Long Term Report 3

Pros:Upmarket looks, plenty of unique features.

Cons:Misses out on equipment that cheaper Hyundai models come with.

If there is one takeaway from my time so far with our long term Hyundai Verna, it’s that C segment sedans have become tremendously refined and grown up. The Verna is a classic example of this judicious evolution – it not only looks more upmarket than its predecessor, but is also a genuinely accomplished offering in its segment.

In today’s times, appearance is everything and although the Verna’s cabin doesn’t make the best of first impressions, it’s rather functional and very well laid out. More importantly, the build quality is consistent across the cabin and among the best in this class. In our previous report, we talked about the infotainment system and some of its unusual features. This time around, it’s time to look at all the standout equipment which make our top-spec Verna an ideal daily driver.

Door handle with access button

The Verna features keyless access with a dedicated rubberised button on the door handle – one simply has to walk up to the car and press the button to lock or unlock without using the key fob. However, we would like to add that the access button is located only on the driver side door.

Front seats with cooling function

In many ways the new Verna is a scaled-down version of the Elantra. Like the Elantra, this car also gets ventilated front seats with cooling function. This segment first feature lets out cool air from the perforated leatherette seats to lessen that sweaty feeling you get on your back while driving under the sun.

Luggage net

The Verna has a reasonably big boot with four hooks and a luggage net – a common feature among all Skoda models. The net comes in handy when strapping down loose items such as the first aid kit and the plastic pouch for the reflective warning triangle.

Dedicated USB charging port

The Verna has a host of power outlets below the centre console. There’s a 12 volt outlet, an aux port and two USB ports, one of which can be used only for charging your device and it works like a charm – there have been times when my phone has run out of juice and I have recharged it fully within a couple of hours.

MID (multi information display) with service reminder and neat graphics

The Verna probably has the most detailed MID unit in its segment. Set right in between the speedometer and the rev counter, the display shows all the usual readings like trip meter, outside temperature and distance to empty counter. Additionally, it also shows wiper and light setting in real time as you engage them. Speaking of real time, there are some neat graphics for the door opening which come on simultaneously as you open the door.

It hasn’t all been plain sailing though as there are some essential features which are missing in this car. The steering wheel, for instance, which can be adjusted for height only. The lack of reach adjustment takes away a lot of driving comfort and it’s especially disappointing when you consider the fact that the older generation Verna had this feature.

The other minor gripe I have is with the window control panel. First of all, only the driver’s side window gets one-touch up and down function. More crucially, only the driver’s window switch is backlit which causes some inconvenience when it’s dark and you want to operate the surrounding buttons. Still, it’s only a minor niggle, which doesn’t upset what has otherwise been an impressive stint on the fleet. Next month I will be talking about the Verna’s city manners and seat comfort so stay tuned.

Vehicle Log

Odo – 8,103km

Km this month – 1,004km

Fuel – 83.7 litres

Fuel Efficiency – 12.0kmpl

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi