I own an Hyundai Verna VGT(diesel) and I was tempted to undertake this review on the Verna a couple of days after I had owned and driven the car, however I held my horses and told myslef that a fair thing would be is to do this article once I am fully aware of how she behaves to my wants and demands. Today she is like a pair of Lewis Jeans you would never want to get out off. She is the next most important thing in the order of my wife.and my home.and my parents.I’d end it there.
She has been obidient and has put up with all my tantrums for the last 2+ years. My Odo reads more than what any normal privately owned car would do. She has clocked 60, 000 KMs in 2 years and 5 months. Yes Thats a lot I would say, and for the best part. Other than a blocked Windshield Wiper and a dusty power window switch that had to be cleaned to get it to work again, I have not had any other problems.
Now for some detailed Specs:
Styling:She is not the most nicest piece of design from a styling perspective but her all muscle looks is quiet impressive. You could use your imagination and make her looks worth a million dollars.
Engine:The engine in this car is the major attraction. Though the engine is a shade short of a masterpiece there are a few things that you would be required to do to make her stable for the speed she is capable. Some of them are: oversize Tyres(Low profile tyres upto what is recomended by the manufacturer. Dont try anything beyond that as the tyres would scrape the body) which also means over size alloys that gives her a low slung look and embraces the tarmac. One reason you need to do this is due to her ability of speeds of 180 KMs+. There have been comments and reports on other sites that she is capable of speeds of 190-195 KMPH(which I think is because of a minor inclination on the road. My car does speeds in excess of 215 kmph as that has been my personal best but I know she is capable of maxing the speedo. I have a Booster fitted(very rare for a diesel car) to my fuel line that gives me that additional boost to the torque and also some top speed. Basically I have a 9 sec car.(0-100 KMPh in 9.6 Secs). At speeds of 140 KMPH she is unbileviably quiet when compared to any other Diesel engines.
Interiors:Some of the other manufacturers today focus on the engine and end up with cost effective or low cost interiors. Hyundai hasnt compromised on the interiors either. The cars interiors are fairly Plush with no tacky dasboards and metres. Its nothing to feel disappointed about and on the high end version the manufacturer has ensured that you have a smile on your face all the way back home. The airconditioning is unbieliabley quiet and effective even on a hot day.
Fuel Efficency: She is fuel efficent but not fuel economical, the difference being she delivers what you want for a reasonable cost but does not give you that Bonus like what some of the other diesel cars would. When the car was 6 days old I did undertake a fuel efficency test and she responded with a reasonable 19 KMs per Litre at 80 KMPH. At speeds of 140 she responds in the rage of 14KMs per litre. All this with the airconditioner on 100%.
Boot Space: You can pack as much as you would reasonably expect into the boot. Your Kido’s cycle to the oversize bags for a travel plan for you and your family exceeding 15 days to your collapsable BBQ unit to a couple of single seat garden chairs collapsable.
Braking: ABS is a must. This is currently available only in the High end version and not in all.
Turning Radius: The cars Turning Radius is envable. This is lesser than some of the small segment car. Manouvarablity in Bumper to Bumper traffic is amazing. As mentioned above please be careful when you are tryiong to steer the car too hard while at high speeds. You could fish Tail.
Service: With all the globalization and the opportunities that are available in India today, even despite the recession, it is only but obvious that some of the capable workforce is bound to be moving around. Me and my family have always stayed with the Hyuandai’s for the last 10 years or so and I certainly feel that the service we used to be offered 5 to 3 years ago is better than what it is now. But that is the case across other manufacturers as well as across indutries. From Banking to Hotels to telecom to consumer durable, the attitude and apptitude of the service workforce has considerably deteriorated. Considering this, I would say I reluctantly happy of the service. But certinly better than the Tatas, and the Marutis who have consistently shown a trend down south.
Happy and Safe Driving
Regards,
Shibin