Hyundai Verna first drive : Generation change

Hyundai Verna first drive : Generation change «

Hyundai Verna first drive : 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.

Contemporary styling, high levels of equipment, engine options, performance

Handling still not sharp, steering feel, still a 4-speed automatic

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.