Hyundai launched the heavily updated, new generation Verna in March 2023, and since then none of its rivals has come closer to it in terms of features. One owner, who purchased the Verna Turbo DCT in December 2023, has now completed 10,000 km of mixed city and highway usage. Here’s a detailed ownership review based on his real-world experience, covering performance, comfort, features, mileage, and practicality.

Smooth Performance and High-Speed Stability

The owner says the 1.5L turbo engine offers strong mid-range punch, making overtakes and high-speed cruising effortless. He mentions that the car feels planted at triple-digit speeds and maintains good composure even on uneven stretches. While there’s a bit of lag in crawling traffic due to the dual-clutch transmission, switching to Normal or Sport mode results in quick throttle response and smooth shifts.

Comfortable Ride and Spacious Rear Seats

He praises the ride quality, especially over broken city roads and long highway stretches. According to the owner, the suspension setup manages to balance comfort and control quite well. Rear seat comfort is a highlight — during a 1,200 km trip with three adults in the back, none felt discomfort or fatigue. He says the generous legroom, wide seat base, and cushioned backrest make it ideal for long journeys.

Premium Interior and Useful Features

The owner finds the all-black cabin with red accents sporty and premium. Features like ventilated and heated seats, large touchscreen with a smooth interface, and customizable ambient lighting enhance the driving experience. He also mentions that Hyundai has done a great job with cabin insulation, as there’s minimal road and wind noise even at higher speeds.

ADAS Functions and Real-World Use

ADAS features like Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Keep Assist, and Forward Collision Warning worked well in his highway experience. The owner says these features reduced fatigue and increased safety on longer drives. The system doesn’t feel overly aggressive and allows manual control when needed, making it suitable for Indian road conditions.

Practical Boot and Long Trip Ready

On a road trip, the Verna’s boot accommodated three large suitcases with ease. He says the cabin offers good practicality too, with rear AC vents, Type-C charging ports, and storage spaces that add to the comfort for all occupants. Accessories like 5D floor mats, Mobis curtains, and rain visors were added by the owner to improve day-to-day convenience.

Fuel Efficiency Surprises on Highways

The owner says that while the Verna Turbo DCT doesn’t deliver the highest mileage in the city, it makes up for it on highways. On a recent trip, the car returned an impressive 24.9 km/l in Eco mode. This figure was achieved without compromising on speed, showcasing the engine’s efficiency potential on longer runs.

Positive

• Excellent high-speed stability and planted ride
• Punchy mid-range performance from the 1.5L turbo engine
• Suspension tuned well for comfort
• Rear seat offers great legroom and under-thigh support
• Loaded with premium features like ventilated & heated seats
• ADAS functions reliably on highways
• Spacious boot suitable for long trips
• Cabin insulation is well-controlled
• Eco mode delivers surprisingly high fuel efficiency

Negative

• Slight initial lag in city traffic due to DCT tuning
• Headlight throw could have been better during night drives
• Body roll noticeable during fast cornering
• Black interior may feel too dark for some users
• Real-world city mileage is lower compared to naturally aspirated rivals

Verdict

The owner feels the Hyundai Verna 1.5 Turbo DCT offers a well-rounded experience with strong performance, great comfort, and practical features. It’s ideal for buyers looking for a fun-to-drive yet refined sedan for both daily use and long road trips. Despite minor compromises in city mileage and low-speed response, the Verna Turbo DCT delivers strong value and driving satisfaction in its segment.