Hyundai Verna Turbo Manual: Long Term Report (3,000 Km Update)

We find out just how much stuff we can put into the boot of the Hyundai Verna (by using it to shift apartments)

At a time when SUVs dominate the Indian automotive industry for their increased practicality, there is one body type that is still best known for its boot space: the sedan. Since my last report on the Hyundai Verna that is part of the CarDekho testing garage, I have had the chance to put the sedan’s luggage ferrying abilities to the test. So, this report is going to be almost entirely about how much stuff I could fit into the Hyundai Verna.

Room For Almost Everything

The Verna’s boot is officially the largest in the segment, with a claimed luggage capacity of 528 litres. But sometimes, it’s not about the numbers and instead about the shape that decides how many bags you can fit in the boot of a car. I had to shift flats recently and luckily, I had the Verna at my disposal to make my life a bit easier.

I tried various configurations of bags and items but there was only one that made the most sense for the purpose. I was easily able to fit two full-size suitcases with room for a couple of carry-on suitcases or duffle bags. The Verna’s boot was also just wide enough for me to slide in my drying rack on top of the suitcases. 

Now, sedans don’t usually offer the option to fold the back seat to create more luggage room, a functionality that hatchbacks and SUVs offer. Instead, I used the rear cabin space with the seats still up and was able to fit 1 medium-sized suitcase each behind the front seats on the cabin floor. Note, I was able to fit them with the front seats in position to be used with ample leg room.

This left the entire rear bench to be filled up with odd-shaped items and other boxes. I chose to use the front passenger seat to ferry all my backpacks so that I could strap them in with the seatbelt. At the end, I still had room for more small items but the only things left were the mattress and the furniture, and if I had to, I could probably have strapped the mattress to the roof.

However, some boot-only luggage configurations that I can recommend for a family road trip include one that easily fits one full-sized suitcase and two medium-sized suitcases with room for a couple of laptop bags as well.

Also Read: Hyundai Verna Turbo-Petrol MT - Long Term Report (2,300 km Update)

Some Issues With The Boot

There are two design elements that stopped me from using the entire potential of the Hyundai Verna’s boot, and both restrict the height of the items you carry. The first is a problem for almost every sedan: the boot hinges. They are not in the way while storing items but make themselves known when you try to close the boot lid, and they eat into the vertical storage space on each side. However, the second one is an issue with this Verna SX(O) variant specifically and that’s because of the rear subwoofer which is part of the 8-speaker Bose sound system. Without it, I think you can easily fit two full-size suitcases as well as a medium sized suitcase (on its side) and some duffel bags in the boot.

If I had to nitpick any other troubles I faced with the Verna’s boot, it would be that the load-lip is a little high for an average-sized person. It can be a slight struggle to lift a fully-loaded full-size suitcase into the boot while also trying to place it gracefully so as not to damage the boot lining. 

Cabin Cubbies

Even outside the context of changing one’s address, the Verna scores pretty high in terms of cabin practicalities for storing things. Each door pocket can fit a 1-litre bottle with ease while the front door pockets have room for one more cylindrical object each as well as additional knick knacks.

There is a sizeable storage space under the front armrest and you can keep stuff in the centre console too, especially if you’re not using the wireless phone charging pad. The glovebox is spacious too and can keep a few extra items on top of all the car documents and booklets. In the back, there is a small storage space below the rear AC vents and seatback pockets for both front seats in this variant. A foldout rear centre armrest with cupholders is offered as standard. 

Our time with the Hyundai Verna is coming to a close soon, so stay tuned for the next report and the final verdict (with the video) on what this sedan is like to live with.

Date when received: December 17, 2023

Kms when received: 9,819 km

Kms till date: 12,822 km (3,003 km driven)