Hyundai Verna

The current Hyundai Verna is a mid-size sedan that leans hard into style and tech, with a wide, low stance and a cabin loaded with screens. It targets buyers who want a feature-rich petrol sedan without stepping up to an SUV. Two petrol engines are offered: a naturally aspirated 1.5 for efficiency and a 1.5 turbo for genuine pace, paired with manual, CVT or DCT gearboxes depending on variant.

On the road, the Verna's biggest split is between its two engines. The naturally aspirated 1.5 petrol is smooth and adequate for city duty, returning sensible economy with the CVT, but it never feels urgent. Step up to the 1.5 turbo and the character changes completely: 158-odd horses through a 7-speed DCT make this one of the quickest cars in the segment, with strong mid-range shove for highway overtakes. Most buyers will find the naturally aspirated car enough, but enthusiasts should budget for the turbo.

The cabin is where the Verna tries hardest. A curved twin-screen layout, switchable touch panel for climate and infotainment, ventilated front seats, a sunroof and Level 2 ADAS on top trims give it a genuinely premium feel for the price. Build quality is good, though some hard plastics lower down betray the cost target. Rear-seat space is generous in legroom and the boot is large, but the low roofline eats into headroom for taller passengers.

Ride and handling are competent rather than outstanding. The suspension soaks up most urban bumps but can feel firm over sharp edges, and there is some float at high speed. Steering is light and easy in town. The big talking point remains safety: six airbags are now standard, ESC and ADAS feature on higher trims, and the model line has scored well in crash testing, addressing a long-standing concern about Indian sedans.

Value depends on the variant. Lower trims undercut rivals on price while still offering strong kit, but a fully loaded turbo DCT pushes well past 17 lakh ex-showroom, where it starts bumping into compact SUVs and even some larger cars. As a complete package, though, the Verna remains one of the most well-rounded sedans you can buy.