I just did this trip in the verna-
Cochin-Trivandrum-nagercoil-tirunelveli-madurai on new year's day,and back by the same route. roughly 1100 km covered.
the car is brilliant. overtaking is amazing. instead of overtaking one car at a time, there is enough performance in reserve for me to overtake 8-10 cars in one go. amazing! the plus side is, none knows whats happening, before they can get ready to block your path or race with you, you have disappeared into the horizon, that way i can avoid unecessary bad blood with other road users who think they are breaking the sound barrier at 60kmph
the brakes- I flew over a hump at 100kmph at night on the tirunelveli-madurai section which was being 4 laned. just as I was about to land, i realised there was no road ahead(around 25 metres ahead). Hit the brakes in panic, while in the air. when I landed there was a little squeal from the tires, and then the ABS kicked in, I think!(was too busy to observe the minute details) the car neatly steered into the diversion.
the handling- i know I have complained myself on this thread that
I started, but this car gets more impressive everyday. the section from nagercoil to tirunelveli is not too great, the surface is uneven and there are plenty of irritating potholes. the car rode well over that surface at speeds between 80-90. the car was skittish and I was aware of that fact, but not scarily so.
accelerating
hard (which means flooring it in 2nd gear to 4000rpm)in the verna on a surface like that can get interesting as the front wheels fight for traction, but all one has to do is ease off on the diesel, and everything settles down. anyway, flooring the verna in 2nd or 3rd gear on a smooth surface is also scary if you are not used to the thrust.
I couldnt help humiliating a Tata indicab on the 4 lane in chertala. he pulled up next to me and started revving his engine at the red light and looking at me pointedly. i know it was immature to have risen to the bait, but he must have learnt his lesson. i could see his face in the rear view mirror, it was worth it! there are advantages to insane acceleration.
I'm beginning to trust this car more than i trust my beloved swift DDiS, and thats saying something. of course its a full 3.5 lacs costlier, and it has ABS,and its wheel base is longer, but even without ABS, this car can drop anchor very well.
moral of the story-
get a car with good brakes. also if the ABS is available for 30,000 extra, buy it, it has already paid for itself many times over in hospital and dent repair bills that were avoided
the brake feel is brilliant, and if one doesnt indulge in insane antics, the ABS need not be used at all. but
the safety value of the ABS is indisputable