Exterior Design and Features of the 2017 Hyundai Verna

The new Verna has been built on Hyundai’s K2 platform. This 5^th generation model bares a stark contrast from the previous generation model. In terms of design language the new Verna gets sophisticated looks. The front fascia is bold and looks well dressed with supple use of chrome on the grille and bumper. Hyundai’s cascade grille design and stretched projector headlamps add a modish and bold touch to the sedan’s front. The projector headlamps feature LED DRLs and cornering lamps. Hyundai is also offering projector fog lamps on the new Verna with a smart looking chrome surrounded casing. 

The side profile of the sedan is butch and features a solid shoulder line which runs out seamlessly before the A pillar and straight into the boot. Adding a touch of bling, the Korean car manufacturer has also included a chrome belt line. The Verna rides on smart looking 16-inch 5 spoke diamond cut alloys.

The new Verna gets a sloping C pillar which lends this sedan a very coupe like design. In my eyes this small change has redefined the way the Verna would be perceived. This design of the C pillar has added a subtle sense of elegance to an otherwise very bold and sophisticated silhouette. The rear section features split LED tail lamps, chrome garnish on the boot lid and a muscular bumper with ample of plastic cladding.

Interior Design and Features of the 2017 Hyundai Verna

Despite being immensely functional, I felt the interiors could have done with more colour. Hyundai has carried forward a beige and black dual tone theme inside the cabin with Leatherette upholstery being offered on the top spec SX (O) variant. The dash is partially biased towards the driver and has been designed in an extremely ergonomical manner. The seats as well are rather comfortable and provide adequate cushioning.

Speaking of seats, on offer are ventilated front seats, a segment first! Hyundai has always aimed at leading the pack with its trend setting offerings and the new Verna is no exception to this. The top spec variant of the Verna comes loaded to the hilt with class leading features such as an electric sunroof, hands free smart trunk, manually operated rear curtain, rear AC vents, a total of 3 USB charging slots, 7 inch infotainment setup with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Mirror Link, sliding front armrest, cooled glovebox, automatic climate control, automatic headlamps, voice commands and cruise control.      

The overall space in the cabin as well has been improved. The 5^th generation Verna sees an increase in length, height and wheelbase. The rear seat headroom has been improved by 3mm while legroom in the rear has been increased by 44mm. Seating in the rear is adequately comfy, however I felt a bit more leg room would have made things much better. Another factor which really appealed to me was the roomy feeling I got inside the cabin, the addition of the sunroof does more than add to this. The overall comfort in this cabin is exceptional.

Engine and Performance of the 2017 Hyundai Verna

The 1.6L, 4 cylinder, CRDi, turbocharged diesel mill belts out 126bhp and 260Nm of torque. The engine may be the same as the previous generation Verna but the tuning has been tweaked. The sedan now feels more linear in its progression.

The engineers at Hyundai have done a fabulous job in tuning this engine which now delivers a better low end torque than before. This is almost immediately evident the moment you floor it! Even while I was driving in the hills, the low end torque was quite delightful when taking on inclines. The Verna is able to pull cleanly up inclines. This 1.6L diesel mill on the Verna has been tuned to deliver peak torque low in the range starting from 1500rpm and ranging up to 3000rpm.  

The engine revs freely till 5000rpm post which not much is on offer on the band. The 1.6L diesel has been mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, also on offer is a 6-speed automatic. I had at my disposal the manual variant. The gear box is quite crisp and the engine goes through the first three gears quickly. The 4^th, 5^th and 6^th come with longer legs which can be really stretched out on highways.

Hyundai has also improved the ride and handling of the new Verna. The sedan now gets a hydraulic recoil absorber in the rear. While driving fast or cornering hard, the new Verna feels more confident and sure footed than before. The suspension is mildly stiffer and thus rendering more control to the driver. The brakes have also been tweaked for a better grip. Hyundai has also weighted the steering really well and that has made the drive of this new sedan immensely pleasurable.   

Verdict

The 5^th generation Hyundai Verna gets a touch of everything in the right quantities, be it technology, comfort, convenience, luxury, space or performance. Taking on the likes of the Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and the Honda City, Hyundai has ensured the new Verna gets some segment first features.