Hyundai’s new generation Verna now offers a long list of features and better performance at an aggressive price
It’s no denying that the popularity of SUVs in India has dented the sales of cars with other body styles and sedans are no exception. However, despite this fierce competition, one segment has been witnessing a resurgence for quite a while, the mid-size sedan. For Indian car buyers, this segment is the only option for someone in the market for a premium sedan without shelling out a fortune on one of the German luxury brands. This is especially true after the extinction of the E and D segments of sedans from the Indian market. The latest addition to this segment is the new-gen 2023 Hyundai Verna. While the Verna nameplate is nothing new to the Indian market, its latest avatar gives the sedan a much-needed overhaul. Today, we pit it against one of the established players of the segment, Skoda Slavia and see how the two sedans stack up against each other in this detailed 2023 Hyundai Verna Vs Skoda Slavia comparison.
2023 Hyundai Verna Vs Skoda Slavia
Looks And Design
When it comes to looks and design, the two sedans take a radically different approach. When it comes to Slavia, the car carries forward the design language of Skoda sedans. With a single glance, one can clearly observe the influence of now discontinued Octavia and Superb. The 179 mm of ground clearance gives the car a tall appearance with a good road presence.
On the other hand, the Hyundai Verna takes a massively different approach to its looks with a more striking and exaggerated presence. Both the front and back have lightbars that run across their width. The entire car’s body is full of lines and edges, giving a sportier vibe to it. This is definitely a polarising design with people either loving or hating it. Unlike Slavia, that definitely has a wider appeal and will surely grow on people with time.
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Both cars look big and are equipped with 16-inch tires. There isn’t much difference when it comes to dimension either, with Slavia being slightly taller and longer while the Verna is wider. The similarity continues to the boot space, with Slavia offering 521 L of boot space compared to Verna’s 528 L.
| | Hyundai Verna | Skoda Slavia |
| Height | 1475 mm | 1507 mm |
| Width | 1765 mm | 1752 mm |
| Length | 4535 mm | 4541 mm |
| Wheel Base | 2670 mm | 2651 mm |
| Tyre Size | 205/55 R16 | 205/55 R16 |
| Ground Clearance | 165 mm | 179 mm |
Hyundai Verna Vs Skoda Slavia Interiors
The different approaches of the cars could be observed inside their cabin as well with the Verna’s interior having a futuristic feel to it. You are welcomed inside with comfortable seats and custom ambient lighting across the dash. What makes the cabin even more special is a dual-screen setup which has been tilted towards the driver. The 10-inch infotainment system is responsive, but it is a fingerprint magnet. Another standout feature of Verna’s interior is the physical knob for climate control.
In contrast, Slavia’s interiors have a typical German car look to them. The seats inside are plush and the dual-tone colour scheme with copper strip gives the car a premium feel. The fit and finish are also better compared to Verna but the plastics aren’t perfect here either.
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Both cars have ample space in the back with enough knee and leg room but Hyundai Verna has better headroom. The Hyundai Verna also offers better practicality and can comfortably accommodate a third passenger in the second row.
2023 Hyundai Verna Vs Skoda Slavia Features
When it comes to features, Hyundai Verna definitely has an edge over its rival. There are a host of new Hyundai Verna features that are absent in the Skoda Slavia. These include a powered driver’s seat, electronic parking brake, rear sun shades, auto tailgate and cooled/heated seats. In response to this, Slavia does not have much to offer. However, one feature that is exclusive to Skoda Slavia is the foldable rear seat which frees up space for extra luggage.
This lead in features for Verna continues when it comes to safety. The South Korean carmaker has equipped the Verna with a number of exclusive safety equipment, including disc breaks for all wheels, tire pressure monitor and ADAS.
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Despite missing out on some features, Skoda Slavia isn’t a slouch either when it comes to safety. The car comes with a number of safety features as standard right from the entry-level trim. This includes 6 airbags, Hill Hold assist, ABS with EBD, Multi Collision Breaks, Electronic locking differentials, traction control and Electronic Stability Control. It is also the only vehicle in its segment, apart from its cousin, the VW Virtus that comes with a safety rating of 5 stars on the Global NCAP test.
Engine and Performance
When it comes to the engine, Skoda comes with two options: 1.0L and 1.5L Turbo-Petrol engines – with an option of automatic and manual for both. Similarly, Verna too comes with two engine options – 1.5L Turbo petrol and 1.5L NA petrol engine.
Verna’s 1.5L naturally aspirated engine mated with the CVT gearbox does an amazing job at city speeds. It’s smooth and you wouldn’t feel the gear shifts. However, this isn’t the case on the highway, where the gearbox gives a typical rubbery feeling to the CVT. The performance isn’t something to brag about either. This is where the turbocharged engine shines and if you love driving, it is a no-brainer. At lower speeds, this isn’t the best driving experience, but once you enter the rev range, you can definitely feel the best-in-class power and torque figures. Both the manual and the optional DCT automatic do a great job at highway cruising. The steering is good enough even for enthusiasts and the paddle shifters are a pleasure to use.
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On the other side, Slavia with either of its powertrain feels like a better driver’s car. The car feels more planted on the road and the drive dynamics are much superior. Despite the higher ground clearance, the car does not suffer from body rolls on corners. Both the engines feel good enough in the city but its triple-digit speeds at which they are in their prime. The DSG and TSI gearboxes also do a superior job than their Hyundai counterparts.
| | Hyundai Verna | Skoda Slavia |
| Engine Type | 1.5L Turbo GDi Petrol | 1.5L TSI Petrol |
| Engine Displacement | 1482 cc | 1498 cc |
| Max Power | 157.57bhp @ 5500rpm | 147.52bhp @ 5000-6000rpm |
| Max Torque | 253Nm @1500-3500rpm | 250Nm @1600-3500rpm |
2023 Hyundai Verna Vs Skoda Slavia Price
Hyundai Verna comes at a lower price tag, starting at Rs 10.90 Lakh for the base variant. This is Rs 59 thousand less than the base Skoda Slavia which starts at Rs. 11.59 Lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi). The range-topping Verna SX Opt Turbo DCT DT also costs a whole Rs 1.7 Lakh less than its Skoda counterpart.
Hyundai Verna Vs Skoda Slavia Final Verdict
While both the Slavia as well as the Hyundai Verna offer a strong package for the buyers, the Verna takes the lead with its feature-rich, comfortable, and spacious cabin. The Verna not only boasts a mature ride quality, but in addition to this, also offers refined engines and more dependable after-sales support. The Skoda Slavia on the other hand offers a comparable performance but outshines the Verna with its stronger handling and more responsive steering. In all, both these sedans offer a great package for the buyers and give the rivals a tough run for their money.
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