Hyundai Verna 1.0 Turbo, Track Test

The Hyundai Verna is one of the best sedans in the country. In fact, it was a winner in our segment shootout when it was first launched. And, with this refresh, on the face of it, things appear to have become even better. 

Hyundai seems to be doing a great job with its ‘fluidic’ design philosophy, and, even today, the Verna is certainly one of the best-looking cars in its segment. Refinement levels, quality, and features have always been the best traits of the Verna. For 2020, Hyundai decided to update the Verna with the 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, which is in line with the current trend in the market – i.e. downsized, turbocharged petrol engines.

The new turbo petrol is a decently powerful engine and offers incredible levels of refinement. And while the engine offers some pretty good figures on paper, during our test, we felt that the Verna just didn’t deliver in terms of performance. The car doesn’t feel as fast as it looks, and the new double-clutch transmission isn’t as responsive as the DSG from VW. And when you compare the Verna with its oldest rival – the Honda City – it becomes apparent that, when pushed, its engine and transmission setup doesn’t quite match the iVTEC from Honda in terms of outright response and drama.

However, the Verna did score some high numbers in terms of handling. The paddle shifters add a nice touch to the driving experience, and the chassis certainly doesn’t disappoint. Its refinement levels are top-notch, and it continues to offer some of the best features in the segment – not to mention the fact that it still looks good. But, frankly, the new Honda City has set the benchmark in the segment, not just in terms of performance, but also in terms of cabin space and comfort. In fact, there are smaller cars that feel more spacious in the rear than the Verna. Still, the Verna is a great vehicle to drive every day – in the city, the turbo-petrol mated to the dual-clutch gearbox is a great combination for daily duties.

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