In the ever-evolving landscape of the automotive industry, the compact sedan segment continues to hold its ground, offering a perfect balance of style, performance, and practicality.
The Hyundai Verna, a stalwart in this category, has undergone a significant transformation for its 2024 model year.
This comprehensive review delves into the intricacies of the new Hyundai Verna, exploring how it aims to set new benchmarks in its class.
Design Evolution: A Bold New Statement
The 2024 Hyundai Verna marks a departure from its predecessor’s design language, embracing a more bold and futuristic aesthetic.
The front fascia is dominated by a wide, parametric-jewel pattern grille that seamlessly integrates with the sleek LED headlamps, creating a striking first impression.
The hood features sharp creases that not only add to the visual drama but also improve aerodynamics.
Moving to the side profile, the Verna showcases a coupe-like silhouette with a gently sloping roofline that merges gracefully with the boot.
The strong character lines running along the length of the car add depth and dynamism to its appearance.
The rear end is equally impressive, featuring connected LED taillights that span the width of the car, giving it a premium and modern look.
Key design elements include:
- LED headlamps with LED DRLs
- 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels
- Chrome door handles and window surrounds
- Shark fin antenna
- Integrated rear spoiler
The overall design of the 2024 Verna exudes a sense of sophistication and sportiness, elevating it above many of its competitors in terms of visual appeal.
Interior Comfort and Features: A Step Above
Step inside the new Verna, and you’re greeted by an interior that punches above its weight class.
The cabin layout is driver-centric, with a focus on ergonomics and premium feel. High-quality materials are used throughout, with soft-touch surfaces on key touchpoints.
Notable interior features include:
- 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Digital instrument cluster
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel with mounted controls
- Automatic climate control with rear AC vents
- Ventilated front seats
- Wireless phone charger
- Electric sunroof
The seats offer good support and are well-cushioned for long journeys. Rear seat space, often a concern in compact sedans, has been improved with better knee room and headroom despite the coupe-like roofline.
The boot space, at 480 liters, is generous for the segment, easily accommodating luggage for weekend getaways or airport runs.
Powertrains and Performance: Choices for Every Driver
The 2024 Hyundai Verna offers a range of powertrain options to cater to different driving preferences:
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1.5-liter MPi Petrol Engine:
- Power output: 115 PS
- Torque: 144 Nm
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or IVT (Intelligent Variable Transmission)
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1.5-liter Turbo GDi Petrol Engine:
- Power output: 160 PS
- Torque: 253 Nm
- Transmission options: 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission)
The naturally aspirated 1.5-liter engine provides a good balance of performance and fuel efficiency, making it ideal for city driving and occasional highway jaunts.
The turbo-petrol variant, on the other hand, offers exhilarating performance that can satisfy enthusiasts looking for a more spirited driving experience.
Hyundai has worked on refining the suspension setup, striking a balance between ride comfort and handling.
The Verna now offers a more planted feel on highways while still being able to absorb bumps and undulations on city roads with aplomb.
Technology and Connectivity: Staying Ahead of the Curve
The 2024 Verna is packed with technology features that are often found in higher segments.
The centerpiece is the 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is intuitive to use and responsive to inputs.
Other tech highlights include:
- Bose premium sound system with 8 speakers
- BlueLink connected car technology with over 60 features
- Voice recognition with natural language processing
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates for maps and infotainment system
- Smartphone-based remote engine start
- Smartwatch connectivity for vehicle functions
The digital instrument cluster is customizable and provides a wealth of information to the driver, including turn-by-turn navigation prompts, which enhances safety by reducing the need to look away from the road.
Safety Features: Prioritizing Occupant Protection
Hyundai has significantly upped the ante in terms of safety features for the 2024 Verna. The car comes equipped with:
- 6 airbags as standard across all variants
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)
- Rear view camera with dynamic guidelines
- Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
Higher variants also offer advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features such as:
- Forward Collision Warning and Avoidance Assist
- Lane Keeping Assist
- Driver Attention Warning
- High Beam Assist
- Blind-Spot Collision Warning
- Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning
These features not only enhance safety but also bring the Verna closer to premium segment offerings in terms of technology.
Fuel Efficiency and Environmental Considerations
Despite the focus on performance, Hyundai has not neglected fuel efficiency in the 2024 Verna:
- 1.5-liter MPi Petrol: 18.6 km/l (manual), 19.2 km/l (IVT)
- 1.5-liter Turbo GDi Petrol: 20 km/l (manual), 20.6 km/l (DCT)
These figures are competitive within the segment and should appeal to cost-conscious buyers. The engines are also BS6 Phase II compliant, adhering to the latest emission norms.
Variants and Pricing
The 2024 Hyundai Verna is offered in multiple variants to cater to different budgets and needs:
- E: The base variant with essential features
- S: Adds comfort features like automatic climate control
- SX: Introduces the touchscreen infotainment system and more premium features
- SX(O): The top-end variant with all bells and whistles, including ADAS features
Pricing ranges from approximately ₹10.5 lakhs for the base E variant to around ₹17.5 lakhs for the top-end SX(O) Turbo DCT variant (ex-showroom prices, subject to change).
Driving Experience: Comfort Meets Sportiness
On the road, the 2024 Hyundai Verna impresses with its refined driving dynamics. The cabin is well-insulated, keeping road and wind noise at bay even at higher speeds.
The steering, while light at low speeds for easy maneuverability in city traffic, weighs up nicely as speeds increase, providing good feedback to the driver.
The turbo-petrol variant, in particular, offers spirited performance with minimal turbo lag. The 7-speed DCT complements this engine well, offering quick and smooth shifts.
The naturally aspirated engine, while not as exciting, provides smooth and linear power delivery that’s well-suited for everyday driving.
Ride quality is a strong suit for the new Verna. The suspension soaks up road imperfections with ease, yet the car remains composed through corners.
This balance of comfort and handling makes the Verna a versatile performer, equally at home in urban environments and on highway cruises.
After-Sales Service and Warranty
Hyundai’s extensive service network is a significant advantage for Verna owners. The company’s reputation for reliability and affordable maintenance costs adds to the Verna’s appeal as a value-for-money proposition.
The 2024 Verna comes with a standard 3-year/unlimited km warranty, which can be extended up to 7 years for additional peace of mind.
This, combined with Hyundai’s strong resale value in the market, makes the Verna a financially sound choice for many buyers.
Competition and Market Positioning
The Hyundai Verna 2024 competes in the highly competitive compact sedan segment, facing off against established rivals like:
- Honda City
- Maruti Suzuki Ciaz
- Volkswagen Virtus
- Skoda Slavia
In this crowded field, the Verna distinguishes itself with its bold design, feature-rich interior, and the availability of a powerful turbo-petrol engine. The inclusion of ADAS features also gives it an edge over some competitors.
Hyundai Verna 2024 : A Compelling Package
The 2024 Hyundai Verna represents a significant leap forward, not just for the model but for the compact sedan segment as a whole. It successfully blends striking design, advanced technology, robust safety features, and enjoyable driving dynamics into a package that’s hard to overlook.
While it may not be the cheapest option in its class, the Verna offers a premium feel and a comprehensive feature set that justifies its price point.
Its blend of style, performance, and technology makes it a strong contender for buyers looking for a car that can handle the diverse demands of modern urban life while still turning heads.
The inclusion of ADAS features and the powerful turbo-petrol engine option also future-proofs the Verna, ensuring it remains competitive as the automotive landscape continues to evolve.
For those in the market for a compact sedan that offers more than just basic transportation, the 2024 Hyundai Verna presents itself as a compelling choice that’s worth serious consideration.
As the automotive industry moves towards electrification and increased automation, the Verna stands as a testament to Hyundai’s ability to push the boundaries of what’s possible in a conventional internal combustion engine car.
It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of intent from Hyundai, showcasing their vision for the future of mobility while still catering to the needs and desires of today’s discerning car buyers.