This is the new Verna. Not all new, but a face lifted one that was introduced internationally last year, and now heading for Indian shores. Of course, Hyundai has a new name for it too – the Fluidic Verna. In case you ask – style, safety, speed and sophistication. Not that the earlier model doesn’t have it but you can expect more from the new model, says Hyundai.
Last year, the Verna got an update. The most significant change then, was tuning the suspension to make it less choppy for rear seat passengers. This made the ride quite pliant and comfortable. This time, the major change is to the front and rear exterior design. There is a much wider grille with chrome slats that end into an even larger pair of swept-back headlamps. DRLs(daytime running lights), however have been done away with, but you get an upmarket-looking headlight layout with focal lamps.
The bumper design is also more protruding now and overall, the Verna looks much wider and bigger than before. However, the dimensions haven’t changed. The wheelbase is still the same, but the new, voluptuous rear bumper has added a couple of millimetres to the overall length.
While the suspension settings have been tuned further, owners of the 2014 Verna may not notice the difference immediately inside this one, though of course, older Verna owners will. The ride is comfortably pliant, although the ride is a bit noisy at low speeds. At high speeds it can pretty much run over bumps and potholes without getting unsettled, which makes the Verna an apt highway runner too. To help matters, the rear seat has been modified and is a more snug fit now. Three can sit comfortably although it doesn’t look as spacious as the City yet. Hyundai however, has realised the need to focus on rear seat comfort, and apart from these changes, the new Verna also offers practical bits like cup holders in the centre armrest and rear door pockets.
The steering wheel now gets telescopic adjust as well, apart from height adjust, which helps to get a more comfortable driving position. The driving feel is more or less still not in the same league as the VW Vento. It is light at low speeds and does weigh up as speed builds but offers little in feedback.
However, the Verna tries hard to play game to quick lane change demands. Body roll is noticeable but the car doesn’t lose composure easily. Under the hood we still get the same engines – 1.4 and 1.6-litre units in both petrol and diesel option. While the petrol is mated to a five-speeder manual, the diesel gets a six-speed gearbox. All engines have been tuned for better efficiency.
Inside, there is not much change. Yet the Verna remains one of the most significantly-specced midsize cars out there, with the top variant getting practically every relevant feature from and beyond its segment. ABS is now standard throughout the range and 6 airbags will now come standard on the SX variant. There are 10 variants in total, with prices ranging from ?7.74 lakh to ?10.15 lakh for the petrol, and ?8.95 to ?12.2 lakh for the diesel variants. All prices are ex-showroom, Delhi.
With this “4S” Verna, its midlife facelift is now complete. It gives the car more street presence and will help keep it in the game every time someone thinks of buying a midsize family car.A more conventional front design compared to the original ‘fluidic’ one. Unlike typical facelifts, Hyundai has addressed almost all the major issues that the old model faced. With a stiffened suspension, heavier steering and updated design along with most powerful petrol and diesel engines in the segment, the Verna is a much better value for money product than many of its rivals.
The front seats offer decent lower-back and under-thigh support, and the driver’s seat has all the adjustments including that for height. While the front seats of the car are fairly comfortable for long drives, the rear seats can get a bit tiring. Even though the company claims to have improved under-thigh support in the rear bench, I am of the opinion that it could still do with some improvement.