HYUNDAI VERNA

The latest generation version of the popular sedan aims for the segment crown

- ABHAY VERMA

SUVs may have stolen their thunder, but premium sedans have always been crowd favourites. And the segment is now back in vogue like it hasn’t in over half a decade now! A big reason behind the statement is the fact that besides the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus, the Hyundai Verna you see here is the third all-new product to go on sale in a year’s time. That’s besides the current generation Honda City getting a midlife update last month and the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz also getting a set of updates recently.

The Verna has of course been a workhorse for Hyundai India and one of the most popular sedans for really long. And this time, Hyundai is aiming for the segment crown, claiming to have pulled out all the stops, including the lack of rear legroom and kneeroom, which had been an Achilles Heel for the Verna. More importantly, in what is a first for a Hyundai sedan in India, the manufacturer is also playing the performance card, as the Verna is also powered by the new, 1.5-litre, turbocharged petrol engine that puts out 160PS, making it the most powerful car in its segment. That’s besides the tonne of technology and features it packs in – including ADAS. Will the new generation version help the Verna become the king of the premium sedan hill though? Read on to know.