The Verna Gets more Pizazz

With the new variant of Verna Hyundai offers a world-class sedan for the India roads.

There is little to doubt the fact that the verna was the car which gave boost to the brand image of Hyundai. It was proven that affordable could be premium too. However, there have been some inherent problems ( read wallowy ride and an overtly light steering setup)the verna has had  right from day one and we had been complaining about the same as well. The company took care of some of the bits during the last facelift, but now most of the problem taken care of.

We begin with the front end which comes with a new pair of projector headlamps, a new grille and also a new bumper complete with chrome highlighted fog lamps. In profile, 16in diamond cut alloys have been added and at the back,the tail lamps are longer and the bumper is new too. The rear bumpers also house reflectors much like the other Hyundai on the road. Hyundai has also opted for a concealed exhaust and that aids the clean look. However, on the downside, we are surprised that Hyundai omitted day time lights on the new version . Inside, changes include a new six speaker audio system complete with 1 GB internal storage. The armrest now comes  with a sliding top and the drivers seat comes with a new rotary knob to adjust the height . Hyundai has also added an external lever on the front passenger seat which enables the rear passenger to adjust the front seat in order to open up more kneeroom. The rear seat too is more comfortable now and better than the front buckets. Surprisingly once again, Hyundai has not offered a rear AC vent on this new Verna either. But the biggest change is that thesteering is now adjustable for both reach and rake.

Start her up and the new verna feels surprisingly quiet in spite of being the 1.6 liter diesel variant. The gear box feels smooth and the clutch is light too. But the most exciting bit of the verna remains to be how it performs. The 128bhp motor is a tower of power  and as a result the acceleration is rapid. Even with the tacho around the 3,500 rpm mark, the motor is barely audible inside. At cruising speeds too, the verna is a comfortable car to be in. The steering has been completely reworked and as a result the system feels well weighed and responsive. Adding to the fun factor is the suspension. The suspension setup is now stiffer, which makes the car handle better. The smaller ruts and bumps are barely felt within the cabin. This is also the case when the car is travelling at a high speed. Around corners, the Verna feels planted even at speeds over 120kmph. The wallowing which was once the driver's worst nightmare has gone. Even if there is a large undulation on the road, the Verna does not bottom out any more ! Finally, Hyundai is offering up to six airbags with the new Verna. However; it will be available on the top-of-the-line variant only.

Words : Rahul Gosh

Published by:  Mail today