The latest Verna looks nothing like its predecessor and that’s a good thing. Out go the mundane lines of the older car and in comes a fresh, bold new look thanks to Hyundai’s new ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design language. Fluidic Sculpture is Hyundai-speak for a more dynamic design. Up front, there is a strong family resemblance to the freshly face-lifted i10 in the manner in which the large and smartly detailed headlights sweep back into the body.  A ‘V’ on the bonnet that originates just above the hexagonal Hyundai grille adds much muscle to the front. But what really catches your eye is the ‘L’-shaped foglights that sit neatly recessed low down in the front bumper. They look distinctive and are especially attractive at night. Viewed side-on, the Verna looks fantastic, credit for which goes to its swooping character line that rises from the front bumper, slashes past both door handles and extends right till the tail-light. The coupe-like roofline that flows into the chunky tail only adds to the effect. Well executed creases at the rear and spread-out tail-lights further embellish the Verna’s style quotient. And the twin tailpipes will definitely be a hit with enthusiasts.   

The new Verna is built on a completely new platform with its 2570mm wheelbase a whole 70mm larger than the older car. Another big change is the electrically powered steering that comes in place of the outgoing model’s hydraulic unit. However, the suspension layout is traditional, a combination of MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam axle at the rear.

Hyundai has really upped the quality ante in the recent past and the Verna is no exception with reasonably tight panel gaps and a paint job that has a deeper gloss than before. However, it still doesn’t exude that feeling of solidity of a European car like the Fiat Linea and the door shut has a disappointingly hollow feel to it. Perhaps it’s because the Verna is on the lighter side. Despite all the equipment that’s packed into it, the 1.6 diesel Verna tips the scales at 1191kg, its 1.6-litre petrol engine sibling weighing 120kg less. This compares well with the competition for this class of car.