2017 Hyundai Verna review, road test

We tested all versions of the latest Verna to tell you all there is to know about Hyundai’s new Honda City and Maruti Ciaz challenger.

Published on Oct 31, 2017 06:00:00 AM

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Top Vernas get LED DRLs, projector headlamps and cornering lamps.

Cascading grille a new-age Hyundai design element. Looks a bit big here.

Boot lid lip and ridges on bumper help reduce air flow resistance at rear.

You need to first have a go in the last-gen Verna to understand just how big a leap forward the new model has taken in terms of ride and handling. For starters, gone is the old car’s borderline scary, disconnected feel at highway speeds. What the stiff new Verna offers instead is a far more settled experience. It doesn’t move around half as much as the old car did and drives with a confidence and poise that was altogether missing then. There’s less vertical movement and even the odd bump taken at speed doesn’t ruffle the car as much. Further, the excellent road and wind noise insulation helps camouflage speeds; so on open roads you’ll have to keep an eye on the speedo to make sure you aren’t driving faster than you intended to.

That said, not all Vernas are alike. The heavier diesel models offer better body control than the lighter petrols. Our petrol manual test car felt the least sure-footed of the lot but was still a country mile better than its floppy predecessor. The new Verna also brakes better. The pedal feel is good, stability under braking is impressive and braking performance is among the best in the class. However, should you find yourself in a panic-braking scenario, don’t be alarmed by judders at the pedal, as it’s the ABS at work and it’s tuned to kick in very early.

On twisty roads, you’ll like the grip the Verna has to offer and the fact that it changes direction without much fuss. It’s just that the steering isn’t rich in feel and, on changing radius turns, the inconsistent way it weights up leaves you unsure of exactly how much lock to give. Sure, there’s less of that looseness in the steering and body even, but a Ford Fiesta (RIP) this is not. The lightness at the Verna’s steering does equate to less effort at parking speeds though.

If not for its handling, you’ll like the Verna for the way it tackles our pockmarked roads at typical city speeds. Nothing comes jarring through to the cabin and the suspension always does its work quietly. The Verna can’t completely arrest small ripples on the road surface but it doesn’t unduly bob or pitch either.