Generation change

The Verna which Hyundai launched way back in 2006 was a replacement for the aging Accent the world over. However in India, the company positioned it above the Accent. In spite of being quite modern for the time, one could still link the two cars. Then, in line with AUTO BILD INDIA’s predictions, came the Verna Transform, a stop gap measure till the truly ‘all-new’ Verna reached Indian shores. And it will be in showrooms sometime next month. Moreover, unlike before, this new Verna is truly a generation ahead from the current model, and it’s surprisingly good. We drove it in India.

Highlights

• New Verna is looks good and has contemporary interiors with loads of equipment both for safety and comfort. In fact, it’s class leading in this regard.

• The new Verna is also more spacious and has better ergonomics and stowage areas too. It also gets a cooled glovebox.

• Hyundai has also given the new Verna lots of options. It comes with a choice of two petrol and two diesel engines and in both cases these displace 1.4- and 1.6-litre. These engines also boast of the best power and torque figures in their class of cars.

• There’s also the choice of 6-speed manual and 4-speed automatic gearbox with all the engine options on the new Verna.

• Suspension has been reworked, but the new Verna continues to ride as comfortably as before.

The new Verna is based on the new ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy at Hyundai. Hence, the Verna features a large and sweeping headlamp and an equally sleek bonnet. If one looks closely, it is easy to spot that the two-tier grille is very similar to the refreshed i10 which the company launched some time back. A special mention here of the rather smart looking fog lamps which complement the overall sporty look of the Verna up front. This from now on will become the new face of all Hyundai cars to come.
In profile, the new Verna looks as smart and all thanks to the coupe like window frames and the strong shoulder line. The large 16 inch alloys fill up the wheel wells and give the car a sporty touch of character. Connecting the profile to the rear are smooth flowing lines which are complemented by the large wrap-around tail lamps mounted on the stout boot. A lip spoiler adds to the sportiness of the overall design.
Inside the Verna offers a plush look and feel on the inside too. The beige and black interiors are offered especially for India and help brighten things up. The new dash features wood paneling and apart from it being tad shiny, it looks fine. The instrument panel is new and is bathed in blue light while it also offers a trip computer controlled via the steering mounted controls.
The centre console looks smart with the climate control buttons and audio player which supports USB as well as iPod and Bluetooth connectivity. There are plenty of stowage options inside the cabin including a cooled glovebox. However, the most astonishing aspect inside is the amount of space on offer. Whether you are driving, or are being driven in, sitting up front or at the back, space is something you are surely not going to crib about.

Buyers these days are becoming increasingly choosy about what they want their cars to offer. Some crave for economy while some want enthusiastic performance. Manufacturers hence are now offering a load of combinations to suit any need, and Hyundai is no different. In line with this, the company is offering the new Verna with a choice of four engines and a combination of auto and manual gearboxes.
The range starts with a 1.4-litre petrol which offers 107bhp and 135Nm of torque. The base diesel is also a 1.4-litre offering 90bhp and 220Nm of torque. However, the more powerful options come in the form of a 1.6-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre diesel. While the petrol makes 123bhp and 155Nm of torque, the diesel develops 128bhp and a massive 260Nm of torque. These 1.6 engines are mated to either a 6-speed manual transmission or buyers can also opt for a 4-speed automatic box. It’s definitely, one of the most elaborate spreads one can have!

Proceedings begin by thumbing the starter button on the dash. Yes, the new Verna gets keyless entry and start, a feature so far seen in the small car Micra, but missing in this segment. We are driving the 1.6-litre diesel; the engine we believe will find many takers not just for its performance, but fuel economy as well. At start up, there’s minimal clatter form the engine and it settles down to a silent tick over. The 6-speed manual gearbox slots in precisely and there’s no notchiness here. But, you can surely enjoy the feeling of the gear stick getting into a slot.
Dump the clutch and the Verna pulls ahead rather quickly. On the move, the engine offers a smooth surge of power through the rev-band and the lag felt in the erstwhile Verna is absent. The abundance of torque also ensures that one doesn’t generally have to shift down to make an overtaking maneuver. However, if you do want to out accelerate everyone, shift down and the Verna takes off with verve. The engine too feels smooth when revved and revs all the way upto the redline without complain. The new Verna also gets disc brakes all around to reign in this performance. And it must be said, it does a good job of it; it brings the car to a stop quite quickly.
The steering too feels quick, but being electronically assisted, lacks feel. The suspension meanwhile is on the softer side. This means that at slow speeds bump absorption is pretty good and there’s minimal to discomfort occupants inside. But, as the speeds climb, the Verna feels nervous and wallowy. The suspension also has a tendency to bottom out over pronounced bumps or undulations.

The new Verna is a giant leap forward. It is a modern design which looks appealing. It offers loads of equipment, and space isn’t at a premium either. In fact, it’s pretty close to the City in this regard. But, more importantly, it’s a modern car and one that offers a healthy choice of drivetrains, be it engines or gearboxes. Besides engines, the Verna will also be available in at least two trim levels per engine option, ensuring there’s a Verna for almost every type of buyer. We also expect it to be priced really well and should undercut its competition making it very good value for money indeed.