New Hyundai Verna is Not A Segment Leader, But a Segment Creator!

The tag that best describes the new Hyundai VERNA is not that of a ‘segment leader’, but of a ‘segment creator’. That pretty much encapsulates the legacy the premium mid-size sedan carries. It has been a prominent name in this segment since 2006. Its appeal has always been its segment-best and segment-first features and amenities. In its latest generation, though, the premium sedan pushes the envelope even further despite stiff competition in the segment. As a matter of fact, it boasts a slew of novelties that help it be a class above all others. Here’s all that makes the VERNA feel like it belongs to a higher segment than every other competitor.

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Avantgarde Styling

The sedan embraces the carmaker’s globally acclaimed Sensuous Sportiness philosophy, ensuring a design that is time-proof. A standout feature of its futuristic appearance is the continuous LED strip spanning the width of the front, which is the first-in-segment. The light bar gracefully transitions into LED DRLs on each side. Beyond this, the sedan boasts an impressive Parametric Grille that bestows the front with a commanding presence, complemented by tastefully incorporated chrome elements that add a touch of sophistication. The coupe-inspired roofline imparts the car with a distinct ‘Fastback’ silhouette. All this ensures that the VERNA looks nothing like absolutely anything out there. The distinct aesthetics come as a breath of fresh air in a segment full of conventional and rather plane Jane designs.

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Bigger and More Spacious

Talking about the dimensions of the new VERNA, it is the widest (1,765 mm) sedan in the segment. Moreover, it has the longest wheelbase (2,670 mm) among its rivals, thereby offering acres of space inside. This translates to exquisite legroom for the rear occupants, as well as the segment-best 528 litres of boot space. A substantially wide cabin ensures the utmost comfort even if three passengers sit abreast in the rear row. Furthermore, it can easily swallow the luggage for an entire family for a long vacation.

Segment-First and Segment-Best Features

Let’s not forget about Hyundai’s knack for equipping its cars with several segment-firsts and best-in-class features in all its models. The all-new Hyundai VERNA, for instance, is the only car in its class to offer ADAS. The highly effective suite comprises some great features in the form of Lane Keep Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control and Autonomous Emergency Braking among others. The new VERNA even offers the best-in-class acoustic experience with a BOSE 8 Speaker System and the first-in-segment Switchable- type Infotainment & Climate Controller with a dual segment-best 10.25-inch HD Audio Video Navigation System. The niceties don’t end here as the car even comes with a cooled glovebox, ventilated seats, digital instrumentation and Sounds of Nature to enrich the travel experience. There are also some segment-first safety features which we will discuss in the subsequent section.

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Top Notch Safety

The safety of its customers is of paramount importance to Hyundai. The latest VERNA uses 42% Advanced High Strength Steel and 30% High Strength Steel to develop the body shell. This enhances body stiffness and structural connectivity between mechanical members of the car for optimum distribution of energy flow in the case of an impact. Additionally, the new VERNA has a segment-first Level 2 ADAS package to enhance active safety prowess. This includes handy functions like 6 airbags, Parking Assist with front and rear parking sensors with guidelines (first-in-segment), Leading Vehicle Departure Alert, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist-Junction Turning, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist & Blind-Spot Collision Warning, Forward-Collision-Avoidance Assist-Cycle and Pedestrian, Adaptive Cruise Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Safe Exit Warning and more.

While the VERNA is the only sedan in its class to offer ADAS, even its standard safety kit easily makes the competition look and feel spartan. All the variants of the mid-size sedan offer 6 airbags, which is nothing short of commendable. Other standard features include ABS with EBD, ISOFIX child seat mounts, auto-headlamps, rear defogger, rear parking sensors and 3-point seatbelts for all passengers. The sedan even gets Electronic Stability Control (ESC), front parking sensors, all disc brakes, and a tyre-pressure monitoring system.

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Most Powerful Engine in the Segment

The list of best-in-segment is not just limited to the features and amenities but also extend to what lies under the hood. The latest VERNA gets a new 1.5-litre GDi (Gasoline Direct Injection) turbo petrol engine which generates a class-leading 160 PS and 253 Nm of peak power and torque. One could pair this engine with either a 6-speed manual or a sporty 7-speed DCT automatic gearbox for an exhilarating performance. Apart from that, it continues to offer the familiar 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine that has been a workhorse for years now. The prices range from Rs 10.96 lakh to Rs 17.38 lakh, ex-showroom which is also lower than the rivals.

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What We Think

Thanks to several updates and generation changes, the Hyundai VERNA remains one of the most attractive brands in the mid-size segment for almost two decades. All of this is thanks to the never-stopping innovation and evolution at Hyundai. What this simply means is that the rivals are busy playing catch-up while the VERNA continues to outshine. But the icing on the cake comes in the form of the attractive pricing – While the VERNA itself is a notch above its rivals, its prices aren’t. The multiple powertrains and variants ensure there’s a version to suit everyone’s needs and budget. And the benefits that Hyundai offers don’t end even after the purchase is made. Hyundai’s 1,350 sales points and 1,520 service centres assure peace of mind no matter where you drive your car to.