Hyundai Verna
Hyundai
drops its Accent for the all-new Verna, which retains the
brand's reputation for quality budget motoring...
What's
New
Hyundai makes cheap cars cheerful, that much is certain
and the company's been steadily working away at upping the
quality, look and feel of its products. So much so that
if you haven't gone near a Hyundai in recent memory, chances
are you'd be happily surprised by how far they've come if
you did.
The
latest model to hit local showrooms is the Verna, Hyundai's
replacement for the popular Accent small sedan. The Verna
is a considerably larger car than the Accent, hence the
rationale behind giving it a different name. Incidentally,
the new car's basic mechanicals also form the underpinnings
for the Kia Rio.
The
two cars do manage to be quite different, though, with the
Hyundai projecting a more mature, sober air than the arguably
funkier Rio. Which is presumably intended. Hyundai's offerings
have steadily become more European and, consequently, more
premium in feel and the sober distinction works in that
context.
The
Verna's nose is pretty attractive, with sleek front fenders
tapering towards fared-in headlamps that frame a neat oval
grille. It's certainly a far cry from the slightly awkward
looking Accent. The car's flanks and rear aspect are more
conventional, though, and the latter view is where the car
bears the most resemblance to the Rio.
The
interior quality is as per all recent Hyundais, which is
to say pretty much beyond reproach. The dashboard is clearly
laid out and all the controls fall easily to hand. Hyundai
has also covered most surfaces in textured plastics that
do a pretty good job of emulating the soft-touch coating
that more expensive cars sometimes come with. Interior room
is pretty good, for front passengers at least. At the rear,
ideally, you should carry just two people, any more would
constitute a bit of a squash. Plus the centre passenger
only gets a lap belt for protection.
How
it Performs
The Verna you see here is the range-topping 1.6-litre automatic
version. The engine boasts continuously variable valve timing,
and develops 112bhp. Progress is pretty brisk, but you have
to be judicious with throttle inputs, or the four-speed
gearbox will protest by being less inclined to smooth-out
gearchanges.
On
the road, only the intrusion of a bit too much road noise,
thanks to the budget tyres mars what is otherwise an impressively
refined cabin. The Verna's steering is nicely weighted and
surprisingly positive, which sort of makes you want to drive
more enthusiastically. However, the tyres make sure that
there is less grip available than enthusiasm ideally requires,
and the fact that the Verna's set up a bit too softly for
sporting driving, quickly dissipates the red mist.
If,
in any event, things do go pear shaped, you'll be very pleased
to note that the Verna comes equipped with a driver's side
airbag, and an Anti-Lock braking System or ABS, which alone
should seal the deal for many.
How
it Stacks Up
The Verna lists at $52,000 with COE, which is a bargain.
It's comfortable, well-built and looks very smart, but the
best thing is the fact that the Verna comes with ABS, a
feature that not many cars in this segment come with as
standard.
| Technical Specifications |
|
MODEL
Hyundai Verna 1.6 (A)
ENGINE
Engine: 1,599cc 16V in-line 4
Max Power: 112bhp at 4,500rpm
Max Torque: 145Nm at 4,500rpm
TRANSMISSION
4-speed automatic
TOP SPEED
176 kmh
0-100km/h
12.0s
|
