[Chitta Pradhan]

Originally Posted by Tgo

Logged 18k in 15 months and sold it off to get the 110 Duster. 18k is a decent number to achieve in 15 months so i think my opinion is based on justifiable usage of the vehicle.
.

May be off-topic, but can you please draw a comparison between Duster 110 & Fludic 1.6 CRDI in the following areas, since me too contemplating a Duster.

1. City driveability & maneuverability.
2. Comfort of driver & passengers on long drives.
3. High speed manners of the Cars & confidence of the driver.
4. AC effectiveness.
5. FE in City/highways with AC.
6. Which one is easier to drive?
7. Does the Duster take more time than Verna to reach higher speeds say 150 kmph?
8. Refinement of the engines & noise inside the cabin.
9. Which one will be preferred by somebody who likes driving?

I have a very short TD of Duster 110 & really liked it, apart from hard clutch & inferior interiors. Your reply will be of great help.

Thanks & regards

[Tgo]

Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan

1. City driveability & maneuverability.
2. Comfort of driver & passengers on long drives.
3. High speed manners of the Cars & confidence of the driver.
4. AC effectiveness.
5. FE in City/highways with AC.
6. Which one is easier to drive?
7. Does the Duster take more time than Verna to reach higher speeds say 150 kmph?
8. Refinement of the engines & noise inside the cabin.
9. Which one will be preferred by somebody who likes driving?

1. On the city maneuverability front it is a mixed bag. While the Verna scores higher because of the smaller dimensions and neatly tucked in wheel arches, the Duster becomes a bit cumbersome to maneuver in dense traffic and crowded lanes. But the higher seating enhances visibility a great deal so reduces the guesswork. God only knows whats happening to those wheel arches apart from the rear ones getting sprayed with dirt and muck thrown on it by the front wheels.
As far as the driveability is concerned, the smaller capacity dci engine scores over the Verna's 128 horses in reserve. I really used to get tensed driving the Verna in the city because of the tendency of the engine to make the car lunge forward without any throttle input even in 2nd gear. As a result of which panic braking had to be done making things close to messy many times. The Duster is more predictable in this area and the turbo also kicks in much gradually. And there are very few speed breakers in Jaipur so i do not miss the fact that the Verna didn't need a downshift to the first gear to go over them, which the duster does.

2. Driver comfort is at par in both cars whereas when it comes to the passenger comfort the duster scores better because of the greater recline angle on the rear bench seat back. Really helps you sit relaxed in a much less claustrophobic cabin. Getting in and out was easier in the Verna though. And there is an annoying noise of sand/gravel being thrown up against the rear wheel arches when going over dusty roads which really disturbs a guy like me who cannot stand unwanted noises. I mentioned this part here because it hampers the comfort of a rear seat passenger.

3. High speed manners of both the Duster and Verna are not even comparable. Okay, the Verna lets you touch 160 without a sweat but i would be much happier to do those speeds in a Duster. The Duster is leagues ahead in inspiring confidence in the driver as it stays stable, eats up bumps without being unsettled and even on uneven roads especially when a culvert or a bridge starts or while going over expansion gaps where a slight difference in the elevation of the surface is present or while the rear wheels of the car come down after crossing the crest of a speed hump, the bouncing about of the rear end isn't there. This was very annoying in the Verna as sometimes it used to continue for 10-20 meters after the hump even at sane speeds like 60-120 depending on the severity of the undulation.

4. The AC of the Duster takes a little longer to give the same amount of chilling which is due to the increased cabin space and glass area all around. But once its cool it remains that way. The Verna's Auto AC was kind of a treat which has spoilt me.

5.There is a difference in the fuel efficiency figures too.
Duster: 13.8 City and 15-16.5 Highways
Verna: 14.8 City and 18-21 Highways
100% AC in all conditions.

6. I would go with the Duster as the answer for the easier to drive question solely because of the predictability of the engine. For someone who has got the hang of the Verna's engine, the smaller dimensions would really help in city. But for me if I can tame the engine I think I can squeeze the car in and out of tight situations with much ease.

7. Yes, the Verna Accelerates faster to any speed and even the roll on figures feel to be better in the Verna.

8. For the first 5K km the Duster engine behaved like a Jeep's engine. Slow and noisy. But it has really opened up nicely now. Even the gear shifts are smoother and the lugging effect has reduced considerably. But the Verna's engine is the more refined engine here. It revvs much freely, much higher without much noise and delivers great fuel efficiency.
There is not much difference in the engine noise felt inside the cabin of both the cars out on the highways. But immediately after cold starts or inside the city, the Duster's diminutive clatter is heard inside.

9. The Duster. Because driving for me doesn't mean the adrenaline rush you get while negotiating tight bends or the comforts that an auto AC or steering controls give you. For me it is more about getting to unknown places, capturing the scenic natural beauty and soaking in the sense of achievement in getting to where you intended without having to worry about scraping the underbelly or some electronics getting screwed up on the way even if it comes to negotiating roads which eventually turn into trails. The duster is still not an enthusiast's car or an adventurer's car. But it can best be defined as a better handling everyday car which can take the odd beating over rough roads without much sweat.

[Chitta Pradhan]

Originally Posted by Tgo

The duster is still not an enthusiast's car or an adventurer's car. But it can best be defined as a better handling everyday car which can take the odd beating over rough roads without much sweat.[/b]

Thanks Tgo for sparing time & for explaining the points wonderfully. I agree with all your observations regarding Verna. The Duster I TDied some time back felt more refined than my Verna especially while accelerating. The Car had just arrived from another TD. I took the Duster to 130 kmph & could not find any wind noise issue as pointed out by T-BHP official review.

The TD was a very short one & but could clearly felt the difference in ride quality even at the driver's seat where Verna really sucks, leave aside the difference in back seat.

Waiting for the eco-sport launch.

My Verna has done approx 32k now. Only real problem for me is ride quality when loaded & very low GC. It has been extremely reliable so far excepting the rear sensor & horn relay going kaput. No maintenance expenses other than the regular ones.

Sometimes wonder, why Hyundai is not able to rectify such a glaring suspension problem in an otherwise brilliant machine? Is the technology that complicated for Hyundai Engineers to comprehend in today's modern world??

[Tgo]

Originally Posted by Chitta Pradhan

The TD was a very short one & but could clearly felt the difference in ride quality even at the driver's seat where Verna really sucks, leave aside the difference in back seat.

Waiting for the eco-sport launch.

My Verna has done approx 32k now. Only real problem for me is ride quality when loaded & very low GC. It has been extremely reliable so far excepting the rear sensor & horn relay going kaput. No maintenance expenses other than the regular ones.

Sometimes wonder, why Hyundai is not able to rectify such a glaring suspension problem in an otherwise brilliant machine? Is the technology that complicated for Hyundai Engineers to comprehend in today's modern world??

The support on the sides of the seat back of the Verna is a little too excessive. The same goes for the under thigh support at the lowest height setting of the driver seat.

The Ecosport would be a really nicely loaded car. Lets say it will make up for the lack of gizmos on the Duster.

The duster is also very reliable but it has its own niggling issues which I faced. http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/offici...ml#post3059700

I assume that rectifying the soft suspension requires more than just a change in the spring stiffness. Due to the increased spring stiffness the suspension mounts also need to be strengthened. Maybe the nex iteration of the Verna will take this into account. For not its selling like hot cakes, so who cares?

[junkishya]

Originally Posted by Tgo

I assume that rectifying the soft suspension requires more than just a change in the spring stiffness. Due to the increased spring stiffness the suspension mounts also need to be strengthened. Maybe the nex iteration of the Verna will take this into account. For not its selling like hot cakes, so who cares?

My Verna has done 26,000 Kms as of today in the last 2 years. 6 months ago, I complained to KUN that the car bounces too much. They asked me if they could change the FRONT coil springs under warranty. They mentioned that the GC will increase by around 5-6 mm + the springs will be more stiffer than the original ones. They also mentioned that the highway driving will get better but the city ride will be a bit bumpy. I did get the coil springs changed and the effect is very noticable on highways !!

KUN changed the springs within 1 day at Rs. 0 since it was covered under warranty.

Regards,
Kishor Shinde

[Seran Manian]

Originally Posted by junkishya

My Verna has done 26,000 Kms as of today in the last 2 years. 6 months ago, I complained to KUN that the car bounces too much. They asked me if they could change the FRONT coil springs under warranty. They mentioned that the GC will increase by around 5-6 mm + the springs will be more stiffer than the original ones. They also mentioned that the highway driving will get better but the city ride will be a bit bumpy. I did get the coil springs changed and the effect is very noticable on highways !!

KUN changed the springs within 1 day at Rs. 0 since it was covered under warranty.

Regards,
Kishor Shinde

Nice to hear that. Thanks for the update that might be of use to many.

[vkochar]

Just took delivery of my new fluidic verna disel sx model black color.

Drove it for 300 kms today. On the yamuna expressway.

Will post initial ownership review this sunday.

In short the car is fantastic and all the problems are more or less sorted out in the newer batches coming now.

I got a may manufactured car so is probably the latest. Of course time will tell more.

[agambhandari]

Originally Posted by vkochar

In short the car is fantastic and all the problems are more or less sorted out in the newer batches coming now.

I got a may manufactured car so is probably the latest. Of course time will tell more.

Congrats! So is the Suspension now coping better on most speeds? But were the problems there in a TD vehicle you tried?

[vkochar]

Originally Posted by agambhandari

Congrats! So is the Suspension now coping better on most speeds? But were the problems there in a TD vehicle you tried?

Yes the TD vehicle was horrible. It was pathetic in terms of suspension.

I went through some really bad patches and I feared the GC also but it faired flawlessly. Let me drive 2 more days on my daily routine which is a mix of everything Indian roads offer and I will be able to comment in detail. Wait till sunday and you will see my Initial report up.

[Seran Manian]

Originally Posted by vkochar

Just took delivery of my new fluidic verna disel sx model black color.

Drove it for 300 kms today. On the yamuna expressway.

Will post initial ownership review this sunday.

In short the car is fantastic and all the problems are more or less sorted out in the newer batches coming now.

I got a may manufactured car so is probably the latest. Of course time will tell more.

Congratulations on your new Buy. Eagerly awaiting your review and pictures.

[Seran Manian]

Fluidic verna Owners... Can you please update the Miles run till date and any major Engine / Transmission related issues you had? This is in the interest of new buyers who will have a better picture of Fluidic Verna's long term endurance /capability.

Thanks in advance...

Mods, I hope I am placing this request in the right area. In case it is not so, please move it to the right area please...

[deadguy25]

Originally Posted by Seran Manian

Fluidic verna Owners... Can you please update the Miles run till date and any major Engine / Transmission related issues you had? This is in the interest of new buyers who will have a better picture of Fluidic Verna's long term endurance /capability.

Thanks in advance...

Mods, I hope I am placing this request in the right area. In case it is not so, please move it to the right area please...

My car - fluidic verna - white, 1.6 (since 13th June 2011) has done 29,650 kms as of now and is due for the third service @30,000. I am preparing a full report from day-one to upload onto Team-B, will take some more time though.

Until now:

1. Until the first service, I had absolutely no problem with the car. In the first service, they washed the car, and checked a few things and gave it back.

2. After the first service: There was an oil leak. I had the gearbox switch (it was called somehting i dont know the name) replaced in warranty. They said it was a manufacturing defect. - None of my friends with a fluidic verna had this problem.

Once the EPS did not work, I could not move the car the curb. I was stuck in the middle of the road. I restarted the car a few times, then it started working. The service guys had no clue about it. But then, it never happened again.

2. There was a strange noise (water flowing) coming from the dashboard, when I started the car. I thought there was a rat in the dash board. This was there even when the engine had reached the optimal temperature. I left it at the service centre for 3 days, they could not figure out. Initially they said it was a radiator hose problem, then they said it was a problem with the MDPS, and finally they gave it back in the same condition. The only thing they managed to do was dirty the white fluidic beyond recognition.

The clutch had become hard and gears had become very hard before the second service, so the service guys said they would fix it-up.

3. After the second service: I use the car for a lot of long drives. Once when I was in a village in TamilNadu, I noticed that the radiator coolant had
drained-out completely. I had to drive about 65 kms with normal water (constantly re-filling) to reach an authorised service centre. I got the radiator replaced. They said it was a manufacturing defect.

The clutch was smooth again.

4. After I got the radiator replaced, I got back to Bangalore and went to the service centre for the problem stated in point 2. This time they had the car for 4 days and said it was a problem with the MDPS. They had solved the problem, to a certain extent. I got the car back and yet again I could not recognize until I saw the alloys and the number plate.

I am happy with the car. Performance is very good.

Things you need to be aware-of before you decide on this car:

- Suspension - you can feel most of the bumps on the road.

- Ground clearance - you need to lead her very very cautiosuly over any speed-breaker, uneven path, etc.

- She is an extremely delicate darling.

For now, I could only think of this much.

Hope this helps.

I am extremely satisfied with the car. All my friends who bought the car after drving mine, are very happy with theirs except for the ground clearance and suspension.
All the best.

@Mods - please remove this post if this is not the right place.

[anandpadhye]

Originally Posted by deadguy25

My car - fluidic verna - white, 1.6 (since 13th June 2011) has done 29,650 kms as of now and is due for the third service @30,000. I am preparing a full report from day-one to upload onto Team-B, will take some more time though.

Very candid review.

Yes, please start your own ownership thread so that you can log all the details like service bills, problems faced, how they are solved etc.
Irrespective of the car we won, we can learn from each other.

BTW, really good that you figured out well in time that coolant was leaking. How did you do that? Does Verna come with engine temperature gauge? Or just a warning light?

[ag408]

Originally Posted by Tgo

1. On the city maneuverability front it is a mixed bag. While the Verna scores higher because of the smaller dimensions and neatly tucked in wheel arches, the Duster becomes a bit cumbersome to maneuver in dense traffic and crowded lanes. But the higher seating enhances visibility a great deal so reduces the guesswork. God only knows whats happening to those wheel arches apart from the rear ones getting sprayed with dirt and muck thrown on it by the front wheels.
As far as the driveability is concerned, the smaller capacity dci engine scores over the Verna's 128 horses in reserve. I really used to get tensed driving the Verna in the city because of the tendency of the engine to make the car lunge forward without any throttle input even in 2nd gear. As a result of which panic braking had to be done making things close to messy many times. The Duster is more predictable in this area and the turbo also kicks in much gradually. And there are very few speed breakers in Jaipur so i do not miss the fact that the Verna didn't need a downshift to the first gear to go over them, which the duster does.

2. Driver comfort is at par in both cars whereas when it comes to the passenger comfort the duster scores better because of the greater recline angle on the rear bench seat back. Really helps you sit relaxed in a much less claustrophobic cabin. Getting in and out was easier in the Verna though. And there is an annoying noise of sand/gravel being thrown up against the rear wheel arches when going over dusty roads which really disturbs a guy like me who cannot stand unwanted noises. I mentioned this part here because it hampers the comfort of a rear seat passenger.

3. High speed manners of both the Duster and Verna are not even comparable. Okay, the Verna lets you touch 160 without a sweat but i would be much happier to do those speeds in a Duster. The Duster is leagues ahead in inspiring confidence in the driver as it stays stable, eats up bumps without being unsettled and even on uneven roads especially when a culvert or a bridge starts or while going over expansion gaps where a slight difference in the elevation of the surface is present or while the rear wheels of the car come down after crossing the crest of a speed hump, the bouncing about of the rear end isn't there. This was very annoying in the Verna as sometimes it used to continue for 10-20 meters after the hump even at sane speeds like 60-120 depending on the severity of the undulation.

4. The AC of the Duster takes a little longer to give the same amount of chilling which is due to the increased cabin space and glass area all around. But once its cool it remains that way. The Verna's Auto AC was kind of a treat which has spoilt me.

5.There is a difference in the fuel efficiency figures too.
Duster: 13.8 City and 15-16.5 Highways
Verna: 14.8 City and 18-21 Highways
100% AC in all conditions.

6. I would go with the Duster as the answer for the easier to drive question solely because of the predictability of the engine. For someone who has got the hang of the Verna's engine, the smaller dimensions would really help in city. But for me if I can tame the engine I think I can squeeze the car in and out of tight situations with much ease.

7. Yes, the Verna Accelerates faster to any speed and even the roll on figures feel to be better in the Verna.

8. For the first 5K km the Duster engine behaved like a Jeep's engine. Slow and noisy. But it has really opened up nicely now. Even the gear shifts are smoother and the lugging effect has reduced considerably. But the Verna's engine is the more refined engine here. It revvs much freely, much higher without much noise and delivers great fuel efficiency.
There is not much difference in the engine noise felt inside the cabin of both the cars out on the highways. But immediately after cold starts or inside the city, the Duster's diminutive clatter is heard inside.

9. The Duster. Because driving for me doesn't mean the adrenaline rush you get while negotiating tight bends or the comforts that an auto AC or steering controls give you. For me it is more about getting to unknown places, capturing the scenic natural beauty and soaking in the sense of achievement in getting to where you intended without having to worry about scraping the underbelly or some electronics getting screwed up on the way even if it comes to negotiating roads which eventually turn into trails. The duster is still not an enthusiast's car or an adventurer's car. But it can best be defined as a better handling everyday car which can take the odd beating over rough roads without much sweat.

Thanks for this detailed review and comparison. I am very confused with the Duster, primarily because the car lacks a lot of basic features! The Duster sure is a looker, but am somehow not convinced with its performance vis-a-vis sedans like the Honda City and the Verna. Your comparison has surely made a few facts clear.

[Chitta Pradhan]

Originally Posted by junkishya

My Verna has done 26,000 Kms as of today in the last 2 years. 6 months ago, I complained to KUN that the car bounces too much. They asked me if they could change the FRONT coil springs under warranty. They mentioned that the GC will increase by around 5-6 mm + the springs will be more stiffer than the original ones. They also mentioned that the highway driving will get better but the city ride will be a bit bumpy. I did get the coil springs changed and the effect is very noticable on highways !!

KUN changed the springs within 1 day at Rs. 0 since it was covered under warranty.

Regards,
Kishor Shinde

In my case, the suspension problem is at the rear, front ones is ok for me. The bouncy ride is much more at the rear. Have you inquired about the rear too. Have you noticed any GC increase with the changed springs.