[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by sweetvar26

Could add Safety and Reliability in to the mix as well.

It's decently loaded with active & passive safety kit alright, but premature to comment without crash test results given Hyundai's history there.

The 1.5 TGDi is new here so no data available, and the DCT had some overheating concerns in the initial batches, mentioned in the review.

...Sound system being the 8 speaker Bose, is it the same system that's being used across the entire Hyundai and Kia line up, including the Tucson?

Likely, but I wasn't very enthused by the sound output. Volume levels are lower, and vocals not as sharp as one would associate with the branding. Decent, but fall short of the label's reputation.

[MyLife_MyCar]

Originally Posted by 07CR

BTW any idea if there is ambient lighting even at the rear for the Verna? .

Ambient lights are only on dashboard and front doors. There is nothing at the rear. However, Verna does come with illuminated window switches on all 4 doors now. So, you get some form of lighting at the rear.

[headbanger]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Just came across this video of Slavia 1.5 vs Verna 1.5.

Jump to 14.35 for the Drag race.

Purely from a brand perception perspective, a Hyundai smoking Skoda in a drag race. How the tables have turned? Wow.

[true_sedan]

Just watched the video reviews of the new Verna and Volkswagen Virtus GT side by side. The difference in handling is day and night with virtus always planted and predictable. Yes, the new verna wins in downright acceleration but it comes at a cost of being unpredictable. There is no easy way to tame so much power with the current steering and suspension setup. Some are already talking about switching to a stiffer setup which is a clearly a bad sign in a new car.

[Maxton07]

Originally Posted by 07CR

Agreed weight could be another factor. I guess there is around 70-80 Kg difference between both.

The difference of the gross weight between Verna 1.5DCT & Slavia 1.5DSG is very negligible(35kgs)

Caught while browsing through the New Verna's manual.

Tried my best to hunt the kerb weight, but no luck.

HYUNDAI VERNA



SKODA SLAVIA

[07CR]

Originally Posted by Maxton07

The difference of the gross weight between Verna 1.5DCT & Slavia 1.5DSG is very negligible(35kgs)

Whoa that's a surprise! Considering both cars fuel tank are also of same size, kerb weight difference too should be negligible.

That said, it certainly is a great thing for Hyundai that they could make a powertrain so good that smokes a competitor skoda in a drag race !

Good going Hyundai, hopefully the ncap results too are equally good !

[vinit.merchant]

Is the drive review of the NA version expected?

Noticed that most companies have now resorted to providing only the top spec engine variant for the media rides. This seriously curtails the reviews as not all would be interested in the costliest engine option and I am assuming a majority will be opting for the NA variant due to the price difference.

Hyundai should have provided that car for the media ride/review

[Raghu M]

That's a good review. But I miss the size and engine comparisons within the segment. The length, width and height have not been mentioned anywhere. Gives a better perspective when competitors nos. are shared.

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by vinit.merchant

Is the drive review of the NA version expected?...

Hyundai should have provided that car for the media ride/review

There were a couple 1.5 MPi IVT specimens there, though the focus was understandably on the Turbo.

Took the MPi IVT for a very short spin (so DO NOT consider this a well-informed opinion), and my first impression was positive. Refined, smooth, no rubber banding, brisk mid-range and sounds pretty sweet.

I remember telling Omkar this is pretty decent for someone looking for a sedate city/highway drive or even the chauffeur-driven demographic. Good thing is it's available in top variant too, so no glaring feature compromises either. Definitely worth a test drive at the very least.

City is going to feel the heat real bad, real soon.

[The Rationalist]

Originally Posted by Omkar

1.5L, 4-cylinder turbo-petrol engine makes 158 BHP @ 6,300 rpm and 253 Nm @ 1,500-3,500 rpm. These are the highest numbers in the segment, which should indicate that the Verna is F-A-S-T.

When we talk about the dynamics of the car, understand that the Verna is softly sprung. This doesn’t really translate to good handling characteristics and is a stark contrast to the sporty nature of the engine. Get to a corner and the turn in is sharp as the heavy front end keeps the nose planted. You can guide the car into the corner well, but then, you are met with a good amount of body roll. Carry some extra speed and you will encounter some understeer as well. However, the chassis doesn’t really complement the powerful engine and enthusiasts will be looking for some stiffer springs as their first upgrade.

The EPS is light and user-friendly at parking and city speeds. However, from an enthusiast's perspective, there’s nothing on offer. It feels very disconnected and light even at high speeds and in Sport mode.

This sentences has just killed the glimmer of hope I had for the Verna. What a colossal waste of a engine and DCT! I don't know what's the point of such a powerful engine if the vehicle isn't tuned for it!!! On the contrary such a powerful engine and non-handler will be a dangerous thing in the hands of an average person. Need to be very careful whenever a new Verna shows up in the rear view mirror I guess.

[SedateGuy]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

I remember telling Omkar this is pretty decent for someone looking for a sedate city/highway drive or even the chauffeur-driven demographic. Good thing is it's available in top variant too, so no feature compromises either. Definitely worth a test drive at the very least.

.

Actually 2 ADAS features are missing - Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go is missing from Verna IVT version. Also missing is Lead Vehicle Departure Alert.

Logically both could be offered with software settings only and require no additional hardware. I wonder what could be the reason behind not offering them. Any thoughts,

On an unrelated topic any chance of smartphone wireless connectivity being activated via a firmware update at a future date like it was done in the Baleno?

[Chetan_Rao]

Originally Posted by SedateGuy

Actually 2 ADAS features are missing - Smart Cruise Control with Stop & Go is missing from Verna IVT version. Also missing is Lead Vehicle Departure Alert...

Fair point. Another thing missing is rear disc brakes (available only on Turbo DCT, not even the Turbo MT). Some strange choices for sure.

On an unrelated topic any chance of smartphone wireless connectivity being activated via a firmware update at a future date like it was done in the Baleno?

Possibly in the future, though nothing was said at the briefing when asked. Given how inconsistent the wireless experience has been for a lot of people across brands, I'm not sure it would be missed terribly.

[redcruiser]

Very well reviewed Chetan and team.
How much does outside noise creeps in when doing triple digit speeds ?
Even though the bootspace says 528L, is it all useable ?

Looks like the DCT one here can be launched much better than DSGs.

[Piyush Kanthak]

Does anyone have any idea about the platform the new Verna is based on?

[07CR]

Originally Posted by Chetan_Rao

Fair point. Another thing missing is rear disc brakes (available only on Turbo DCT, not even the Turbo MT). Some strange choices for sure.

List continues to rise. It even misses out on EPB and Auto Hold functionality.