good motoring
It looks sporty
H. Kishie Singh

When I grow up," said the Accent, "I want to be a Verna." And so it came to be. It took six generations but the Accent did grow up to become the Verna. However, it is still a medium-sized sedan in the ‘C’ segment.

To begin with, the platform it is based on is larger. The Verna is taller and longer by 30 mm and the wheelbase is longer by 60 mm. This means that the overhang is shorter. The overhang is the area of the car that extends beyond the wheels. Though the front end looks good, the rear end finished abruptly and has a high boot lid. It gives the Verna a slight hunched-back look. The boot capacity is huge — for 415 litres. The boot has luggage hooks and a net which holds small items in place and prevents them from rolling around.

But where this car has really grown up is the engine block. From being a three-cylinder block, it has now four cylinders. In the petrol engine, this ups the b.h.p from 82 (with three cylinders) to 110 (with four cylinders). The torque also increases from 19.1 kg to 24 kg.

This increase is courtesy the 16cc DOHC with VTVT, meaning Variable Timing Variable Train — a new technology. Hyundai has the habit of showing of their new wares — remember the CRD diesel engine was introduced by them in 2002.

The petrol-engine Verna comes in three variants, the I, the XI and the XXI. The I is the base model, but has power steering, power brake, electric window and fog lights.

The XI has a wooden central fascia, keyless entry, and four speakers but nothing more. Just the four speakers, no music system. Strange.

The XXI has a two-din audio system with MP3 player, auto climate control, manually adjustable driver’s seat and headrest. The front seats have armrests and the car comes equipped with alloy rims. All cars are shod with radial and tubeless tyres.

The diesel-engine Verna has no variants. It is the same as the base petrol model which means power steering, power windows, fog lights and rear window defogger. It has a 1500 cc CRDI engine with VGT (variable geometry turbocharger) technology which sets this car apart from its rivals.

The VGT makes best use of exhaust gas energy to drive the turbo charger effectively at all rpm to enhance fuel economy and reduce pollution. It is the exhaust gases that drive the turbine to generate pressure. This is achieved because the nozzles are adjustable and direct the airflow into the turbo charger. All this is designed to counter the turbo lag.

This lack of turbo lag is noticeable when driving the car. There is a minimal turbo lag and the acceleration is phenomenal. It could even be faster than the petrol-engine Verna. The Verna has a sporty and aerodynamic look. A neat small grill in the front flanked by swept-back headlights, which are adjustable.

There’s a micro antenna on the roof at the rear, and a remote opener for petrol flap and the rear boot. The rear seat is split 60-40. The armrests in the rear come with cup holders. Electric windows are standard on all models as are electrically operated outside rear-view mirrors. The ground clearance is 170 mm and the variants are available in nine colours, all metallic.

If you opt for ABS (anti-lock braking system), you get disc brakes on all four wheels. This sets you back by Rs 30,000 Crumple zones are built into the car and it has impact sensing Auto Door Unlocking. Air bags are not available.

The driver has a few surprises in store. The Verna features a clutch lock. This means that to start the car the driver has to press the clutch. The gear-shift lever has a collar lock. You have to lift a ring on the gear-shift lever to get into reverse.

And another surprise, reverse is engaged by lifting and moving the lever upward to the left, next to the first. Strange, indeed! There are four gears in the top gate and only two in the lower gate. It will take some getting used to. The gear shift knob leather.

The central fascia on the dash is wood and rotary controls have been introduced. There are the usual cup holders, map pockets and a special receptacle for spectacles. The glove box is illuminated. The dashboard, though functional, is unimaginative. Nevertheless it is an interesting and exciting offering from Hyundai.

The price of the petrol variant is Rs 6-7 lakh while the diesel version costs about Rs 7.3 lakh.

Happy motoring.

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