A stylish sedan that blends power, comfort, and practicality, delivering an impressive experience for both city drives and highway cruises.
The 2023 Hyundai Verna continues to captivate sedan enthusiasts with its blend of style, performance, and practicality. Based on an owner’s experience over 20,000 km in one year and two months, this review explores the Verna’s performance, maintenance, interior features, and drawbacks.
Performance and Driving Dynamics
The Verna tested features a 1.5-liter turbocharged petrol engine paired with a DCT gearbox. According to the owner, the car excels in both city commutes and long-distance drives across diverse terrains, such as Pune to Jaipur and Jaipur to Himachal. The engine provides smooth and sufficient power, with no underperformance reported on urban roads or highways.
The car displays excellent high-speed stability, managing controlled speeds above 200 km/h effortlessly. However, the soft suspension, while ensuring ride comfort for families and city travel, compromises handling, which could disappoint driving enthusiasts.
Fuel Efficiency and Running Costs
The owner provided detailed insights into fuel efficiency:
- City Driving: Delivers 12-13 kmpl in moderate traffic but drops to 7-8 kmpl in dense urban conditions.
- Highway Driving: Provides 18-19 kmpl at average speeds and exceeds 20 kmpl with cruise control engaged at 80 km/h.
With a full tank capacity of 45 liters, costing Rs. 4,500 – 5,000 per refill, the car covers 450-500 km per tank, depending on driving conditions. The service costs totaled Rs. 9,000 for 20,000 km, which the owner found economical for a sedan in this category.
Interior Features and Comfort
The Verna’s cabin exudes a premium feel, with the Titan Grey variant boasting excellent fit and finish. A two-spoke steering wheel adds a modern and ergonomic touch, while heated seats provide convenience in colder climates like Manali. The Hyundai sound system, equipped with a subwoofer, delivers an immersive audio experience, making it a highlight for music enthusiasts.
However, the owner noted the absence of one-touch up/down windows for all passengers, a feature restricted to the driver’s side, which reduces convenience.
Positives of 2023 Hyundai Verna
- The turbo petrol engine offers smooth power delivery, ideal for city and highway driving.
- Fuel efficiency is impressive on highways, with figures exceeding 20 kmpl with cruise control.
- Maintenance costs are reasonable, with Rs. 9,000 spent over 20,000 km.
- The cabin design and premium features, including heated seats, create a comfortable experience.
- The subwoofer-equipped sound system enhances in-car entertainment.
- Practical accessories like boot mats and door edge protection films add utility.
Negatives of 2023 Hyundai Verna
- Factory-fitted LED headlamps lack brightness, affecting visibility during night drives. Even aftermarket fog lamps failed to resolve this issue.
- Missing features like dual-side door sensors and passenger one-touch windows impact convenience.
- Dense traffic fuel efficiency drops significantly to 7-8 km/l, making it less economical in urban areas.
- Soft suspension limits sporty handling, which might deter driving enthusiasts.
Accessories Added
To enhance the car’s practicality and aesthetics, the owner added:
- Window Tints: For privacy and heat reduction, adhering to legal standards.
- Door Edge Protection Films: To prevent scratches, especially on white cars.
- Boot Mat: For added trunk protection, purchased from the showroom.
Final Thoughts
The owner’s experience with the 2023 Hyundai Verna underscores its strengths in refined performance, comfort, and premium interiors. The low maintenance costs further bolster its appeal. However, shortcomings like inadequate headlamp brightness, urban fuel efficiency, and missing convenience features leave room for improvement.
For potential buyers, the Verna remains an excellent choice for those prioritizing comfort and highway performance, offering a balanced mix of practicality and style. Addressing these minor shortcomings could further cement its position as a top contender in the midsize sedan market.
Source – CS Vlogs