Hyundai Verna [2011-2015] User Reviews

I bought the Verna CRDI SX ABS (Ebony Black) in September 2008. Had roadtested 6 other cars till then - the Fiesta Petrol & Diesel, Honda City ZX, Mitsubishi Cedia, Optra & Aveo. Considering my preferences were Performance, Space and Features (in that order), I shortlisted the Cedia, Optra and the Verna.

The Optra was a revelation, but being a higher segment car, it was too expensive (base version diesel costs more than the Verna high end diesel).Cedia was a beautiful car, fully loaded, and the dealer was giving a very good offer on the car. Truth is, I had been skeptical of the Verna's looks from day one. But a test drive absolutely blew me away! Never had I driven a diesel with such an awesome power spread. Moreover, the SX model came fully loaded. Ultimately settled for it considering it was a diesel (my daily run is 40-50 kms, so I save a lot of money on running costs), yet the performance was comparable/better than the Cedia, and Hyundai's service network in Kolkata is much better than Mitsubishi's.

So much for the buying experience. The car has been with me for just over 3 months now, and has done 3400kms. The ownership experience has been a delight so far. The car has a very good power spread (pickup is clean and fast, and power goes on buidling progressively till 130-140Ks). It darts into gaps with an eagerness unheard of in Diesels. I have so far driven it at a max of 160Kmph, and am quite eager to try out the claimed top speed of 185Kmph. The engine is very coarse when cold (with the clatter being heard even through the impressively silent cabin), but all is well once it warms up.

The car has the best ride of all the cars I had tested (except the Optra). The cabin is well insulated. The Bridgestone 185/65 tubeless tyres have very good cushioning, and all these together ensure a stress free, pleasurable driving experience.

A word about the handling. I tend to be a fast driver, and often drive the car by the scruff of the neck. Agreed, its not a natural driver's car like the Civic, but the handling is quite competent. Unlike what most magazines said, I DO NOT find the handling wallowy or the car under-tyred! In fact, the Bridgestones have taken whatever abuse I dish out extremely well.

Even in low speed, urban city conditions, the car is very maneuverable. As an example, my mom has been driving for 15 years, but she still finds anything bigger than a Zen difficult to handle. Lately, even she's been looking for excuses to take the Verna out when I'm not using it :-). Reason for this could be the fact that the wheels are pushed out to the edges, and the car has little overhangs.

Interior space is very good. We are a family of 4 tall people with heavy builds, and all of us fit in comfortably in the car. Useful touches like the Driver's armrest and the abundance of cupholders and cubbyholes are well appreciated.

The car is rich on features. The factory fitted Kenwood Music system (Double DIN, plays CDs, MP3s, Radios and Cassetes) is of good quality. Very good midrange and clarity. Would ask Metal fans to fit an additional subwoofer for enhanced bass though. Its got many classy features like a lit glovebox, lit boot, damped sunglass holder etc.

Lastly for the fuel economy. The car is giving me around 13-14 kmpl, which I think is excellent mileage for a car this big and fast.

Not much needs to be said of Hyundai Service, which has always been of the highest order. The car has only had one service so far. They offered me a free pickup-and-drop, and the car reached my home gleaming. Every month their service centre calls me to take my feedback about the ownership experience and ask whether a service is due. Dont know whether such high standards are peculiar for this service centre only, or uniform across the country though! :-)

Now for the Cons. Firstly, the car has pathetic headlights. The low beam is dim and useless, and sometimes (in typical night traffic, smoggy conditions) I have to touch the light knob to confirm whether the headlights are actually on! I wanted to fit aftermarket xenons, but was told that the same would void my electronics warranty. The foglights too are more show than go. Secondly, a car costing nearly 9 lakhs on road should definitely come with factory fitted alloys as standard! Beats me why the petrol top model should come so adorned while the diesel is the unloved cousin!

Two words of advice to prospective buyers. Do opt for the ABS option, as it also gives you rear discs. The test drive car I had driven previously did not have this option, and braking from high speeds was much less reassuring. Secondly, if you're from Kolkata, please avoid buying from Spring Hyundai. In a strange paradox, their sales team is as pathetic as their service centre is good! The guy who sold me the car was a Hyundai old-timer. But the sales support team around him was as worthless as they come. During delivery, my insurance papers came with my address incorrect, my car came without the mandatory ashtray (they made 4 calls to the company before they figured out it had been discontinued!) and the accessories desk guy had to make a call to someone everytime I asked him the price of anything.

Performance as good as powerful petrols, Space, Fully Loaded, Fuel EconomyHeadlights, No Alloys

Hello,

I had been reading the reviews (a bit old and new) and trying to digest the things. The whole purpose is - I'm currently driving a small car (Zen) and want to upgrade to a Sedan. My requirements are- Good power, Decent mileage and sturdy on roads (I experience a lot of prob with the current car as its too small, tyres are thin etc).

I have done some assessment based on the reviews (yet to take any trial). I had Fiesta, Verna, SX4 and City in my mind. However, reading the reviews, I'm getting inclined towards Verna diesel now. Can you experts please let me know on following?-

1. Steering problem: Some people shared their exp regarding the steering getting towards left when the hands are off. Is this still existent (as the review was a little older)?

2. Braking: Is it still an issue (with the latest roll outs)?

3. Headlights: Not enough strong?

4. RPM monitoring during gear shifting for better mileage: My current car has no RPM monitor. I do not know how one should use for gear shifting. Can somebody help me here?

5. I heard it costs too high per servicing. Is it true? What is the real servicing cost and is it worth?

 

Exterior Great looking car for the first time from Hyundai. Looks like a BMW from the back and side profile though not so great from the front but then Hyundai wants to make the hexagonal shape standard on all their cars.

 

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Interior is very pleasant in Beige. The features provided are endless. Steering mounted controls, USB, Aux, Bluetooth, Start Stop all very great. Front seating is great with the seats fitting you snugly though the back seating is just Ok more to do with the thigh support and the high windows in the back. Rear view isnt great since the adjustable head rests block the view to a great extent.

 

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Engine is decent but not as fun as the previous verna which was a rocket. Overtaking in the older verna was a jiffy but the new diesel seems to take a little more effort. The 0 to 100 KMPH dash though shows as 10.5 seconds. Gearshift is very decent on this version and I hope the fuel economy should be around 17km realistically in city driving with AC turned on though ARAI claims 22 kms to a litre.

 

Ride Quality & Handling Great for city traffic. Yet to try it on the highway. The steering is very light and great for city conditions but gets your scared at high speeds on the highway. Yet to try it out.

 

Final Words A very good overall package from Hyundai. Best looking amongst Honda, Vento and the Linea. Great diesel engine and many features which will give the other cars in this segment a run for its money.

 

Areas of improvement Better control at high speeds.

 

Looks, FeaturesNone

Exterior

 The car is a looker from all angles and looks muscular and mean. Mind-blowing creases and lines. A head turner in all colors. White is a show stopper.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort)

 Feature loaded and extremely value for money deal. Segment first feats like rear view camera is an added safety benefit. Good rear seats with decent leg room and amazing front seats with decent lumbar support.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox

 Very smooth and refined engine. 128PS and 265nm torque is a pleasure to drive! Gearbox is smooth and slots into place without much effort. This is the cars USP and does well. It has a linear power delivery and does not snap your neck when the turbo kicks in post 1800rpm. It has a continuous surge of power and never feels out of breath.

Ride Quality & Handling

 Soft suspension, very comfortable in city. A bit bouncy in the highway, but definitely not a deal breaker.

Final Words

 Best sedan in C2 segment by far. Closest rival are the Skoda Rapid and Ford Fiesta. Verna beats them by a mile in overall performance.

Areas of improvement  

 Boot space, music system, boot access from rear center arm rest, auto window up.

 

Fluidic design, driving seat, engine refinement, linear power delivery, comfortable, smooth gearboxNo boot release button in the trunk for SX, average stereo, rear seat too low

 

Exterior Excellent.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Front seats are too low to be of comfort.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Excellent.

Ride Quality & Handling Ground clearence is too low. You are always tense while driving about the humps and gutters on the Indian roads. You do not always ride on the highways; that too have un-predictable gutters. Excellent while riding on the smooth highways. Excellent power and you can relax your legs on the long drives. I drove it for an hour continuously.

Final Words I was very thrilled and was planning to book one after reading the initial write-ups on the auto magazines and their e-brochure. I badly needed a replacement for my Accent CRDi that is faithfully serving me for last 5 years. It never got me in to any breakdown troubles so far.

But I was totally dis-heartened when the bottom center hit at the first lowest hump where even my Santron and Accent CRDi does not even mind! I was test driving on my regular route from home to office. Also felt like sitting on the car-floor with the too low positioned front seats. The suspension is tooo soft; hence the first problem. Both these points are important to me since I drive quite a lot on my Accent.

It would have been nice to name it as 'Fluidic' instead of the failure 'Verna'. Hyundai should have learned from the success of the Accent and the way they had to bring it back to the market. The main success of the Accent variant are its comfortable seating position and the ground clearence. I have decided to wait for a few months to see whether Hyundai is going to do something about these points. Otherwise may opt for Renault Fluence.

Areas of improvement Increase the ground clearance.

Increase the seat height or provide a facility to pump UP the seat.

Would have loved if the front seats were power adjustable at least on the top variants.

Everything else is excellent.

Most of the features loaded at a very good priceEven on a low hump, the center bottom hits; Front seats are very low

Dear All,

This is writing for all of you who wants or desire to have purchase any vehicle of Hyundai. I have very bitter experiences of Hyundai Vehicles. I purchased Auto I 10 for my sister, after one month the steering became hard and some problem with sparking plugs. I reported to service center Down Town Vadodara (six months before). No improvement was done. Only sparking plug was replaced. I spoke to them they say we have rectified the problem. Then I approved there service engineer based Ahmedabad. He assured me that I will arrange pick your vehicle from your residence, but as of now no one has come. 2. I purchased Verna seven months before from beginning I am facing problem with brakes. I met to small accident because same reason. I followed same procedure regarding service no one paid attention. Now situation has come that both vehicles are lying at my home. I have decided to come court now because I have spend 17 lacs on vehicles. I am middle class guy this money matter. I have decided to court now. Purpose of this that please please think 100 times before you purchase any vehicle from Hyundai. Regards Omesh Read moreShow less.

NothingAlll

I purchased verna in Dec 2006.Till Sept 2008 I drove 45000 km. Since the beginning I was not happy because low mileage (13.5km/lt overall) , also at high speed (> 140km/lt) it lacs stability & safety as it should be. After 5000 km running i came to know that inners of tyres are going. After detailed enquiry I got the inf that company has given wrong tech. details of alignment. Since March 2008 Overall vehicle is giving the trouble Initially engine oil got mix with coolent, with that my vehicle was at workshop for 15 days Post repair vehicle is quit noisy with drastically reduced power inspite of repeated visits to workshop.Later on front suspension rod was at fault. After few days again small fault in altornator cost me the price of vehicle battery and the journey is still on.Good style averagecomfortHigh noise High maintainance Poor fuel efficiency

I am an old user of the reviews and feels that it is my duty now to post my input after purchasing new Verna Diesel SX top end on 17th July 2009. Let me compare all the available diesel options in the Indian market. This is based on test drives and study of the technical specs along with practical experience.For 1 to 4 or complete review visit http://praveengju.blogspot.com/ 5.Verna SX diesel top end- This is the last product which I am reviewing. The vehicle is very powerful with good gear shift and transmission. My brother too bought this car three months back. Since we already have ford fiesta so after buying Verna I was able to compare the two with more details. Except good engine and good ground clearance Ford fiesta scores well above the Verna and also it is at least Rs.80,000/- cheaper. I will elaborate these differences in my next review with a comment on mileage and other aspects in Verna. One thing which I would like to mention here that fully loaded Verna with 6 air bags and other safety features is priced at $ 12,000 in USA which comes out to be Rs. 6 lacs after assuming one $ is equal to Rs. 50/-. Verna SX top end here in India is priced at Rs. 8.06 lacs ex -showroom Delhi (with no airbag option even in top end). Now you guys can well judge how these overseas car companies like Hyundai and every car company I should say are fooling we Indians and treating us a second grade citizens who will accept their greed and also say thanks to them for giving us wonderful product and services!!!!!!! In the end you can well imagine the state of mind of a prospective buyer like me to choose a product which is value of hard earned money. With not many options available, one has to balance the pros and cons of any product to buy a particular product for his use. Car manufacturer here in India are working and behaving like uncontrollable industry who do not have any Government Regulators who can monitor their unfair trade practices and pricing with concern for mandatory safety and emission norms. One glaring example of making money by these companies is not passing the 4 % excise duty cut benefit to the customers as announced in March 2009 budget. And even Government of India did not take any action on this unlawful activity. I have tried to convey my views and research in the form of this review which has helped me to understand about various cars and ultimately settling for Verna in this case. I hope viewers will be benefitted from this input and it will help them in removing the doubts and confusions while deciding for the car with in their budget and needs. People are welcome to respond to my review. Some people who have vested interest for some particular companies are advised not to poke in the discussion forum to misguide the genuine buyers. I too faced hard time to recognize these people in mouth shut and exclude their biased view before final decision to buy my car. In my next review I will write again about the performance of my new Hyundai Verna diesel car and comparison with other car i.e. Ford fiesta in the family.Powehousesuspension not so smooth, value for money I doubt

 

Exterior Awesome looks inspired by the Fluidic design. Makes others envy you.

Interior (Features, Space & Comfort) Decent interiors with biege finish, could have been made more rich for the price the car is quoted.

Engine Performance, Fuel Economy and Gearbox Pretty smooth drive, transition is smooth, and pickup too. Not in the initial RPM due to the BS-4 lag but car does great in 3rd and higher gears. Milege is not so good.

Ride Quality & Handling Easy to handle, doesnt give you  a mid size car feel. point and shoot in any direction u want.

Final Words Overall its a good car. Sexy styling but little costly for the money we spend. The best part is- SPARE PARTS ARE TOOO MUCH CHEAP FPOR THIS CAR. 2 TIMES LOW THAN OLDER VERNA AND HIGHLY COMPETETIVE TO MARUTHI SPARE PARTS. DAMN CHEAP

Areas of improvement Could offer a better music system. it sucks!

Styling, Styling and StylingLess milege, light body