of, how the automaker was able to squeeze all of those in an affordable package.
Fast forward to 2020, Hyundai carries forward the surprise and still puts a very upmarket and top-notch package on the table that leaves the competition in dismay. The 2020 Verna will be BS-VI emission norms complaint that would lead to the replacement of the present 1.6-litre engine with a new 1.5-litre diesel engine. The new engine is believed to be more fuel-efficient than the outgoing model.
We’ll get to see some of the latest gadgets in the 2020 Verna as well. The automaker's strategy has always been to provide the best for least and it is expected to carry on for the next-Gen model as well. Present-day Hyundai Verna is priced in the bracket of INR 8.17 Lakhs to INR 11.72 Lakhs. Further, Hyundai has offered the convenience of automatic transmission in both engine variants. It rivals against some prominent cars like Honda City and Maruti Suzuki Ciaz in the hottest B2-Segment face-off.
Offered in four variants: E, EX, SX and SX(O), 2020 Verna is priced in the bracket of Rs. 8.18 Lakhs to Rs. 14.07 Lakhs. The base trim gets standard features which include driver and passenger airbags, full wheel covers, halogen headlamps, cloth seat upholstery, and touchscreen audio system which is impressive for the price-point.
Trim | 1.4 VTVT E | 1.4 VTVT EX | 1.6 VTVT SX/ 1.6 VTVT SX+ | 1.6 VTVT SX(O)/ 1.6 VTVT SX(O) Anniversary Edition |
Price(Manual/CVT) (Ex-showroom Delhi) | Rs. 8,17,867(M) | Rs. 9,33,182(M) | Rs. 9,99,900(M)/ Rs. 11,62,875(A) | [Rs. 11,72,999/ Rs. 11,78,894(Ani. Edi.)](M)/ Rs. 12,87,999(A) |
Key Features | Driver and Passenger Airbags | Driver and Passenger Airbags | Driver and Passenger Airbags | Driver and Passenger Airbags/ Side and curtain Airbags |
Halogen headlamps | Halogen headlamps | Projector headlamps | Projector headlamps | |
Full wheel covers | Full wheel covers | LEDTaillamps | LEDTaillamps | |
Metal finish on inside door handles | Cloth door centre trim | Cloth door centre trim | Leather door centre trim | |
12.83 cm Touchscreen Audio | 12.83 cm Touchscreen Audio | 17.77 cm Touchscreen with IPS display | 17.77 cm Touchscreen with IPS display | |
Cloth seat upholstery | Cloth seat upholstery | Cloth seat upholstery | Leather seat upholstery | |
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay | Android Auto/Apple CarPlay |
Unlike most of its competitors, Hyundai won't leave you hanging on the base variants, as even those get a healthy set of creature comfort and safety features which makes for a formidable option. When it comes to the top trims, differences are in the drivetrain and additions of a few safety assist features.
No matter the variant, you shall not be disappointed with the level of engine refinement it offers. Buyers looking for the best mileage figures must go for the 1.6-diesel engine but these variants are on the pricier side. Meanwhile, the 1.6 L petrol versions are affordable. So in this mixed bag, we would recommend the SX trim petrol-manual that offers you most of the important goodies without the
There are no offers ongoing for the Hyundai Verna as the BS6 deadline is almost here, and the remaining stock of BS4 ones have been sold like hotcakes. The only leverage is for government employees, with a cash discount of Rs. 10,000 more.
Also Read,
How does the best iteration of Verna stand against Honda's best-seller?
Has Maruti Suzuki's mileage friendly and cheaper alternative got the best of Hyundai Verna?
How does the Verna stand against its German counterpart?
The Verna comes with the same 1.6-litre petrol and diesel as before. With 126bhp at 4000rpm and a meaty 245Nm at 1500-3000rpm, the diesel engine is the most powerful diesel in its class. Hyundai has worked on the NVH levels and is thus one of the most refined cars in its segment. The big news, however, is the gearbox. Hyundai has finally dumped the 4-speed auto and replaced it with a 6-speed automatic and luckily the manual 6-speeder has been retained. Finally some fun worthy mechanics!
The petrol engine is also special as it is the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in this segment, and it is a pleasure to be behind the wheel of one. Power and torque is linearly laid out all over the rev-range and that makes it an energetic one in any given situation. Later to 1250 RPM, the engine is all pumped up and never hesitates to comply with your commands.
Models | Hyundai Verna VTVT 1.6 SX | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz Delta | Honda City i-VTEC V | Volkswagen Vento Comfortline |
Price (Ex-Delhi) in INR | 9,99,000 | 8,81,000 | 10,55,000 | 9,99,000 |
Engine | 1368cc, 4-cylinder | 1462, 4-cylinder | 1497 cc, 4-cylinder | 1598, 4-cylinder |
Transmission | 6-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual | 5-speed manual |
Power (bhp) | ||||
Torque(Nm) |
On the spec sheet, Hyundai’s Verna makes the most power and Volkswagen’s Vento makes most torque. But the City feels quicker and more responsive than the Verna or the Vento. Honda goes on to prove that the power or torque figures are not the complete picture.
The Hyundai feels settled at high speeds and isn't too disturbed by potholes either. It's is a friendly city commuter and unlike any sports car. Verna manages to sprint zero to 100 kmph in 10.2 seconds, which is decent for a city commuting Sedan.
Gone are the floaty suspension setup that made you hesitate to cruise all day in triple-digits. Hyundai has worked much on the dynamics and the car feels more stable and planted. The BS6 conversion has added in a bit of extra weight but that has not dampened the enthusiasm and both the petrol and diesel engines work like a charm. High-speed stability improvements help it stand a stronger chance against its well-versed competitors.
Models | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | Honda City | Volkswagen Vento |
0-100 KMPH | 10.2 | 12.10 | 9.83 | 12.18 |
Quarter Mile | NA | NA | NA | NA |
Engine | Kappa Dual VTVT Petrol | k15B VVT Engine | i-VTEC | MPI Petrol Engine |
Honda shines here, and it was never a surprise as the Japanese automaker has mastered the art of petrol engines. First the V-TEC and now the i-VTEC, it still has and goes like a charm. Ciaz and Vento are on the heavier side, and it shows in its sprint speed, but Hyundai has managed to slot in between these two ends, with a balanced performance and comfort package.
Driving around the city is a fun affair and the nimble car is in your favour. The diesel engine has minimal lag and doesn't give you a hard time in overtakes as well Even on the highways, you can drive aggressively, step on the pedal and execute a clean overtake. The stiffened suspension setup, now makes cornering easier and more confidence driven, which was not earlier the case.
The length doesn't hinder manoeuvrability even in the densest of traffics and that is a huge step forward. Steering inputs are precise and crisp which makes driving the Verna a soothing affair.
The next-gen Hyundai Verna gets disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. Also, it is laced with a plethora of exceedingly reliable braking systems such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) as standard features.
The previous generation had disc brakes all-round but Hyundai went with a disc-drum setup for this time and it has surprisingly improved in braking performance along with putting a tap on its price point. The progression is linear and newbies will get used to the Verna's brake modulation in no time.
Model | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | Honda City | Volkswagen Vento |
Front Brakes | Disc | Disc | Disc | Disc |
Rear Brakes | Drum | Drum | Drum | Drum |
Curb Weight (kg) | 1050 | 1010 | 1107 | 1126 |
The least kerb weight of this lot also puts Verna in a very cosy spot which makes it both a quick sprinter as well as a quick stopper. There is proper management of unladen forces which keep the vehicle under control at all times.
Mileage figures are not the brightest for Verna but then again the performance bump answers this handicap. The Diesel powerplant, however, runs for more kilometres than the litre and that will perhaps suffice to the more conservative drivers.
Model | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | Honda City | Volkswagen Vento |
Mileage (Kmpl) | 16 | 21.56 | 17.4 | 16.09 |
Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres) | 45 | 43 | 40 | 55 |
Vento has the largest fuel tank of the lot and so despite having similar mileage figures, Volkswagen Vento can go on for a longer distance due to its largest 55-litre tank closely followed by the fluidic Verna. Honda City has the smallest fuel tank due to its compact form factor.
Hyundai has undertaken an ultra-radical approach for the Verna. The new Verna balances itself nicely between radical and conservative, making it look fresh year after year. The silhouette is quite familiar with predecessor cars but looks closely and the new details come through. The front now gets the new family facia that you see in the Xcent and the Elantra, thanks to chrome cascade grille. Even the front bumper gets a very aggressive chin spoiler that slits the air dam from the grille.
However, the transition from the grille to the air dam could have been done in a better manner. The swept-back projector headlamps are now smaller than before and also get LED DRL’s which is the norm these days.
Model | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki Ciaz | Honda City | Volkswagen Vento |
Kerb weight (kg) | 1050 | 1010 | 1107 | 1126 |
Length(mm) | 4440 | 4490 | 4440 | 4390 |
Width(mm) | 1729 | 1730 | 1695 | 1699 |
Height(mm) | 1475 | 1485 | 1495 | 1467 |
Ground clearance (mm) | 165 | 170 | 165 | 163 |
Wheelbase (mm) | 2600 | 2650 | 2600 | 2553 |
The most prominent frontal change is the addition of an LED DRLs which makes all the difference. Other than that the front fascia flaunts new foglamp housing and a refreshed grille. The side profile remains unchanged with the only change being confined to its redesigned rims. Most of the prominent changes and notably exterior features are listed below.
If there’s one carmaker who knows how to liven up the interiors, it is Hyundai and the new Verna is no different. You get a dual-tone dashboard and thankfully there’s more of black than beige. Hyundai has made sure it offers a driver-centric layout and as a result, everything comes handy and driver-friendly. The dash takes a lot of space and it could have been designed in a better way to offer to generate more pockets in the front. Also, the dash gets hard plastics and it doesn't feel premium to touch.
Model | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki CIaz | Honda City | Volkswagen Vento |
Passenger capacity | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
The rear row has been smartly laid out as you sit lower and at an angle. This is to provide its occupants with a more comfortable sitting position despite its low-roofline. There is ample under-thigh support along with a comfortable bolster formation. The top-end variants also get a central armrest with cup-holders.
Dual-tone setup for the cabin helps oomph up its premium appeal and also helps it look less dull. The beige treatment makes the cabin look airy and the various other features that make Hyundai Verna desirable are listed below.
The big news on the entertainment front is the new infotainment system. Staring at you in the centre is a 7-inch IPS capacitive touch-screen AVN which comes with Apple Carplay, Android Auto and Mirror Link for seamless integration of app-based navigation, streaming audio, voice-controlled search capabilities, and smartphone applications.
Infotainment Features
Hyundai Verna offers a boot space of 480 litres, which is smaller than the rivals. Honda Ciaz and City have tied on this part. But it offers for a more wider opening which makes loading and unloading cargo simpler.
There are tow-hooks provided on the floor which also comes with a cargo net to hold smaller cargo in place without dicing around. The downside is because of wheel walls which eat away most of the cargo space, but there is a generous volume of cargo space for your family weekend trip.
Model | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki CIaz | Honda City | Volkswagen Vento |
Cargo Volume with rear seats up (Litres) | 480 | 510 | 510 | 494 |
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City have the same volumetric value and thus makes them the most spacious of the lot. Verna comes in last after the Vento and the design language is a major factor for the handicap in cargo volume.
On the safety front, Hyundai has again loaded its offering to the brim with many important and class-leading features which makes it one of the safest cars in this segment. Many secondary safety features which also includes headlamp assist feature that keeps its headlights switched on for a while after exiting the car, to light the way ahead help stand it out against its competition.
The top-end variants have numerous add-on features which make the Verna one of the most bundled product in this segment. The various safety features on offer are listed below.
Safety Features:
Maruti Suzuki Ciaz is a segment leader in terms of sales. With the backing of Maruti’s after-sales support, it has been able tomaintain its top spot in the sales chart. But if you are looking for the best overall experience then the Ciaz falls short when compared to the CIty. Ciaz offers more space than the City on the inside and provides a mouth-watering fuel economy. But when we talk about the driving experience, Ciaz is probably the dullest car to buy in this segment. The engine of Ciaz is no match against the City’s i-VTEC motor. Verna has far better driving dynamics and its cabin provides a more premium experience with features like the electric sunroof and feather touch controls.
The new-gen Hyundai Verna is its best upgrade ever. It comes with powerful engine options, has a much-improved ride and handling dynamics and also comes loaded with value-added features. Apart from the rear seat knee-room, which is just decent for passengers, it is hard to say anything negative about this impressive sedan. And it is also one of the best cars when it comes to price to performance ratio.