New 2015 Hyundai Verna 4S Facelift Review: Vernacular Renaissance

Performance

Like its predecessor, the new 2015 Hyundai Verna 4S will be offered with not two, not three, but four engine options. The petrol variants can be bought, powered by either a 1.4-liter GAMMA motor that pumps out 107 PS @ 6300 rpm and 13.8 kgm of torque @ 5000 rpm, or a 1.6-liter engine that churns out 123 PS @ 6300 rpm and 15.8 kgm of torque @ 5000 rpm. Both motors have been rated for an ARAI tested efficiency figure of 17.43 and 17.01 kpl respectively. Both engines come mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, however, there is a 4-speed auto option that promises to return an efficiency figure of 15.74 kpl. At the drive event, Hyundai let us sample the 1.6 petrol and diesel motors, here’s our take:

1.6 Petrol

The 1.6-litre petrol engine powering the 2015 4S Verna features an electronically controlled throttle that regulates the amount of air intake according to the engine speed, along with Dual VTVT the controls the opening and closing timing of valves, again based on driving parameters. All this promises good low-end torque, reduced emissions and higher economy. The Verna even makes tall claims of churning out an impressive; segment topping 123 PS of power on paper. However, all that excitement in ink doesn’t really translate into on-road whoosh. Not that the Verna is a slouch, but it somehow fails to display alacrity, fails to make you believe that the motor underneath really displaces those many horses. Taller gearing that assists economy, makes watching the rev needle climb through the white dial a lethargic sight, although keep pushing and the engine will rev all the way to its 6500 rpm redline. Having said all that, the engine is pretty refined and delivers power in a linear manner, the strong mid-range making it a pretty efficient highway cruiser. Once the devil inside starts controlling your right foot, the GAMMA motor emits a raspy tone, which is in stark contrast to the 5-speed shifter that is butter smooth and a joy to use. Shifts are creamy, and if you like, it just requires one of your fingers to slide it through the gates.

1.6 Diesel

Although decreasing fuel prices have brought back petrol engine to the fore in a strong manner, modern diesel engines have managed to pull away some section of the rev happy crowd, luring them with efficiency and higher torque. The 1.6-litre CRDI engine on the Verna 4S is again the most powerful diesel motor in the segment, developing 128 PS @ 4000 rpm and a healthy 26.5 kgm of torque between 1900 – 2750 rpm. Armed with a variable geometry turbocharger, a swirl control valve that improves combustion and nano diamond coated pistons for reduced friction, the Verna, with those dynamic looks, will really make you believe that all you need to do to shrink distances is floor the throttle.

Start the motor and you’d be greeted with an audible diesel clatter, that doesn’t filter into the cabin. However, as you set off, the motor isn’t a benchmark for drivability, further let down by taller gearing, making you shift into lower gears, every time the revs drop to anything below 1800 rpm. Once on the move though, there is a gentle surge you experience near the 2000 rpm mark as the turbo kicks in. Post that, acceleration is pretty brisk, the car not running out of breath, even near the 140-150 kph mark, and with enough juice in store to register a few more hops over the speedo markings. The additional sixth cog makes the Verna 4S an effortless cruiser, while at the same time it will ensure that economy figures are brilliant. The Hyundai Verna 4s has been rated to return 23.9 kpl (ARAI tested).

Gearshifts again, are smooth and slot into place with positive reassurance.

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