The Hyundai Verna petrol manual primarily features a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated engine. This powerplant churns out a respectable 113 bhp at 6,300 rpm and 143.8 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm. Paired with a 6-speed manual transmission, the focus is on providing a balanced driving experience, suitable for both city commutes in Gurugram and highway cruising beyond. A sporty 1.5L turbo-petrol engine (158 bhp, 253 Nm) is also amiable with a DCT.

 From behind the wheel, the engine feels refined and delivers power in a linear fashion. It's particularly well-suited for navigating city traffic, offering sufficient grunt for maneuvering through tight spots. The 6-speed manual gearbox is noted for its slick shifts and light clutch action, making driving in stop-and-go traffic less of a chore. However, while adequate for most daily driving scenarios, the engine might leave enthusiasts wanting more when it comes to outright acceleration, especially when compared to the 1.0 Turbo petrol trim of Slavia and Virtus. 

Overtaking on the highway requires a bit of planning, often necessitating a downshift to access the engine's sweet spot in the mid-range. While it can comfortably maintain cruising speeds, it Fuel efficiency is a mixed bag; while ARAI figures suggest around 18.6 kmpl, real-world city driving might see figures closer to 12-13 kmpl, which is typical for this class of engine.

Ride and Handling:

The Hyundai Verna strikes a decent balance between ride comfort and handling. The suspension setup, featuring a McPherson strut at the front and a coupled torsion beam axle at the rear, is tuned to absorb most of the imperfections on Gurugram's roads, providing a comfortable ride for passengers.

 It handles speed breakers and potholes reasonably well without feeling overly soft or bouncy. In terms of handling, the Verna is competent enough for everyday driving. Body roll is present but well-controlled, allowing for confident cornering at moderate speeds. However, the steering, while light and easy to maneuver in city traffic and parking situations, doesn't offer a lot of feedback, which might deter driving enthusiasts.

The dual-tone beige and black theme (depending on the variant) creates a sense of spaciousness. The quality of materials used is generally good, with soft-touch materials on the dashboard in higher trims enhancing the premium feel. The layout is ergonomic, with most controls easily accessible. The 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system dominates the dashboard and is intuitive to use, supporting Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Features like automatic climate control, a sunroof, and ventilated front seats (on higher trims) add to the comfort and convenience. 

The digital instrument cluster is a modern touch, providing a wealth of information to the driver. Space is a significant improvement over previous generations, with ample legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The rear seats are comfortable, with a relaxed backrest angle, making them suitable for longer journeys. 

The boot space is generous at 528 litres, easily accommodating luggage for weekend trips. While the rear seat can comfortably seat two adults, a third adult might find it a bit cramped, typical for sedans in this segment. Storage spaces inside the cabin are adequate, with large door pockets and a cooled glovebox adding to the practicality.

The Hyundai Verna boasts a bold and futuristic exterior design that has been a talking point since its launch. The front is characterized by a wide, imposing grille that seamlessly integrates the LED Daytime Running Lights, giving it a distinctive and somewhat polarizing look. The sharp creases and lines on the bonnet and bumper contribute to its aggressive stance. The LED headlamps are sleek and add to the modern aesthetic. The side profile is marked by strong character lines and a sloping roofline, giving it a coupe-like silhouette, which is a unique design element in its segment.

 The 16-inch alloy wheels (on higher trims) complement the overall design. The increased length of the latest generation Verna gives it a more proportionate and mature look compared to its predecessors. The rear of the Verna is equally striking, featuring connected LED tail lamps that run across the width of the boot, further emphasizing the car's width and modern design language. 

The design elements at the rear, including the bumper and the sculpted boot lid, contribute to its futuristic appeal. While the design is subjective, it's undeniable that the Verna stands out on the road and offers a more dramatic styling compared to the more conservative looks of the Honda City or the clean lines of the Skoda Slavia and Volkswagen Virtus. Features like body-colored ORVMs with integrated turn indicators, and a shark fin antenna add to the overall premium feel of the exterior.

Hyundai has equipped the Verna petrol manual with a comprehensive suite of safety features. Standard safety equipment includes 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Hill Assist Control (HAC).Higher trims benefit from features like a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) and rear parking sensors.A significant highlight is the inclusion of Level 2 Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) on the top-spec variants.This suite includes features like Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, and Smart Cruise Control, enhancing the safety and driving experience.The Hyundai Verna has also achieved a 5-star Global NCAP safety rating, indicating a strong focus on occupant protection.Features like impact-sensing auto door unlock and ISOFIX child seat mounts further contribute to its safety credentials.

Hyundai Verna is the polar opposite of Virtus and Slavia, in terms of design. It is eye-catching but not something you would call timeless and elegant. The performance is there but again, not as exciting as Slavia or Virtus. Its strength lies in a better refined 4 cylinder engine and comfort along with the added benefit of hyundai’s better service network and feature set.