Report: P.Tharyan;
Photography: Mohd. Nasir
Ever since
the Hyundai Verna was launched in 2006, this compact sedan won the hearts of
hundreds and thousands of customers in the country. The car simply got better
in its looks and performance as the years went by. From the Verna Transform in
2010 and the Fluidic Verna in 2011, we now have the 4 S Fluidic Verna in 2015.
The 4S simply
denotes how things have just got better with the car. The 4 S symbol denotes
how this new car has got a better Styling, better Safety features, better Speed
and better Sophistication. When I got the key of the 1.6 litre petrol 4S
Fluidic Verna in Udaipur, Rajasthan, I could not resist comparing the car to
the royal environs of this city. The car stood out like a smart prince in the
crowd. The Fluidic inspiration continued to have its graceful aura both outside
as well as inside the vehicle. While there was no doubt that the car got better
when it came to looks, it also got plusher interiors and some very robust
riding qualities.
The car is
being offered in two petrol engine options and two diesel engine options. The petrol car will have an option of a 1.4
litre and 1.6 litre Gamma VTVT engine. The diesel car will have an option of a
1.4 U II and 1.6 litre VGT-CRDi engine. Both the petrol as well as the diesel
cars will have an option of an automatic transmission in the 1.6 litre variant.
Thus, depending on the power and torque you really want, one can opt for the
right car.
It was a 1.6
litre petrol engine with a manual transmission that we got to drive at Udaipur.
As we got out of the palace hotel gates, we hit innumerable pot holes. But the
ride comfort immediately proved that this new Verna had a fantastically tweaked
suspension. That actually seems to be the high point of this new Verna. Every
other car on Indian roads today goes fast, every other car on the Indian roads
today accelerates fast and smooth and every other car on Indian roads today
looks kind of good. But the Verna has much more than the every other car on the
Indian roads. It scores high on the style front, it scores high on the safety
front and it definitely scores high on the ride comfort front. This car is not
about how low it is going to be eventually priced, this car is all about how
much one needs to pay to enjoy its supreme qualities.

Exterior & Interior
One look at
the car and you realise that the fluidic design continues to be in vogue. The
wing shaped front grille has a grand look about it while the projector
headlamps and boomerang shaped fog lamps boosts its overall style appeal. The
car stands of smart 16inches diamond cut alloy wheels which have its own sporty
appeal. The rear too looks neat, especially with the concealed type exhaust
which gives a clean look to the bumper. The elongated stylish wraparound tail
lamp gives the rear an LED effect. The two tone rear bumper with reflectors
enhances the sporty look of the vehicle.
If the
outside is stylish, the inside too is plush and comfortable. The seats come
with adequate thigh support, sliding console arm rest with storage (for front
passengers) and a rear seat arm rest for those at the back. This comes with cup
holders. So, if you have bottles, glasses, knick knacks, then there is plenty
of storage space for you in the car. The glove box has cooling. Driver comforts
include a height adjustable driver seat, tilt and telescopic steering and
electronically adjustable and foldable outside rear view mirrors. Then there is
the 2DIN Bluetooth audio system with 1GB internal memory and six speakers,
along with USB and Aux input and a multi function steering wheel. Boy, this car
is loaded big time with almost every practical feature you want. Talking of
practical features, the list is actually endless…smart key with push button
start, escort headlamps, auto lights and wipers (turns turn on when you enter a
dark tunnel suddenly during the day or the wipers come on when it starts to
drizzle suddenly!)…

Safety features
The car is
not only loaded with features that make your journey comfortable but also safe.
Yes, SAFE. There are loads of safety features in the car. First and foremost,
this car has a rigid body structure with high tensile steel, six airbags: dual,
side and curtain, anti lock braking, speed sensing auto door lock and impact
sensing unlock….Let me pause there and explain what the latter means. Many a
times when we start a car and speed up, we tend to forget to lock our doors.
Here the car does this on its own as it gathers speed, keeping the occupants
safe. Also on impact, the car doors unlock for your quit exit from the car. The
car has a reverse parking camera, the inside rear view mirror has a camera
display and it also has rear parking sensors. The car also has a driver safety
window with anti pinch feature.
Drive and handling
I must say
the car impressed me with its great suspension. Technically speaking, the rear
shock absorber comes with low velocity control valve that ensures appropriate
damping force and the rear coil springs offer the right spring stiffness rate
to counter a bumpy ride. This car also has a bump stopper that counters a thud
noise. No wonder the bumps on the roads were of no consequence while driving on
the pot holed roads. Also, the motor
driven power steering offered good steering response at all speeds. Because of
a smart engine and an electronic throttle control, one could get immense
response at the mere tap of the accelerator.
Quick acceleration
and a steady climb in speed coupled with great handling features, makes the new
Hyundai Verna perfect in every department. It is not just the speed that is
impressive, but how the car handles in corners at these speeds. It keeps itself
steadily perched on the road with some excellent grip. Even at these high
speeds, the car is rock steady. This is one of the high points of this car.
I personally
feel that Hyundai has done a great job in ensuring that the car is a winner in
every department, whether it is styling, space, comfort, ride and handling. And
to know that is a safe car, well, that is very reassuring too! The money you
spend buying this car will be akin to a long term investment on the notorious
roads we drive on.
Engine
|
Transmission
|
Power
|
Torque
|
Fuel
Economy
|
1591cc, Gamma
VTVT Petrol
|
5-Speed
Manual
|
121.3 bhp
|
155 Nm
|
17. 01kmpl
|
Tyre
|
Wheels
|
Suspension
(F/R)
|
Brakes
(F/R)
|
Price
(ex-showroom
Delhi)
|
195/55 R 16
|
Sporty 16 inches
diamond cut alloys
|
Mcpherson
Strut / Coupled Torsion Beam Axle
|
Disc/ Drum
|
NA
|
