The Hyundai Verna has taken the compact sedan market by storm, leaving competitors like the Maruti Suzuki Dzire and Hyundai Aura in its dust. Priced competitively, with a starting ex-showroom price of ₹11.07 lakh, the Verna offers a blend of luxury, performance, and safety that makes it a top choice for buyers. While the headline price of ₹5 lakh might catch attention, it reflects the value-packed features for the price range, making the Verna a standout in its segment. With advanced technology, excellent mileage, and a focus on safety, this sedan is redefining what buyers expect from a family car.
Stylish Design and Premium Looks
The Verna’s sleek, modern design turns heads wherever it goes. Its sharp coupe-like silhouette, bold black chrome parametric grille, and connected LED DRLs give it a futuristic vibe. The car’s aerodynamic frame not only looks sporty but also improves performance. Inside, the cabin feels like a luxury lounge with soft-touch materials, a dual-tone black and beige interior, and 64-colour ambient lighting. The spacious 528-litre boot and ample legroom make it perfect for families or long road trips. Unlike the Dzire and Aura, which have simpler designs, the Verna feels premium and bold, appealing to buyers who want style without breaking the bank.
Packed with Luxury Features
Hyundai has loaded the Verna with features that rival even pricier cars. The 10.25-inch HD infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though wireless connectivity may require an accessory. Higher trims like the SX(O) offer a Bose eight-speaker sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and ventilated front seats for extra comfort. The switchable infotainment and climate controller is a first-in-segment feature, making it easy to control both systems seamlessly. Compared to the Dzire, which lacks advanced features like ADAS, or the Aura, which misses a sunroof, the Verna delivers a high-end experience at a reasonable price.
Impressive Performance and Mileage
Under the hood, the Verna offers two petrol engines: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine (115 bhp, 144 Nm) and a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine (158 bhp, 253 Nm). Buyers can choose between a 6-speed manual, CVT, or 7-speed DCT automatic transmission. The turbo engine is the most powerful in its class, offering quick acceleration and smooth gear shifts. The Verna’s ARAI-claimed mileage ranges from 18.6 to 20.6 kmpl, though real-world tests show 11-18.8 kmpl depending on conditions. In comparison, the Dzire offers 24.79 kmpl but lacks the Verna’s power, while the Aura’s 17 kmpl (petrol) and 28.4 km/kg (CNG) are competitive but less versatile.
| Specification | Hyundai Verna | Maruti Suzuki Dzire | Hyundai Aura |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (Ex-Showroom) | ₹11.07 – 17.58 Lakh | ₹6.84 – 10.19 Lakh | ₹6.54 – 9.11 Lakh |
| Engine Options | 1.5L Petrol, 1.5L Turbo Petrol | 1.2L Petrol, CNG | 1.2L Petrol, CNG |
| Power | 115-158 bhp | 80 bhp (Petrol), 69 bhp (CNG) | 82 bhp (Petrol), 69 bhp (CNG) |
| Mileage (ARAI) | 18.6 – 20.6 kmpl | 24.79 kmpl (Petrol), 31.12 km/kg | 17 kmpl (Petrol), 28.4 km/kg |
| Airbags | 6 (Standard) | 2-6 (Variant-based) | 6 (Standard) |
| Boot Space | 528 litres | 378 litres | 402 litres |
Top-Notch Safety
Safety is a major highlight of the Verna, with six airbags standard across all variants, a five-star Global NCAP rating, and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) like lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control on higher trims. Other features include ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, and rear parking sensors. The Aura also offers six airbags as standard, but misses ADAS, while the Dzire’s safety features vary by variant, with only top models offering six airbags. The Verna’s comprehensive safety package makes it a great choice for families.
Why Verna Stands Out
The Hyundai Verna combines style, luxury, and safety in a way that the Dzire and Aura struggle to match. While the Dzire is fuel-efficient and affordable, it lacks the Verna’s premium features and performance. The Aura, though budget-friendly, doesn’t offer the same level of refinement or power. With discounts of up to ₹65,000 (as of February 2025), the Verna is a value-for-money option for buyers seeking a premium sedan under ₹20 lakh. Whether you’re driving in the city or hitting the highway, the Verna delivers a thrilling and comfortable experience.