Hyundai Verna Diesel SX (O)

The Hyundai Verna Diesel SX(O), in its previous form, was a well-rounded mid-size sedan that excelled in several areas. It boasted a 1.5-liter diesel engine that was both powerful and refined, coupled with a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The cars ride quality was significantly improved with the new K2 platform, offering a supple suspension setup that handled both city roads and highways with ease. The interior was feature-rich, with ventilated seats, a touchscreen infotainment system, and a premium Bose sound system. The car also had advanced safety features, although these were more limited in the diesel variants compared to the current petrol models. Overall, it was a comfortable, feature-loaded, and efficient sedan, but the lack of a diesel option in the current lineup changes the dynamics for potential buyers.

The Hyundai Verna Diesel SX(O) is a compelling option in the mid-size sedan segment, especially for those who prioritize comfort, features, and diesel efficiency. However, its important to note that the diesel variant is no longer available in the latest models, which might be a significant factor for potential buyers. In my experience with the previous models, the Verna Diesel SX(O) stood out for its refined and powerful 1.5-liter diesel engine, which offered excellent driveability and good refinement. The cars handling and ride quality were also significantly improved with the new K2 platform, making it a confident high-speed machine. The feature-loaded interior, including ventilated seats, a touchscreen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and a premium Bose music system, added to its appeal. However, the absence of a diesel option in the current lineup might steer some buyers towards petrol variants or other models.

The Hyundai Verna, including the SX(O) variant, does not come with a diesel engine option in its current generation. The car is only available with two petrol engine options: a 1.5-litre naturally aspirated unit and a 1.5-litre turbocharged unit. This means there is no Hyundai Verna Diesel SX(O) variant available in the market.

In the past, Hyundai did offer a diesel engine for the Verna, but with the latest generation launched in March 2023, the diesel option has been discontinued. This decision aligns with the industrys shift towards petrol and alternative fuel options. I think this move might affect some buyers who prefer diesel engines for their better fuel efficiency.

The current pricing of the Verna starts from Rs. 11 lakh and goes up to Rs. 17.48 lakh, but none of these variants include a diesel engine. The price hike and new features added recently do not affect the absence of a diesel option. I believe the pricing strategy is competitive, given the features and performance offered.

Hyundai recently updated the Verna with a new Amazon Grey colour and a rear tailgate-mounted spoiler, but these updates do not include the introduction of a diesel engine. These cosmetic changes are aimed at enhancing the cars appeal without altering the engine options.

Hyundai has seen high interest in the petrol and automatic variants of the new Verna, which suggests a market preference away from diesel engines. The company has emphasized the features and performance of the petrol engines, including the turbocharged option. I believe this strategy is well-timed given the current market trends.

The Hyundai Verna Diesel SX(O), in its previous iteration, was priced around 13.95 lakhs ex-showroom in New Delhi, with on-road prices ranging up to 16.65 lakhs depending on the city. While these prices are no longer applicable due to the discontinuation of the diesel variant, it gives an idea of the value proposition the Verna offered. For those considering the current petrol variants, prices start from around 11 lakhs ex-showroom for the base model and go up to 17.42 lakhs for the top-of-the-line SX(O) Turbo DCT. On-road prices would be higher, including taxes and other costs, but the Verna remains competitively priced in its segment.

For the Hyundai Verna Diesel SX(O), the claimed mileage was over 21 kmpl, which was one of the highest in its class. In real-world conditions, users reported mileage figures close to 18-20 kmpl, making it an economical choice for long drives. However, since the diesel variant is no longer available, potential buyers will need to consider the petrol variants, which offer around 12-15 kmpl in mixed driving conditions.