Hyundai has made drastic improvements to the Verna with the facelifted version that only improves on the styling front but also gains on the driving dynamics front over the existing model.
The past year saw the statistics of the C-segment sedan space make some significant repositioning and the once segment leader Hyundai Verna was pushed down not only on the ladder but in sales as well. Nonetheless, addressing most of the shortcomings and coming back as strong as ever, Hyundai India has launched the 2015 Verna 4S priced from Rs. 7.73 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi). The comprehensively updated model takes the Verna brand forward and is based on the 2014 model year with a number of changes.
Design – While the outgoing Verna wasn’t really showing its age, the 2014 Verna 4S does come out as bold and refreshing with a lot more mature styling. Retaining the overall silhouette from the outgoing model, the front fascia has been completely revised with the new wing-shaped grille with dual chrome slats along with a revised headlight cluster that now features projectors as standard with escort lights (follow-me-home-lamps). The Verna 4S also gets a revised bumper that looks a lot bolder with wide air intakes and boomerang shaped fog lights. The absence of LED DRLs though comes as surprising, considering they were available on the outgoing model.
The side profile remains the same, save for the new 16-inch diamond cut alloy wheels and the rear profile gets minimal changes without moving too much away from the existing design. The new tail light cluster gives a LED equipped look while the two-tone bumper gives a clean appearance with the concealed exhaust pipe and boomerang shaped reflectors. At a single glance though, the rear profile has little novelty to offer.
Interiors – Even though the exteriors have been extensively revised, the interiors do not sport any change at all which does seem a bit disappointing. The fit and finish though is certainly overwhelming and the seats have improved cushioning as well as thigh support on both rows. The 2015 Hyundai Verna continues to get the black and beige colour scheme that ensures the premium feel inside while the addition of Ergo lever on the front passenger seat side shows attention towards rear seat legroom.
Already loaded with features, the Hyundai Verna 4S gets new equipment added to the list including a tilt and telescopic steering wheel, automatic headlamps and rain-sensing wipers. The 2-DIN Bluetooth audio system now comes with a 1 GB internal memory and continues with 6 speakers on offer. Other features include push button start, electrically adjustable and foldable ORVMs, cooled glovebox and much more.
Mechanicals – While being the most powerful engines in its class, the Verna performed poorly on driving dynamics and Hyundai has tried to make amends on the 2015 facelift with a stiffer suspension set-up that is a lot more stable at high speeds. The brakes have also improved over the previous version but rear discs have been removed from the manual transmission variants. Hyundai says to have greatly improved the steering feedback over the existing model but it is still not up to its rivals.
Engines – The 2015 Hyundai Verna 4S gets no changes to the power and torque output compared to the outgoing version and continues with the four engines and two transmission options on offer, maximum in the segment.
* 1.4-litre petrol – 107 PS and 135 Nm of torque
* 1.6-litre petrol – 123 PS and 155 Nm of torque
The 1.4 unit is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox while the 1.6-litre engine is paired to a 6-speed manual and a 4-speed automatic unit.
* 1.4-litre diesel – 90 PS and 220 Nm of torque
* 1.6-litre diesel – 128 PS and 260 Nm of torque
Both the diesels are mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox while the 1.6 also comes paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Safety – Hyundai has gone all aboard and packed in six airbags on the new Verna 4S. The automaker has made ABS as standard across all variants while the higher variants also get EBD. In addition, the sedan comes with seat belt pre-tensioners, electrochromic rearview mirrors and impact sensing door lock as standard.
Fuel Efficiency – The petrol versions of the 2015 Hyundai Verna 4S get no changes in fuel efficiency and continue to return an ARAI claimed 17.43 km/l on the 1.4, 17.01 km/l on the 1.6 manual and 15.74 km/l on the 1.6 automatic.
The diesel versions though have seen a marginal improvement in fuel efficiency figures of around 10 percent and now return 24.8 km/l on the 1.4-litre engine; whereas the 1.6 manual returns 23.9 km/l. The 1.6-litre diesel automatic delivers the same 19.08 km/l as before.
The 2015 Hyundai Verna facelift will certainly help the automaker stand more firmly against the fourth generation Honda City that has been dominating the segment in the same space. With good levels of performance, engine refinement, equipment and passenger comfort on offer, the new Verna 4S will also lock horns against the Maruti Ciaz, Volkswagen Vento, Fiat Linea, Ford Fiesta and the likes in the segment.
Make sure to read our comprehensive review of the 2015 Hyundai Verna 4S HERE.
2015 Hyundai Verna 4S Petrol Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Verna 1.4 – Rs. 7,73,903/-
* Verna 1.6 S – Rs. 8,84,939/-
* Verna 1.6 S(O) – Rs. 9,38,217/-
* Verna 1.6 S(O) AT – Rs. 10,11,378/-
* Verna 1.6 SX – Rs. 10,15,505/-
2015 Hyundai Verna 4S Diesel Prices (ex-showroom, Delhi) –
* Verna 1.4 – Rs. 8,94,910/-
* Verna 1.6 S – Rs. 9,99,990/-
* Verna 1.6 S(O) – Rs. 10,59,241/-
* Verna 1.6 SX – Rs. 11,46,581/-
* Verna 1.6 SX AT – Rs. 12,19,720/-
