Hyundai Verna

The new Verna is an improved Accent with international styling, power-packed performance, luxurious interiors and fuel efficiency. India's second largest car manufacturer Hyundai Motor India Limited launched the petrol and diesel Verna recently and now it's a runway hit.

Following the Ford strategy of launching the Fiesta and retaining the bestselling Ikon, Hyundai is also retaining the Accent and rolling out the Verna. The all new Verna is driven by a new 1.5-litre, 16-valve diesel with a CRDi burner, and a 1.6-litre petrol featuring VTVT ? Variable Timing Valve Train technology that powers it.

Though its looks really can't impress the buyer, but cost and performance of the Verna stand out in competition. Hyundai has chosen to launch the Verna with three trim levels for petrol -- the Verna i, Xi and XXi, and two for diesel ? the CRDi VGT and CRDi VGT SX.

The Verna is a segment above Accent and competes with the Honda City, Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Fiesta. The Verna is available in nine hues viz. Nobel White, Ebony Black, Bright Silver, Passion Red, Dynasty Red, Real Earth, Husky Blue, Deep Pearl Blue and Kyara.

Hyundai brings the engaging diesel and a more refined petrol engine. The 1.5L diesel with CRDi and Variable Geometry Turbocharger is a class performer. It cranks out 109 bhp of power and 24 kgm of torque at 2,750 rpm. This power is plenty for a car of this size. Power flows out in plenty in any gear and the car sprints to 100 kmph in 12 seconds. The turbo-charger makes the best of the exhaust gases; it comes to active play after 2,000 rpm and with a little more on the pedal, you get the maximum torque.

The petrol engine is undoubtedly a refined one, but not to Hyundai's capabilities; there is still room for improvement. The Variable Timing Valve Train technology helps the engine breathe better and returns more in terms of mileage. The 1.6L petrol engine pumps out 102 bhp and produces 14.9 kgm or torque at 3,000 rpm.

Both the engines get a 5-speed manual transmission featuring a shift forward for reverse gear. The Verna is the first Hyundai model in India that comes with this feature. It also comes with a ring that needs to be lifted to engage reverse. Verna's transmission does not qualify as the best; it is notchy between the second and the third gear.

McPherson Strut coupled with coil springs, anti-roll bar, torsion beam axle and gas shock absorbers in the front make a good couple. Verna's ride quality is flawless and a right choice for those, who are looking for power and ride quality.

The Verna is complete six centimetres longer than the Accent; it has been stretched out to the maximum to occupy the extended wheelbase. Its contemporary European design, with a short bonnet, circular top and thick C-pillar that is shifted on the short boot, makes it bold. The car looks really smart with its thick waistline moldings and the moldings below the doors. The front is where the car is less impressive; the borderless bonnet grille makes it look like the Opel Corsa.

The interiors of the Verna are plush, spacious and upmarket. The dash is neatly designed like a cockpit, making it more functional. The dual and beige-coloured interiors make the car elegant. The Hyundai design team has spent enough time on designing storage pockets all over and illuminated glove boxes.

The interior plastic is rich; to add to the richness are smartly designed control knobs on the dash. Standard features on the Verna include: body-coloured door handles and rear view mirrors, rear defogger and timer, two-tone interiors, clutch foot rest, rear door map/bottle holder, 60:40 split fold seating, rear centre armrest/cup holder, full cloth upholstery, AC with cabin heater, rear tail gate open indicator lamp, seat belt reminder lamp, digital odometer with two tripmeters, power windows with time lag operation, illuminated switches of power windows with driver side auto down, tilt steering, remote tail gate and fuel filler lid, collapsible steering column, central locking system, child proof rear door locks, front fog lamps, clutch lock system and impact sensing for auto door unlocking. Anti-lock Braking System and rear disc brakes are optional.