2023 Hyundai Verna Long Term Review, August 2023 Report

It is the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that our test unit has and it comes with the relatively humble IVT gearbox, but it is still a sporty package! And that, honestly, has been the biggest surprise during my time with the car so far.

The Hyundai Verna continues to impress in almost every department. However, what I want to focus on at the start of this report is something that, in my books at least, stands out a bit more than everything else that the Verna does well – driving. Now, the fact that Hyundai has focused on the drive experience of the Verna while making this all-new generation is well-known since we first drove the car a few months ago. Yes, it does the get the most powerful engine in the segment and yes, that 1.5-litre turbocharged engine can be paired with a slick Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT) which gives it the sporty character, but the variant we are driving as our long-term test is not the sporty one. You see, it is the naturally-aspirated 1.5-litre petrol engine that our test unit has and it comes with the relatively humble IVT gearbox, but it is still a sporty package! And that, honestly, has been the biggest surprise during my time with the car so far.

Armed with the 1,497cc four-cylinder engine having an output of 113bhp and almost 144Nm of torque, this version of the Verna may not come across as the most performance-oriented sedan – especially since the Turbo variant has completely hogged that limelight. But it still is one heck of a package. Sure, it may not have the sportiest engine option, but it still has that oh-so-lovely chassis and suspension tune that allows it to attack corners with confidence. All you have to do is maintain momentum through the hustle and bustle of everyday driving conditions and eventually, when that cloverleaf interchange shows up on the horizon, the Verna will have you grinning ear to ear. If anything, it’s the feedback from the steering that leaves you wanting more.