The Hyundai Verna was one of the
strongest contenders in the premium sedan category. With its build quality, the
current generation of the Verna also managed to raise Hyundai's brand image in
the Indian buyer's mind. The car picked up steam after a slow start in 2006,
when it was launched. And by 2011, when the Fluidic Verna was introduced, the
car was slugging it out with the Honda City - the segment leader.
The Fluidic Verna also heralded
the start of a new design philosophy for Hyundai's cars in India. But, after a
brisk start the Fluidic Verna couldn't hold on to its share of the pie. The
reason for its slide in numbers, where the Honda City is a distant Numero Uno
today, were both because the Verna has remained a bit over familiar in design
over the years and of course, the City has had a significant upgrade with the
new generation coming in.
Design
Through its two upgrades - the
Transform in 2010 and the Fluidic Verna in 2011, the car's design has remained
recognizable in terms of its dimensions and its design language. This time
around again the overall dimensions have largely been retained, but the new
Verna presents a much more pleasing face.
Big changes to the front of the
2015 Verna now give it a very global feel - in fact it now looks more like a
Japanese model. The hexagonal bonnet grille design, which was a signature of
the Fluidic design, is gone and in its place is a new wing-design dual-slat
chrome grille. The headlamps are also all new, with the previous model's LED
lined unit, now being replaced by a larger pair of projector headlamps and
boomerang shaped fog lamps. Deeply ridged, nearly clamshell style bonnet slab
gives it the look of a larger, more powerful car. Also the larger air dam built
into the front fender gives the onlooker the same impression.
Interior
The new Verna's cabin has been
given bigger changes in terms of features both comfort and safety and that is
key to take on the might of the Honda City. Step into the new Verna and you'll
be greeted by are cognisable dashboard layout But there are a lot of new
materials, and a lot many more new features. You'll also observe that you are
sinking into the seats andgetting a more comfortable seating position.
The front and rear seats have
been completely redesigned with new, softer squabs that offer more thigh
support, for rear passengers too. Finding the right driving position is also
easy thanks to the tilt and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel. The
seat is also adjustable for height. Our test drive car came with faux leather
upholstery which offered a bit more of a firm seating – something that users
will appreciate during a long drive.
Some of the comfort features in
the cabin that we liked best are the new 2 DIN infotainment system with
Bluetooth audio and 6 speakers, the automatic headlamps, rain-sensing wipers,
the new Blue backlit instrument cluster and the automatic air-conditioner with
cluster ionizer.
There are additional storage and
utility features like the sliding armrest for thefront occupants, and an flip
open armrest with cup holders for the rear passengers. There is also 465 litres
of storage space in the boot. Hyundai engineers have also added an India-spec
special in the 'Ergo' lever (as company officials call it). It is basically a
lever positioned on the right-side of the front passenger seat's backrest,
which can be operated to push the seat forward for getting more Iegroom the
rear.
Performance
The Verna continues to be offered
with the same powertrains as the outgoing model. It also continues to be the
car that offers the most engine options in the segment.Two petrol and two
diesel engine with a six-speed manual or an automatic gearbox give the buyer a wide
choice. The two engines we tried out were the 1.6 GAMMA VTVT petrol engine and
the 1.6 U IIVGT-CRDI diesel engine. The I39icc petrol engine with variable
valve timing tech generates 123 PS of peak power and peak torque of 15.8 KgM.
The similarly sized diesel engine puts out peak power and peak torque figures
of 128 PS and 26.5KgM respectively.
Bottomline
The Verna gets a lot of new
equipment and is now a much more likeable design. There is none of the earlier
model's edgy and slightly overdone looks. The 2015 Verna has been launched in
the ? 7.88 lakh to T 11.67 lakh price range. This new face-lifted model could
just be what Hyundai needs to take on the City's might
Words : S Muralidgar
Published By : The Hindu Business Line
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