In Brief
Meet the Hyundai Verna. Hyundai has completely wiped the slate clean of its awkward looking predecessors with their current range of cars, but once upon a time, styling wasn’t Hyundai’s strong suite. Back then, cars like the Verna reared their ugly head to attract only the discerning car buyer. That’s right. It wasn’t easy to lure a customer based on styling for the Korean carmaker and so the Verna didn’t do as well as we have come to know of Hyundais at present. This car, the Verna before its Fluidic successor was available too in an extensive variant line up but it was the diesel that really got some attention while the rest faded away. So it’s the diesel you are most likely to come across. Find out if it’s worth a look.
On the Road
This Verna is globally the third generation of the Accent (called the Accent elsewhere but changed to Verna in India as the earlier Accent wasn’t discontinued). It was produced from 2006-2011 in India and in this time was offered with a 1.4 and 1.6-litre petrol engine and a 1.5-litre diesel. The diesel Verna was properly torquey at the slight flex of the right foot and take win over quite a few customers. It had about 112PS of power and 235Nm of torque. The Verna was spacious on the inside and compact on the outside. It rides reasonably well on Macpherson struts up front and axle beam rears.
Moving in
The Verna’s interior has little in terms design to boast of, but the shortish dashboard clears up enough space for occupants. Features wise, it’s the basic music system, air conditioning and power windows. Back in the day, Hyundais too had only the necessary features till they decided to up the game with the i10. Quality of plastics is acceptable and the interior is ergonomically sound as well. You may have to deal with its passé styling but that’s part and parcel of a car of this age.
Efficiency
While ARAI efficiency figures of the diesel Verna aren’t available, in the real world, expect from 12-13kmpl in the city and about 16kmpl on the highway in a well maintained car. The torquey nature of the engine tempts you to be a bit more enthusiastic than you need at most times and that could hamper efficiency.
Buying used
One thing is for sure, the version of the Verna to buy is the diesel. In the diesel, the main part to check is the engine. More specifically the turbocharger of high mileage cars. Notice louder turbo whistle and black exhaust fumes for a damaged turbo and if you do see one, stay away because it’s over a Rs 60,000 expense. Most cars you will find for sure will be high mileage examples, so make sure to check for suspension noises. The dampers need to be replaced after around 50,000km depending on usage and road conditions. The front suspension especially takes a good beating. The Verna also has an expensive clutch, so if the owner is used to riding the clutch, it will be jumpy and hard with little play. Check for clutch travel and ease in slotting gears. Besides these, the Verna is a well built car.
Money-wise
A 2010 top spec Verna diesel will cost you in the range of Rs 5 lakh, add or subtract Rs 20,000 for quality of the car. Pick a car a year older and you will have to shell out about Rs 40,000 lesser and so on.
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