The Hyundai Verna sold globally as the Accent, except in India and a few other regions, is a midsize sedan that has stamped its authority in the Indian entry-level sedan segment. Having sold over 10,000 units already in the year, the Verna retains a 16% share of the market, which is a sure sign of its credibility.

The Verna like most cars from the Hyundai stable does not wear the grandest of designs, but in its own way manages to paint a pretty if not a striking picture. The Verna has contemporary European looks and its design highlights are a sloping hood and a small boot, both with very short overhangs.

Verna's interior is capacious enough to seat five adults in comfort. The use of high-quality plastics and the interior's two-tone colour scheme lend it with just the right amount of luxury and refinement. One area where the Verna falls short is in the standard level of equipment. Although the top-end variants boast a few features like climate control, in-dash MP3 audio system and ABS.

On the other hand Verna's fantastic engines can easily make one overlook its lack of features! Only two engines are on offer – a 1.6-litre petrol using variable valve technology – a first for this segment and a powerful 110PS 1.5-litre diesel using a variable geometry turbo charger. The petrol unit has a DOHC 16-valve layout with the help of which it puts out 103PS of power and 146Nm of torque. By clocking the 100kmph dash in 12.2 seconds, the petrol Verna is certainly quite quick, but the real performer is actually the Verna equipped with the gem of a diesel engine. In all five models are available, of which three are petrol and the remaining powered by diesel.

Fuel-economy is another area where the diesel Verna outshines its petrol sibling, by delivering an overall mileage of 15kmpl, compared to 11.65kmpl delivered by the petrol variant.

Available in the range of Rs. 6,49,190 to Rs. 8,36,544 (ex-showroom Delhi), the Verna is perfectly positioned to take Hyundai Motors India Limited (HMIL) to a new high.