Overview:
The Hyundai Verna launched in September 2006 has been a successful car model in the mid-sized sedan segment. The car has proved its dominance in the Indian market luring car buyers with its winning attributes that offer a commendable symphony of elegant styling, comfortable interiors, outstanding performance, impressive fuel efficiency, time-tested quality, and high degree of reliability.
After rejoicing the success of Verna for a couple of years, Hyundai Motors has launched the new variants of the car with design improvements and few modifications. However, it retains the winning and powerful engine technologies and other mechanicals.
The distinctive character of the car is the automatic transmission in the top-end diesel variant that makes it the first diesel automatic car in the segment. With striking adornments and introduction of automatic transmission in the diesel variant, the new Verna is set to create a new benchmark in the car industry. It is expected to compete with leading sedans like the Ford Fiesta, Honda City, and the Skoda Octavia.
Powertrain and Performance:
The Hyundai Verna commits to deliver unmatched power and outstanding performance with its refined and powerful engine technologies. Equipped with a choice of both petrol and diesel engine, it is available in two petrol variants and three diesel variants.
The two petrol variants VTVT and SX VTVT are driven by a powerful 1.6-litre engine associated with variable timing valve train technology (VTVT). This high-performance engine churns out 110 bhp and helps save fuel at low rpm and becomes highly responsive at high rpm. The VTVT technology is designed to improve fuel efficiency of the car and provide optimized performance over a variety of driving conditions.
The three diesel variants VGT, VGT SX, and VGT SX A/T are equipped with a real performer 1.5-litre diesel engine that is mated to Variable Geometry Turbocharger (VGT). The VGT is an energy-efficient technology that is designed to deliver high power output and enhanced performance. Although, the engine lacks on the initial power but once it takes off at higher rpm with 109 bhp, there is nothing that can stop the engine. The car delivers quieter and smoother ride quality with good fuel-efficiency.
Both the petrol and diesel variants are mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and refined suspension system that makes the car perfect for Indian roads. However, the top-end diesel variant is available with an option of 4-speed automatic transmission. The McPherson strut suspension paired with coil springs and anti roll bars help improve performance, drivability, and handling. The rear suspension bears a couple torsion beam axle that offers greater stability and improved traction. In addition, the power assisted rack and pinion steering adds more joy and thrill to the driving experience.
Build and Styling:
Hyundai cars are created with stylish designs and hold a strong aesthetic integrity that often catches admiring glances and envious stares. The same story is repeated with the Verna. With simple yet elegant design cues and adornments, the new car marks a strong presence on India roads.
The actual modifications and changes in the new Verna are very well noticed in the build and styling. The new car retains the old contemporary European looks but surpasses the former with significant design revisions, luxurious interiors, and improved exterior features.
The most significant exterior enrichments over the old Hyundai Verna are a stylish radiator grille for enhanced visual appeal, chrome insert in waistline moulding for added elegance, and rear chrome garnish. The electrically adjustable ORVM and a new full wheel cover further enhance the aesthetic appeal of the car.
As compared to the old Verna, the new Verna spells improved definitions of elegance, luxury, and functionality. In the interior, the new Verna boasts of an upgraded audio console with a high fidelity 2 DIN Music System along with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters.
However, there are many more feature enrichments over the old Verna. Some of the significant additions include alloy wheels, dual height adjustable driver's seat, fully automatic temperature control, keyless entry, 60:40 split folding rear seats, and leather wrapped steering wheel. Unfortunately, these high-end features are available only in the top-end variants comprising SX VTVT, SX VGT, and SX VGT A/T.
Hyundai has always focused on safety and security aspects of their car. The new Verna is also equipped with all the safety features available in the old Verna including the collapsible steering column, central locking system, child proof rear door locks, front fog lamps, and clutch lock system. It also comes with keyless entry and anti-lock brakes but only in the top-end variants.
