Long Term Report 4

A unanimous opinion here at CarWale is uncommon, but anyone who has spent some time with our long term Hyundai Verna agrees that it’s an excellent daily driver. In our previous reports, we have talked about its brilliant infotainment system and the long list of features, however, there are a few chinks in its armour. More on that later. This time around, we are looking at its seat comfort and driving ergonomics.

The Verna is proving to be a relaxing acquaintance, and its packing a few gadgets to take mundane tasks out of the actual driving experience. For instance, there’s keyless entry which means you don’t need to take the key out to unlock the car. It is, by any measure, a comfortable daily driver but during my time with the Verna, I’ve noticed that the driving position is fairly low and the view that you get is a little conservative, what with the extensive use of black plastics and a simple looking instrument cluster.

Also, the steering column can be adjusted for height only. The lack of reach adjustment takes away some driving comfort and it’s a little disappointing when you consider the fact that the previous gen Verna had this feature. Otherwise, the ergonomics are spot-on – the seats are wide yet well contoured, the steering wheel rim is meaty and visibility all-around is excellent, giving you plenty of confidence while driving.

The design and the layout of controls are easy to pick up, too. While it can take some time to learn where all the buttons are in some cars, you will know your way round the Verna’s cabin in a jiffy.

There may be little to nit-pick up front, but as you move onto the rear things become less impressive. Rear seat space isn’t one of the Verna’s fortes – the headroom is adequate but the same cannot be said for legroom. Its fine for my 5-foot 7-inch frame but if you are the kind that always travels with their family, particularly those above average height, you will have to look elsewhere.

Barring the somewhat inadequate rear seat space, the new Verna has left a great impression on everyone in my team. It may not be as capacious as some of its rivals but it still makes for a lovely family sedan and is easy to appreciate.

Vehicle Log

Odo – 11,312km

Km this month – 802km

Fuel – 68.2 litres

Fuel Efficiency – 11.8kmpl

Pictures by Kaustubh Gandhi

Click here for previous reports of our long term Hyundai Verna