In the past two years we’ve all seen these in our rear view mirror and suddenly zoom past us. It’s the 1.5 liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, CRDi, VGT (Variable Geometry Turbocharger) diesel engine producing a 110bhp. The diesel Verna is much more popular then the petrol 1.6 liter, 4-cylinder, DOHC, VTVT (Variable Timing Valve Train) engine which produces 103bhp. Two years down the line Hyundai Verna is still doing well in the medium segment luxury sedan and I must add its quite compact. The Verna has a contemporary automotive design with a short boot and the rectangular fog lamps look neat.
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INTERIORS
Pleasant two tone color theme with dark tan on top and beige bottom half invite you inside. The two tone runs all around the dashboard and the doors. The seats are quite similar to the accent and seem good, though the rear seats do not have enough leg room if you are 6feet or sitting behind a someone who has the front seat all the way back. 170mm of ground clearance gives it a good height. The quality of plastics all around the door, window switches, and other knobs is much better & feels very good. At night the instrument cluster is nicely lit.
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Though only the petrol top model comes with a factory fitted two din music system, the console is slightly tilted towards the driver side which is very thoughtful of Hyundai and gives u a good access to the panel. Though I did miss not having the armrest on the driver seat, which would make the ride very comfortable. The air conditioning is very powerful and the blower does not have any noise but still takes away any minute engine noise that you may notice inside the cabin making you question if you really are sitting behind such a powerful engine. The diesel is pretty much as silent as a petrol engine.
PERFORMANCE & HANDLING & SAFETY
Hyundai is known for its quick acceleration from the santro, but the verna has given a new definition to electric acceleration. A tap on the accelerator and the car just gallops ahead, making you push back in your seat. The Verna handles well on both low and high speeds, though at high speeds due to light weight and one might start to feel as if the car might fly out. Its very sturdy to handle rough roads and sharp turns. Verna is a clear winner when it comes to competition from Ford in terms of power and performance. The 110bhp is enough to make anyone go crazy. Though I would suggest wider tyres on this beast. The fuel economy is impressive with overall 17kmpl on diesel. Maintenance costs are pretty standard with the diesel with service due every 10,000kms. ABS is optional where as there is no option for AIRBAGS.
THE BOTTOM LINE
This is a no frills car, with no extra features like audio controls on steering wheel etc. Priced in the 8L bracket with there is pretty much no competition from Ford or Chevrolet and the performance is quite tempting. And given the fact parking is becoming a problem in cities. A compact comfortable sedan with crazy power on the highway is just the answer.
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THE VERNA 2009
With no change in price Hyundai has come out with some new colors, electrically operated OVRM’s, chrome inserts in waistline moulding, rear chrome garnish, a new radiator grill, a new set of covers for wheels and lastly but the most important 4 speed automatic transmission. Well now the lazy can have some fun too. Pay the extra price - put it into auto drive and zoom all you can.