Introduction
Recently, midsize sedans have experienced some kind of renaissance, with improvements that go beyond the typical facelift or new model generation. The higher executive sedan segment has recently disappeared, in addition to the usual abuse from SUVs big and small.
The newest generation of midsize sedans therefore had to improve in terms of size, specs, power, technology, premium feel, and, yes, price. In fact, Hyundai refers to its brand new Hyundai Verna 2023 as a “mid large sedan,” the same designation it gives to its rivals, the City, Slavia, and Virtus, in part because of their larger sizes and higher sticker prices. For that reason, the Ciaz is conspicuously missing from the list.
New Hyundai Verna 2023 Exterior Design
Hyundai really wiped the slate clean and started 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 look, the larger Elantra and Sonata have recently undergone facelifts overseas. The headlights split off and are relegated lower down in the form of non-projector LEDs and halogen indicators. Its distinguishing feature is a thin LED light bar across the nose, which is the brand’s new sedan signature.
As part of the new “Parametric Dynamics” design language, the older Vernas’ smooth “fluidic” lines have been chopped up into sharply intersecting angles that can be seen in the door panels, fenders, and even the bumpers. Most obviously, it can be seen in the grille, which is now edge to edge, much like the Tucson, and has sharp slashes in place of the usual mesh or slatted pattern.
Additionally, the rear is much more assertive, sporting angular edges and angles, a lip spoiler, and a full-width LED light bar that ends in vertical LED DRLs. In fact, when viewed from the tail-on, this arrangement is intended to spell out the letter H.
The indicators, however, are halogen bulbs that feel tacked on in their own separate enclosure, unlike the front, where they are a part of the sleek array. It still has 16-inch side wheels, as is typical for the segment, but due to the car’s bloated dimensions (95mm longer, 36mm wider, and with a 70mm longer wheelbase), these appear noticeably smaller.
The style is eye-catching and will be instantly recognizable, but there’s no denying that it divides opinion because it incorporates so many different elements that it occasionally comes off as over-styled. However, if you can look past these details, you’ll discover a well-proportioned sedan underneath.
The roof flows down almost like a fastback, and there are muscular haunches over the rear wheel arches that help hide a lot of the extra bulk. And that means there is now a class-leading 528 liters of boot space in addition to the interior space (more on that in a moment).
Hyundai New Verna 2023 Interior Design
When the last Verna was introduced to the market in 2017, it had a rear seat that was noticeably less roomy than that of competitors like the Ciaz and Gen 4 City. This, according to Hyundai, was the first issue the new Verna was designed to solve. The space behind us is now enormous and at least comparable to that of competitors, if not greater.
Another long-standing Verna pet peeve is that you don’t sit as low as you used to, and this not only improves access and egress but also gives you a much better view of the road ahead. It’s all thanks to better packaging and that fastback roof that they were able 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 leap, with the rather generic V shape of the past being replaced by a minimalist and horizontally oriented appearance. The shelf-like dashboard has full-width AC vents with brushed silver accents and an LED ambient light bar that extends onto the doors.
The Ioniq 5-style dual 10.25-inch infotainment and instrument screens add a premium touch and do away with the need for a hooded binnacle. Though the digital dials are still more of a backlit panel than a true color screen like in the Creta or Alcazar, they are still angled towards the driver, just like the touchscreen and the central console below it.
The new two-spoke steering wheel has an upscale metallic finish, looks futuristic, and can be adjusted for rake and reach. At the touch of a button, a small panel on the dash switches between the AC and the infotainment system. While this may seem gimmicky, it actually works incredibly well.
Even though some functions are on a touch panel, that’s still preferable to entering a submenu on the touchscreen. It still has two physical knobs that are simple to use while driving thanks to muscle memory.
The quality is excellent, as is typical for Hyundai vehicles, with plenty of soft-touch material on the dash and excellent plastic all around. There aren’t as many large expanses of flat, boring plastic as there are in the i20 and Creta, and even the hard plastic door card panels have been given a leather-like texture.
The interior of vehicles with the 1.5 MPi engine is cream and black, which will undoubtedly get dirty quickly, particularly around the window switches, but it looks airy and upscale. The interior of 1.5 Turbo vehicles is black with red accents, which looks stylish and sporty. The seats have contrast-colored stitching and piping, and the doors have 64-color ambient lighting, among other notable details that improve the ambience of the cabin.
Hyundai New Verna 2023 Features, Tech and Safety
Although competitors have caught up, Hyundai still has a few tricks up its sleeve and offers some of the best features in the class. The free-standing dual-screen setup and the dual-purpose control panel mentioned earlier are both good examples, 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).
Other noteworthy features include drive modes, an excellent 8-speaker Bose audio system, wireless phone charging, wired Apple Carplay and Android Auto, connected car technology, auto headlights, auto engine stop/start, a sunroof, and keyless entry and departure.
With six airbags across the board, ABS, EBD, ESC, TCS, TPMS, hill-start assistance, seat-belt reminders for every seat, front and rear parking sensors, rear disc brakes, and an electronic parking brake (the last two only on the turbo DCT), the safety package is also strong.
In this segment, the Honda City may have just edged out Hyundai in terms of ADAS availability, but the Verna holds a slight advantage. The Verna has a camera array in addition to front and rear radar modules (though 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.
Hyundai New Verna 2023 Mileage, Engine, Gearboxes and Performance
Diesel is now officially extinct in the midsize sedan market thanks to the new Verna. Instead, you get one of two gasoline engines: a 1.5-liter MPi naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or an 8-step CVT, or a 1.5-liter T-GDi direct-injection turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. All but the base MPi manual were available for us to test drive.
With the exception of the Kia Selto and Carens, the 115hp naturally aspirated gasoline engine is now well-known, having been used in the previous Verna and the Creta. It feels adequate for driving on the highway and in the city because of its refined nature and evenly distributed power and performance. The CVT in this instance feels better tuned than the one in the Creta, to put it mildly.
It’s true that the Eco drive mode feels sluggish as to be expected, but in Normal, responses and performance are quite in line with the revs. Driving in it almost feels rewarding, even more so than in Sport mode, which does add some oomph when you’re moving slowly but also suffers from a severe rubberband effect as you accelerate. In fact, this engine isn’t designed for enthusiastic driving; you might even be tempted to use the paddles to jump through the simulated “gears.”
That is the brand-new turbo-petrol engine, which has a few pleasant surprises. In addition, it is more fuel efficient than the 1.5 MPi according to the ARAI cycle, with figures of 20 kpl for the manual and 20.6 kpl for the DCT, respectively. It has class-leading power and torque figures of 160hp and 253Nm.
Furthermore, it has a proper manual transmission rather than the two-pedal iMT Hyundai introduced in some other models, which, according to our sources, is an admission that enthusiasts prefer three pedals. Due to the fact that it is available in two trim levels and two gearboxes and is more accessible than the previous 120hp 1.0 T-GDi, it is responsible for 40% of Verna bookings at the time of this review.
This powertrain excels as a great all-arounder. One benefit is that it is refined and smooth, lacking the old 1.0’s three-cylinder thrum. It lacks the gut-punching acceleration of some competitors, much like the Creta’s former 1.4-litre turbo, which this effectively replaces, but the performance is still there.
You’ll quickly realize 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 has 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 drive 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 difference obvious. As was already mentioned, it combines the efficiency of an automatic with some additional features, as well as the performance of this engine.
The DCT gearbox is surprisingly smooth and doesn’t feel clunky when shifting between gears, making it ideal for both spirited driving and intercity use. Yes, you should use the paddles in this situation.
New Verna 2023 Comfort, Ride Quality and Handling
Unfortunately, there is still some room for improvement in the steering department, which has long been one of the obstacles to spirited driving in a Hyundai Verna. Apparently, the driving modes also make the steering feel heavier, but the difference is so slight that I had to go back outside just to be sure. Although it is a vast improvement over earlier Vernas, it is still far from perfect in terms of feedback, weight, or precision. You’ll really appreciate it when you’re parallel parking or simply strolling around town because it excels at being light and effortless.
The suspension and ride quality have significantly improved. There were thuds and crashes through bumps as a result of the last generation’s much 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 balance that benefits both the driver and the driven. It still leans more toward comfort, with nice soft edges that absorb low-speed bumps. As you accelerate, it doesn’t become overly agitated and even maintains composure at expressway speeds.
ADAS functions work well, giving you sufficient leeway to intervene before the car does so itself. Audible and visual warnings get your attention, and usually come well before the vehicle acts. However, unlike more expensive cars, the steering wheel isn’t as good as sensing that you’ve put your hands back on the wheel during adaptive cruise control, and you do have to tug at it gently to let the car know you’re there.
New Hyundai Verna 2023 Price in India
The price is the last piece of the puzzle, and Hyundai has cleverly ensured that it, at least initially, is comfortably within the limits set by its competitors. While the Turbo version 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 including the Ciaz, that 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 doubling the sales of the previous Verna and surpassing the City to take the lead in the segment, Hyundai undoubtedly believes that this formula will be successful. Although it’s not the ‘furious’ sports sedan you might be led to believe it is, the new turbo DCT is the range’s standout vehicle. It combines accessibility, performance, and refinement, and if you’re looking for a better deal, there’s always the MPI.
FAQ.s On New Hyundai Verna 2023
The rear seat was noticeably less roomy than competitors like the Ciaz and Gen 4 City.
The Ioniq 5 features a shelf-like dashboard with full-width AC vents adorned with brushed silver accents, LED ambient light bars, and dual 10.25-inch infotainment and instrument screens. The digital dials serve more as a backlit panel than a typical color screen but stil angled towards the driver.
The Verna is available in two trim levels and two gearboxes which makes it more accessible than the previous 120hp 1.0 T-GDi.
Hyundai refers to their brand-new Verna as a “mid large sedan,” which they also classify other similar rival sedans such as the City, Slavia, and Virtus as.
Conclusion
In all relevant respects, the new Verna has advanced a segment, and it actually feels like Hyundai was right when they predicted it would do so. It may not be the best in terms of performance or fuel efficiency, as some of its competitors are, but, in all honesty, it excels in almost every respect, with very few obvious flaws. Choosing the new Verna as your next sedan appears to be a no-brainer if you’re on the side of the group who likes the edgy new look.