Quick Overview
- Turbo-petrol punch meets real-world usability
- Sporty design with everyday practicality
- Big on comfort, loaded with features
The stylish outlier that gets noticed
Let’s start with the obvious—this car turns heads. The Hyundai Verna Turbo isn’t just another sedan blending into the traffic. It’s got that dramatic, low-slung silhouette, LED DRLs that look like they belong in a concept sketch, and an overall design that confidently divides opinions. And that’s a good thing. Because in a world dominated by boxy SUVs, this swoopy sedan stands out without trying too hard. We’ve lost count of how many people slowed down at signals or rolled down their windows just to ask, “Which variant is this?”
Dark theme drama inside and out
Opting for the turbo variant doesn’t just get you more power—it gets you the full blacked-out treatment. Black alloys, dark chrome bits, and red accents in the cabin create a sport-luxe vibe that feels more European than anything in this segment. The red ambient lighting is subtle but adds character at night. Add in the sleek dual 10.25-inch displays and a clean dashboard layout, and you’ve got a cabin that punches way above its weight.
Performance you can’t always use (but love knowing you have)
Under the hood of the Hyundai Verna sits a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine that churns out 160 PS and 253 Nm. That’s more than enough grunt to surprise much bigger, more expensive cars. The manual gear box slots gears without feeling frisky. The clutch too is light and will not leave your left calf aching. In Sport mode, the throttle gets sharper, and the car genuinely feels quick. But in city traffic? You rarely get to stretch its legs. The irony of having more power than you can use is real—but on open highways, it makes up for every congested day.
A sedan done right
Despite being low-slung, the Verna’s ground clearance is surprisingly well-calibrated. We didn’t scrape anywhere, even with a full house on board. And yes, it’s a sedan—but that’s a blessing. It rides lower, handles better, and feels more connected to the road than any compact SUV we’ve driven recently. It flows around corners with a balance that SUVs can only dream of.
Real world usability & comfort
In our 1000 km mixed driving cycle (city chaos, weekend expressways, and a few late-night airport runs), the Verna Turbo returned an efficiency figure between 11km/l and 13 km/l. That’s impressive for a 160 PS turbo-petrol, especially considering we weren’t always driving it with a feather foot.
Inside the Hyundai Verna, space is generous. Four adults fit comfortably, and the fifth can squeeze in without complaints on shorter trips. The seats are plush, and the ventilated front seats are lifesavers during Indian summers. Rear passengers get their own sunshades, dedicated AC vents, and enough legroom to stretch out. Long drives feel shorter in here.
And that boot? At 528 litres, it’s airport-run approved. We managed to chuck in two large suitcases and a duffel without a any stress.
Build quality & premium Feel
Everything you touch feels solid. The soft-touch dashboard, well-damped buttons, and even the feedback from the steering give you a sense of quality. There’s a genuine premium air here that even some mid-size luxury cars from a decade ago struggled to deliver.
Final Thoughts
If you’re still holding on to the “sedans are dead” argument, the Verna Turbo begs to differ. It’s fast, comfortable, looks like nothing else in the segment, and proves that a sedan can still be the perfect all-rounder. SUVs might rule the roost, but when it comes to pure driving enjoyment with everyday practicality, the Verna Turbo is an underrated gem.
And if nothing else, it gives you bragging rights at the next traffic light drag race.
Also read: 2025 Hyundai Creta Electric Review