Good Motoring
New-look Verna packed with goodies
H. Kishie Singh

When the Hyundai Verna was first introduced some years ago, it was thought it would be a step up from the Accent. Sadly, that did not happen. On the technology front, the Verna did not lack anything. The diesel had a variable geometry turbo, which gave it a sterling performance. The only thing not in its favour was road holding and boxy looks. The Indian buyer is getting choosy and looks do matter.

In today’s Verna the looks department has been extremely well addressed, and one look at the exterior lines holds promise that a lot more will follow. A side view shows a crease line from the front wheel arch across the doors to the rear tail lights. This is vaguely reminiscent of the crease lines from i -20. The lower part of the door has crease lines as well.

The official launch of Verna’s latest model is on May 10

The bonnet has crease lines, which give it a very sculpted look. The side view of the car gives it an extremely sporty look rather than the boxy sedan look, which has become so dull.

The front radiator grills are set into a pressed and creased area; the upper grill has the bold ‘H’ for Hyundai in chrome. As always, and in most cars, the number plate does not add to the splendour of the car. The boomerang`A0foglights and swept back headlights give the car an aggressive and pleasing stance. So far the Verna is a winner.

To cater to the Indian consumers’ demands, the platform size has been increased. The new Verna is now lower, longer and wider than the one it replaces. The wheel base has also been increased. All this means more room on the inside. The current platform is 2.57 metre in length, which makes it 70 mm longer. The width has increased by 90 mm to be 4.37 metre. The leg room in front puts it in same league with cars in a higher segment. Since the clear-cut lines defining segments these days have become blurred, it is pertinent to mention that the current Verna is set to do battle with the Honda City, the Ford Fiesta and the VW Vento. This means that the luxury trim of leather seats, electronically folding and`A0operated ORVM (outside rear view mirror), steering mounted controls will be standard offering to help batter the opposition.

To further endear itself to the Indian customer, a choice of four engines is being made available, two are petrol, two are diesel. On offer is 1.4-litre diesel engine, putting out 90 bhp and 221 Nm of torque. The 1.6 diesel engine puts out 128 bhp and 260 Nm of torque. The petrol engines are d.o.h.c,`A0 mpfi. The 1.4-litre petrol engine pumps out 106 bhp and 136 Nm of torque. The 1.6-litre`A0petrol engine pumps out 122 bhp and 156 Nm of torque. To further increase its acceptability, the cars will have a choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic. Automatic gearboxes are continuing to find favour, maybe not in the cities like Chandigarh where driving is a sane experience, but certainly in cities like Delhi, where "Stop and Go" crawling is the order of the day.

An important upgrade has been with brakes. Both front and rear brakes are new ventilated discs incorporating ABS and EBD.

One department where the Korean manufacturer has always been in the lead is giving high-end equipment to the consumer. Goodies like alloy wheels, airbags, audio system with mp3, central locking plus remote climate control with rear A/C vents, electronic mirrors, adjusting and retracting, electric seats, parking sensors and tilt steering have been packed into the car. These are little items that really make driving a pleasure.

Hyundai has packaged all this into the new Verna. The million dollar question that will be on everybody’s mind is the price of the car. Since the official launch of the car is on May 10, your favourite motoring`A0column has jumped the gun and brought you a complete lowdown on the new Verna, except the price. An educated guess may give you an idea. With all these goodies crammed into a car and a choice of four engines and two gearboxes, the price for the lowest-end Verna could be Rs 7.50 lakh. If it is closer to Rs 7 lakh, it will be a real bargain. The top-end Verna should not be more than Rs 9 lakh. Above that price the offering could be a distraction.

Happy motoring.