Hyundai Elantra

Overview

The Elantra follows Hyundai’s Fluidic design language and is one of the best looking of all the cars in the company’s model line up here. Design wise, the front fascia sports stunning looking swept-back headlights coupled with projector bulbs and LED guide lights. Other bits like Hyundai’s signature hexagonal front grille, boomerang shaped fog lamps and chrome garnish impart an aggressive as well as a handsome character to the Elantra. The side-profile features yet more chrome and tastefully designed alloy wheels. At the back, there are LED effect tail-lamps and chrome-tipped exhaust and dual-tone bumper design. 

Inside, the premium feel of the Elantra continues. The interiors are very well equipped and feature hi-tech futuristic gadgets.The curvy centre-console looks funky and the buttons are neatly laid out. The steering wheel feels chunky to hold while features like push button start, power sunroof, one touch windows, leather seating, Bluetooth/USB/auxiliary inputs and a rear-view camera give it an even more upmarket feel. The Elantra is very possibly the best-equipped car in its segment! 

The Elantra comes with two engine options- a 1.8 petrol and a 1.6 diesel. The 1.8-litre petrol makes a silky smooth motor that impresses a lot. But the diesel is the one that will bring volumes for Hyundai. It is the same 1.6-litre potent CRDi engine as seen on the Verna. It has oodles of torque on offer, which is delivered in a brisk way! There’s a bit of turbo lag under 1,800rpm but once past that, the speedo needle just keeps on surging! 

In terms of ride and handling, the suspension set-up of McPherson strut at front and coupled torsion-beam rear axle offers excellent ride and comfort over bad roads. The high-speed stability is decent too, but don’t mistake it for an enthusiast’s car. Handling wise, the Elantra is no corner carver, but again, it’s not meant to be one! The steering is light and direct, and makes driving an easy affair, especially during intra-city runs. 

All the variants are well loaded with features like CD/MP3 player, USB, Bluetooth, touch screen, auto climate control. rear view camera. The Elantra is a well equipped sedan and it goes without saying, it offers brilliant value for money. 

Interior

On the inside, the Elantra feels and look every bit as premium as it is on the outside. The cabin is finished in sporty black theme and comes with leather seats, metallic scuff plates, sporty aluminium pedals, console box with arm rest and rear AC vents. The cabin in itself is very spacious and luxurious while the fit and finish, material quality is top-notch. 

Creature comfort on the Elantra includes a multimedia system that features a 4.3-inch colour TFT LCD display and steering mounted control for Bluetooth connectivity audio controls. The TFT screen also provides assist during parking using a rear camera.

Among other class-leading features, there are auto headlamps, push button start, electric heated and foldable ORVMs, auto cruise-control, 10-way power seats with lumbar support etc. 

Interiors Details

• Boot Space

  The boot capacity of Elantra is 420 litres which is quite high as compared to any sedan of its class.

• Speedometer

  The speedometer of the Elantra looks futuristic and trendy with a tachometer.

• Gear Lever

  The gear lever is well within the reach of the driver on the Elantra.

• Cup Holders

  There are cup holders in the Elantra.

• Glovebox

  The glovebox is fitted in the dashboard and is quite spacious.

• Audio System

  The Hyundai Elantra comes with a terrific sound system (MP3/CD player) with AUX-in, iPod and USB audio interface along with 4.3-inch TFT display. The speakers are evenly spread in the car, so that every passenger gets the feel of music equally. The steering has audio controls mounted on it, which makes it easy for the driver to handle the music system.

• Air Conditioner

  The air conditioner is fitted with an automatic climate control and spreads the air inside the car in an supremely effective manner.

• Arm Rests

  There arm rests for both front and rear seat occupants in the Elantra

• Air Vents

  There are air vents in the front dashboard as well as the rear.

• Seats

  Hyundai Elantra has sport sophisticated and subtle leather upholstered seats.

• Leg Room

  Elantra has sufficient leg room at the rear. In case the front passenger seat is folded and moved further ahead, it offers acres of leg room at the rear.

• Knee Room

  Elantra has ample knee room at the rear of the car.

• Shoulder Space

  Elantra has generous amount of shoulder room. Three passengers can sit at the back quite comfortably.

• Head Room

  Elantra has quite a lot of head room at the rear of the car though it is a low slung sedan but still it has quite enough head room.

• Steering Wheel

  The Elantra's steering wheel features steering mounted audio and Bluetooth controls. Cruise control buttons are also provided on the steering wheel itself for the convenience of the driver. Steering wheel is a little smaller in diameter, but it improves the sense of space in the front.

• Power Windows

  Hyundai Elantra has power windows at both front and rear.

• Keyless Entry

  Elantra has keyless entry option in all of its variants.

• Driver Information Display

  Elantra driver information display has regular warning lamps along with much other information about the car which assist and informs the driver regarding fuel efficiency, distance-to-empty etc.

Exterior

The Hyundai Elantra looks the part it has to be said. Its design lines, along with muscular wheel arches and a sleek roofline, impart a sporty as well as a premium look to the Elantra. Some of the key highlights in its design include Hyundai's signature hexagonal front grille, detailed swept-back headlights, projector lamps with LED guide lights, boomerang shaped fog-lamps, diamond-cut alloy wheels, chrome-treatment on door handles and window belt-line, dual-tone rear bumper design, LED effect tail lamps and chrome tipped exhaust pipes. 

While there's too much chrome and bling on the outside, which may not be to everyone's liking, the Elantra clearly stands out from the crowd in terms of design and styling. It is, however, in no way understated as some of the European cars. It's an aggressive and very bold design!

Exteriors

• Front Design

  The Hyundai Verna exhibits 'fluidic' design language with elongated swept-back headlamps, projector lamps with LED guide lights, hexagonal grille with chrome inserts and an extra-wide front bumper.

• Rear Design

  The rear-end of the Elantra sports LED effect tail-lamps, dual-tone bumper design and chrome-tipped exhaust.

• Side Profile

  The side-profile of the Elantra is sporty and coupe-like. The elegant looks of the Elantra are accentuated by adding chrome door handles and 16-inch alloy wheels.

• Ground Clearance

  The Elantra has a ground clearance of 167mm.

• Bumpers

  The front bumper of the Elantra is extra-wide, and imparts an aggressive look to the car. The rear bumper is also designed and sculpted for wider, sporty stance.

• Head Lamps

  The swept-back twin-barrel multi-focus headlamps with projectors and LED guide lights on the Elantra provide adequate illumination while giving the car an aggressive appearance.

• Tail Lamps

  The tail-lamps on the Elantra get LED effect, which is a nice-touch.

• Fog Lamps

  The boomerang fog lamps look good and gel with overall sporty design of the car.

• Tyres

  The Hyundai Elantra runs on 205/60 R16 tubeless tyres.

• Alloy Wheels

  The Hyundai Elantra comes with 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels.

• Outside Mirrors

  The Elantra's outside mirrors house LED turn indicators. The outside mirrors are electronically-adjustable, heated and electrically foldable.

• Colors

  The Elantra is available in 6 exterior shades.

• Rear Wiper

  The Hyundai Elantra does not have rear wiper

• Roof Rails

  The Hyundai Elantra does not have roof rails

• Sun Roof

  The Hyundai Elantra does not have sunroof.

• Spoiler

  The Hyundai Elantra does not have a rear spoiler because it's no sportscar!

• Side Steps

  The Hyundai Elantra does not have side steps

• Spare Wheel

  The Hyundai Elantra comes with a full-sized spare wheel.

Mileage Running Cost

Hyundai cars are easy on the pocket, it's a known-fact. The maintenance is either comparable or lower than its closest rivals. 

In terms of fuel efficiency, the diesel motor returns an impressive 22.7 km/l (manual) and 19.11 km/l (automatic). The petrol engine has a mileage of 16.3 km/l and 14.34 km/l (automatic). All the fuel economy figures are ARAI certified. 

Mileage Running Cost

• City Fuel Economy

  The city economy for petrol models is around 11 km/l, while diesel returns in excess of 16km/l.

• Highway Fuel Economy

  The highway economy for petrol and diesel manual versions is around 13km/l and 18km/l, respectively. The automatic versions will return slightly less than that.

• Arai Rated Economy

  The Elantra 1.8 petrol has an ARAI certified fuel economy of 16.3 km/l for manual version and 14.34 km/l for automatic version. The 1.6-litre diesel has an ARAI certified fuel economy of 22.7 km/l for manual and 19.11 for automatic variants.

• Tank Range

  The Hyundai Elantra has 55-litres fuel tank capacity, which will make up for a decent range.

Comfort Suspension

Hyundai is known for making some of the most comfortable cars. The same is refelected in the Elantra as well. At the front, the Elantra comes fitted with Macpherson Strut type with coil spring suspension setup while at the rear there’s a coupled torsion beam axle setup doing the job. In conjunction, both the setups work brilliantly as they soak up bumps and undulations on the road. Couple this with a light steering, and the Elantra is a breeze to drive! 

Comfort and Suspension

• Comfort

  The suspension on the Elantra is softly-sprung, meaning it offers a supple and comfortable ride. The insulation inside the cabin is impressive and the NVH levels are well contained.

• Front Suspension

  The Elantra features MacPherson Strut bars with coil springs suspension setup at the front.

• Rear Suspension

  The Elantra has coupled torsion-beam axle type suspension for rear wheels.

Engine Performance

The Hyundai Elantra comes with two engine options. There is a 1.8-litre petrol and a 1.6-litre CRDI. Both the engines come with 6-speed manual and automatic transmission. 

While the petrol motor is sprightly in the Elantra, it's the diesel which is more fun to drive with oodles of torque on offer. It does have a fair bit of turbo-lag, but once you are on the move, the performance from the engine is simply excellent. The powerband is wide, and it does not force you into downshifting even while the speed drops significantly. The driveability of the engine is superb! 

Although smooth most of the times, the automatic transmission on both petrol and diesel variants feels a little bit sluggish when you thrash it. The manual on the other hand is slick and precise with short and accurate throws. 

Engine Performance

• Acceleration

  The acceleration on the Elantra is impressive, especially the diesel version. It has oodles of torque.

• Top Speed

  The Hyundai Elantra feels composed at speeds of over 150km/h. The petrol version has a top speed of 195km/h while the diesel tops out at 190km/h.

• In Gear Acceleration

  The in-gear acceleration of the Elantra is good. The diesel has a fair bit of turbo-lag while the automatic gearbox does not feel quick enough during instantaneous throttle inputs.

• Gearbox

  The manual gearbox is slick while the automatic transmission offers seamless and smooth gearshifts.

• Power

  The 1.8-litre petrol engine on the Elantra develops 149.5PS @ 6,500 rpm. The diesel version comes powered by a 1.6-litre engine producing 128PS @ 4,000 rpm.

• Torque

  The petrol motor produces 181Nm @ 4,700 rpm The diesel mill develops 265Nm of torque between 1,900 - 2,750 rpm.

• NVH Levels

  The NVH levels are well-contained, and there's hardly any engine vibration, tyre noise etc filtering into the cabin of the Elantra

Braking Safety

First things first. Handling is not Elantra's forte. It's suspension is on the softer side, meaning it is tuned for a comfortable ride over enthusisatic cornering antics. It tends to wallow on speeds over 130km/h, but that said, it is not feel completely disconnected. The steering, although it lacks feel, is direct. The handling is also predictable. Disc brakes on all four wheel means it's braking is excellent. 

Safety net on the car includes multiple airbags, vehicle stability management, ESP,  ABS with EBD, hill assist control etc.

Brakes and Wheels

• Handling

  The suspension on the Elantra is tuned for comfort. Despite that, the handling and composure of the Elantra is balanced. It isn't a corner-carving machine, but it does handle sufficiently well.

• Braking Performance

  With disc brakes on all four wheels, the Elantra has exceptional braking performance. Coupled with electronic systems like ABS and EBD, the Elantra offers sturdy and confidence-inspiring braking.

• Safety Features

  The Elantra comes equipped with ABS and EBD; front and side-curtain airbags, hill assist, impact sensing auto door unlock feature and automatic headlamps.

• Abs

  The Elantra comes equipped with ABS as standard

• Traction Control

  The Elantra does not have traction control system.