DRIVING Nirvana

The Hyundai Verna has stepped out of its shell to offer enthusiasts a taste of real driving pleasure. So, exactly how good is it?

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The Hyundai Verna is one of the oldest nameplates in the Indian mass-market sedan space and is known for a whole lot of things - speed, comfort, aesthetic appeal, great features... you name it. However, it has seldom been hailed as a driver's car. The latest generation of the Hyundai Verna, however, redefines that perception, offering one thing that has been missing from its previous iterations.

FREAKISHLY FAST

Now, speed has always been a familiar territory for the Verna. Hyundai's diesel engines, known for their great performance, have always ensured that the Verna remains a joy to drive. However, with the latest iteration, Hyundai has decided to follow a different trajectory. The new Verna now gets two petrol engines, and the one in question today is the 1.5-litre Turbo GDi engine - a turbo-petrol engine with direct injection, which promises to make it seriously fast. With 158bhp on tap, it easily overshadows its rivals, while peak torque of 253Nm ensures a spirited and exciting driving experience.

However, it's not the sheer speed but the effortless and seamless delivery of power that distinguishes the Verna. The delivery of its abundant torque is remarkably smooth, creating a rather subdued ambience inside the cabin. It's only when you look at the speedometer that you realise the true speed of the Verna. And given its excellent torque spread, you never feel the need to wring out the engine to get the most out of it. Instead, you can simply short-shift well below the redline without affecting the urgency of the Verna's power delivery. Indeed, experiencing such refined swiftness in a mass-market car almost feels surreal.