SEDAN
ThefifthgenerationVernaisnothingshortofbeing spectacularandaforcetoreckonwith
The Hyundai Verna, now in its fifth generation began life way back in 1994. Ever since its launch, the Verna has found 8.8 million takers and is sold across 66 countries worldwide. The major revolution began in 2011 with the advent of the ‘Fluidic’ design philosophy at Hyundai and since then there has been no looking back. The Verna of today though is miles ahead and packs in features and technologies which set segment benchmarks. But it was quite an uphill task for the engineers at Hyundai to come up with a sedan which is nothing short of being truly sorted. Here is how the fifth generation Verna took shape.
The new generation Verna is based on the all new K2 platform. The platform promises superior ride and handling and aids top notch NVH characteristics. The Super Body structure on the other hand is made of 50 per cent ultra high strength steel which improves
body rigidity, offers better weld strength and in all offers better crash worthiness. When it comes to ride and handling, engineers paid special attention to the suspension tuning. Adoption of hydraulic rebound stopper in the front suspension and implementation of a vertical shock absorber are just a few. Hyundai has also gone on to great measure to ensure that the Verna impresses with its engine performance. The 1.6-litre Dual VTVT petrol engine has been given low friction DLC coated tappets and an upgraded timing chain system which ensures longer life and smooth performance. The 1.6-litre CRDi VGT too has been upgraded for better performance and fuel efficiency. Hyundai is also offering a choice of gearboxes with the Verna. This includes 6-speed manual and automatic boxes.
Hyundai has also gone ahead and put the fifth generation Verna through a rigorous India specific evaluation process. The evaluation was divided into three main parts which included various road conditions, Indian driving habits and harsh weather condition tests. While the high speed expressways found in north India was used to evaluate high speed handling and the cruise control system, the climate control and seat cooling functions were put to test
in the scorching summer sun of Rajasthan. Tiger Valley in Maharashtra which consists of ghat sections was used to carry out suspension tests. The Verna was also driven across the country from the hills of Shimla to the rough roads in Odisha to evaluate various parameters like uphill drivability and cold start conditions along with ABS sensitivity. But it was not just performance testing which was implemented. Hyundai has also gone out and done extensive durability tests. Dedicated locations like Delhi city, the Pune highway and Chennai city were picked up to ensure these tests remain as real as possible. Overall the fifth generation Verna went through five lakh kilometers of durability tests.
The fifth generation Verna comes loaded with features. This includes projector head lamps and fog lamps, LED tail lamps, shark fin antenna, cruise control, 7.0in AVN, rear curtain, electric sunroof, cooled seats and voice recognition technology. To add to the safety bit, one can also get up to six airbags in the new Verna. Last but not the least, the fifth generation Verna has won the coveted Indian Car of The Year award.