Used Hyundai Verna Manual vs Automatic – Which Sells More

The Hyundai Verna is a strong contender in the midsize sedan segment, offering a premium driving and cabin experience. With a range of engine and transmission options, it appeals to a variety of buyers with different requirements from a sedan. Available in both manual and automatic transmissions, the Verna has something for the driving enthusiast, and comfort and convenience seeking consumers alike. Unsurprisingly, the Hyundai Verna is the top-selling used Hyundai sedans of 2024.

However, despite the rising popularity of automatics in the used car market, as revealed by CARS24’s 2024 used car market report, manual variants continue to dominate sales of pre-owned Hyundai Verna models. Buyers prioritising affordability, fuel efficiency, and lower long-term ownership costs often opt for the manual transmission, making it the preferred choice.

Manual Variants Remain the Preferred Choice for Used Hyundai Verna

Among pre-owned Hyundai Verna models, it’s the manual transmission variants that remain the dominant choice for buyers. A significant portion of used Hyundai Verna sales comprises manual variants due to their affordability and lower maintenance costs. Here’s the share of used manual transmission equipped Verna against preference for the automatic in 2024.

• Manual Transmission: 86.3% of all used Verna sales
• Automatic Transmission: 13.7% of all used Verna sales

Sales trends in the previous years paint a similar picture of dominant manual transmission preference for used Verna Sedans:

• 2021: 88.08% manual vs. 11.92% automatic
• 2022: 87.81% manual vs. 12.19% automatic
• 2023: 86.23% manual vs. 13.8% automatic

Although slow, used automatic Verna variants are gaining traction in the overall used car market however, it’s clear that manual transmission variants dominate. Used Hyundai Verna sedans continue to be an exception, where manual models outsell automatics nearly 9:1. Buyers usually choose manual transmissions due to lower service costs and better fuel mileage, making them the preferred option in the second-hand market.

Limited Demand Persists for Used Automatic Hyundai Verna

While manual transmission dominates the used Hyundai Verna market, automatic variants maintain a small but steady share, fluctuating between 11% and 14% over the past four years.

• 2021: 11.92% of total used Hyundai Verna sales
• 2022: 12.19% of total used Hyundai Verna sales
• 2023: 13.8% of total used Hyundai Verna sales
• 2024: 13.7% of total used Hyundai Verna sales

One of the reasons for the lower demand for used Vernas with an automatic transmission is the higher cost of maintenance and lower fuel efficiency compared to manual variants. Additionally, urban buyers who prioritise ease of driving are moving towards SUVs, further reducing demand for automatic sedans like the Verna in the pre-owned segment.

Hyundai Verna Engine and Transmission Options

Since its launch, the Hyundai Verna has been offered with multiple engine and transmission combinations, catering to different driving needs.

• Hyundai Verna (2011-2017) Engine and Transmission Options
  • 1.4-litre, petrol - 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
  • 1.6-litre, petrol - 5-speed manual / 4-speed automatic
  • 1.4-litre, diesel - 6-speed manual
  • 1.6-litre, diesel - 6-speed manual / 4-speed automatic

• Hyundai Verna (2018-2023) Engine and Transmission Options
  • 1.5-litre, petrol - 6-speed manual / CVT automatic
  • 1.0-litre, turbo petrol (Discontinued in 2023) - 7-speed DCT automatic
  • 1.5-litre, diesel (Discontinued in 2023) - 6-speed manual / 6-speed automatic

• Hyundai Verna (2023-Present) Engine and Transmission Options
  • 1.5-litre, petrol - 6-speed manual / CVT automatic
  • 1.5-litre, turbo petrol - 6-speed manual / 7-speed DCT

The slower adoption of automatic variants in the used Hyundai Verna market can be attributed to several factors. Automatics generally come with higher running costs, as they consume more fuel and have increased service expenses compared to their manual transmission counterparts. Additionally, manual models tend to hold better resale value, as they are in higher demand among buyers looking for affordability and lower ownership costs.

Used Hyundai Verna Market Pricing

Despite market shifts indicating a growing preference for SUVs, the Hyundai Verna continues to retain a strong resale value. This is driven by Hyundai’s reputation for reliability, premium features, and efficient performance. The sedan's widespread availability of spare parts, durable build quality, and strong after-sales support coverage by Hyundai, further contribute to its value retention. 

Buyers in the used car market see the Verna as a well-rounded option that balances comfort, technology, performance and affordability. This makes the Verna a great used sedan even after several years of ownership.

Average Used Selling Price

Key Takeaways

1. Manual variants dominate the used Hyundai Verna market – In 2024, nearly nine out of ten used Hyundai Verna models sold had a manual gearbox. The trend has remained steady since 2021, with manual versions consistently making up over 86% of sales.

    

2. Limited demand for automatic transmission models – The share of automatic Hyundai Verna models in the used market was 13.7% in 2024, remaining steady and continuing with a pattern of low adoption over the past four years.

    

3. Used Diesel Verna models offered both transmission types but had a manual preference – Hyundai provided both automatic and manual transmission options for the diesel-powered Verna, yet manual diesel models saw higher demand due to their better mileage and lower servicing costs.

    

4. Manual variants continue to offer strong resale value – A pre-owned manual transmission equipped, petrol Hyundai Verna sells for an average of ₹4.46 lakh, while automatics average higher at ₹6.31 lakh. Although, used petrol MT Vernas start at a much lower price. Similarly, used diesel, MT Vernas average ₹8.05 lakh, approximately ₹3 lakh more than AT alternatives.

    

5. Automatics remain relevant for city driving convenience – Although manuals continue to be the first choice, automatic variants still appeal to urban commuters looking for a smoother driving experience in stop-and-go traffic.

Conclusion

While automatic transmission variants of used Hyundai Verna sedans are gradually gaining popularity, manual transmission equipped Hyundai Verna models remain the preferred choice. Factors such as better fuel efficiency, lower maintenance costs, and higher resale value make manual transmissions more attractive.

For buyers prioritising affordability and efficiency, the MT-equipped second hand Verna remains the best-selling used Hyundai sedan. However, automatic petrol and diesel variants offer a smoother city driving experience, making them a viable alternative for those prioritising ease of use.