Hyundai Verna: Which variant to buy?

Hyundai recently launched its 2020 Verna for the Indian market. It now comes with revamped exteriors, interiors and new engines. Because of the coronavirus, Hyundai decided simply to announce the prices through their website rather than organizing an event. They have introduced the sedan in 4 variants namely S/S+, SX, SX(O) & SX(O) Turbo and the pricing starts from Rs. 9.30 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and going all the way up to ₹ 15.09 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). 

What are the engine and transmission options available?

Verna shares its petrol and diesel powertrains with its sibling, Hyundai Creta and Kia Seltos. Both of which are a huge success in the market. However, the turbo petrol engine has been derived from the Venue. So, there are three engine options to choose from: a 1.5-litre diesel engine, 1.5-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine and 1.0-litre turbo petrol.

The diesel engine is mated to a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic transmission whereas you can opt the 1.5-litre petrol with a 6-speed manual or a CVT transmission. But the 1.0-litre turbo petrol does not come with a manual gearbox, it only comes with a 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission.

What are the variants offered?

Hyundai has introduced 4 variants of the Verna namely S/S+, SX, SX(O) and SX(O) Turbo. The 1.5-litre petrol engine’s range starts from the S variant and only the SX and SX(O) variants are available with an automatic transmission. For the diesel, the range kicks of from S+ variant and the SX and SX(O) variants are available with an automatic transmission. The turbo petrol is only available with one variant namely only SX(O) Turbo. Below is the variant wise price(ex-showroom) list:-

Variant	Price 1.5 Petrol	Price 1.5 Diesel	Price 1.4 Turbo Petrol
S	Rs.9.3 Lakh
S+		Rs.10.65 Lakh
SX(MT)	Rs.10.7 Lakh	Rs.12.05 Lakh
SX(CVT)	Rs.11.95 Lakh
SX(AT)		Rs.13.2 Lakh
SX(O)(MT)	Rs.12.59 Lakh	Rs.13.94 Lakh
SX(O)(AT)		Rs.15.09 Lakh
SX(O)(CVT)	Rs.13.84 Lakh
SX(O) Turbo			Rs.13.99 Lakh

All variants get dual airbags, reverse parking sensors, ABS with EBD, a centre console with storage, cooled glovebox, front and rear USB chargers, tilt steering, rear AC vents and electrically adjustable ORVMs. Hyundai is also offering a touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple Carplay as standard.

Value for Money Buy

Just like other Hyundais, even the base variant of the Verna is pretty well equipped which costs Rs. 9.30 lakhs (ex-showroom) but we would suggest that you pay Rs. 1.4 lakhs more for the SX variant. There are certain features that a sedan of this segment should offer such as a rear camera with dynamic guidelines which can make the sedan easier to park, Electro Chromic Mirror, automatic climate control, alloy wheels, push-button start/stop, cruise control for fatigue-free highway rides and by upgrading to the SX variant, you get these features. 

This variant also adds LED Daytime Running Lamps, LED tail lamps height-adjustable seatbelt, smart key, automatic projector headlamps, driver rearview monitor and cornering lamps.

Moreover, you also get some premium touches like a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob, rear manual curtain, digital instrument cluster with MID, electric sunroof and a smart trunk. The SX variant is priced at Rs. 10.7 Lakhs. 

The SX variant adds a lot of necessary equipment and you can also get an automatic transmission for both petrol and diesel in this variant if you want a hassle-free city daily commute. 

Premium buy

If you want a premium and posh feel from your sedan then you would need to spend Rs. 1.89 lakhs more for the SX(O) variant which will get you leather upholstery, front ventilated seats, 16-inch diamond-cut alloy wheels and leather door trim. This variant also adds to the safety quotient of the sedan by offering side and curtain airbags, stability control, tyre pressure monitoring system, vehicle stability management and hill start assist control. 

The touchscreen infotainment system is upgraded with HD Display and Hyundai’s BlueLink connected car technology which also gets you Telematic Switches on your internal rearview mirror.  

For driving enthusiast

If you consider yourself a person who likes to have fun in the corners then Hyundai has a special variant for you. It is called SX(O) Turbo and it is the top of the line variant. It comes with a 1.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection petrol engine that produces 120PS and 170Nm of torque. It is only available with a 7-speed DCT and it comes with paddle shifters to enhance the driving pleasure. Hyundai is also offering front parking sensors and there are rear disc brakes for additional stopping power. There are also some cosmetic upgrades such as a sporty bumper, black ORVMs, twin-tip muffler and a gloss black radiator grille. The interiors come with all-black cabin with red accents for a sporty feel.

Hyundai Verna goes against the likes of Honda City, Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Toyota Yaris. Also, Honda will be launching the facelift of the Honda City in the coming months which will make the competition stiffer. With that said we think that the SX variant offers the best value for money and if you are an automotive enthusiast, Hyundai has got you covered with the new Turbo variant.