Hyundai Verna 1.6 VTVT
Maxabout Review
Refreshed & Improved
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Hyundai Verna is a mid-size sedan that is based on the concept of 'large on the inside and compact outside'. Verna has a contemporary automotive design. It has a relatively short bonnet, which gives it a cab-forward stance, and a stubby, notchback-style boot. Now, Hyundai has given Verna a minor facelift - both exterior and interiors. 5 variants have been launched in New Verna - in both petrol & diesel:
- 1.6 VTVT
- 1.6 VTVT SX
- 1.5 CRDi
- 1.5 CRDi SX
- 1.5 CRDi SX Auto
Following changes have been made in the New Verna:
- A new radiator grille with a chrome strip on the top of it.
- New waistline moulding with a chrome insert.
- New full wheel cover and a chrome rear garnish.
- Electrically adjustable outside rear view mirrors.
- New seat fabric/interiot trim.
- All new much needed dash integrated 2-DIN CD player.
- New 4-speed automatic gearbox.
- Fatter 185/65 R14 tyres
- Leather wrapped steering wheel and leather wrapped gear knob.
- Alloy wheels.
- Luggage net
- ABS
The 1.5-litre, 16-valve CRDi engine delivers a 110 PS of peak power at 4,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 24 kgm from as low as about 1,900 rpm. The petrol option has 1.6-litre engine that the VTVT (Variable Timing Valve Train) technology. It generates a peak power of 103.2 ps at 5,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 14.9 kgm at 3,000 rpm.
The easy availability of torque meant that it was powering its way through corners effortlessly. And it was on these roads that the vast generation gap between the Verna and the Accent makes itself very apparent. The Verna's dynamics are well sorted and the car feels much more integrated. All in all, the Verna seems to have everything in place - petrol and diesel engine options, a taut body, conservative looks that will not ruffle any feathers, quality interiors and high-spec build quality. 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. The Verna is a segment above Accent and competes with the Honda City, Chevrolet Aveo and Ford Fiesta. Now, we have to see how new verna manages to take on the new Honda City and recentky launched Fiat Linea. Base variant of New Verna petrol has been priced at Rs. 669000.00 and goes up to 907000.00 for the top end 4 speed automatic diesel variant.