Hyundai Elantra

New Hyundai Elantra: More than 600 units sold

05 September, 2012 : The premium segment sedan from Hyundai Motors India is catching up the lime light again with its fast forwarding sales in the country. As per the Hyundai monthly sales report of August 2012 the refreshed fluidic Elantra has made sales of 608 units. Here the notable fact is that it’s been nearly 20-22 days of Hyundai Elantra launch in India and it has gather such wholesome response, which is extraordinary keeping in mind that it’s a Rs 12Lakh+ sedan. These sales numbers has certainly raised eyebrows of competitors like Toyota Corolla Altis, Honda Civic and Skoda Laura.

New Hyundai Elantra launched at Rs 12.51 lakh

13 August, 2012: The No.2 passenger carmaker Hyundai Motors India Limited (HMIL) has unveiled their anticipated esteemed sedan, the New Hyundai Elantra in the country with price label reading INR 12.51 Lakh (Prices are of ex showroom Delhi) for base petrol version alongside INR 15.85 Lakh (ex showroom Delhi) for the high end diesel model. The 2012 Elantra will be marketed across India with ASPECT. Here ASPECT stands for – Aesthetics, Safety, Performance, Economy & Ergonomics, Comfort & Convenience, Technology. The sedan is offered in 1.8L petrol engine and 1.6L diesel engine that are mated with choices with a 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission. The Neo Fluidic sedan has got such a beautiful and athletic design at the outer surface alongside some exclusive features inside the capacious cabin. With this launch the rivalry between Skoda Laura, Toyota Corolla Altis and Honda Civic.

Hyundai Elantra Price

The fluidic sculpture of New Hyundai Elantra has grabbed the attention of the premium sedan buyers of the country. As per the experts, the magnetizing factor is the mouth watering price of New Hyundai Elantra. Here the petrol base model is rolled out at Rs 12.51 Lakh, while climbs up to INR 15.85 Lakh for the high end diesel model.

Hyundai Elantra Review by Expert

Hyundai Motors, since its foray into the automotive sector has done very well in manufacturing some tempting mass segment cars. But when it comes to premium cars, it has actually never tasted that sort of ‘caliber’ success, as it has always challenged Maruti Suzuki, and the latter never came up with some apt premium car. And when it came with premium sedan Maruti Kizashi, the consumers never accepted its premium image. Similar thing happened when Korean carmaker initially launched Sonata (2001) and Elantra (2004) in India. Both of these saloons were epitome of style and sophistication, but a bit ahead of times. Recently, New Hyundai Sonata was launched and it took the market by a flurry with its exclusive design and apt dimensions along with aggressive pricing in the Rs 20 Lakh range.  

Another revived and anticipated sedan that has hit the bull’s eye is New Hyundai Elantra. The 2012 Auto Expo displayed sedan bid adieu to Indian car market in 2007 due to slumping sales numbers. This step-back was done to bang the premium segment doors with two-fold intensity and the result is all-new Hyundai Elantra Fluidic sedan. The fifth

generation sedan has won numerous accolades and awards around the world and the most happening has been ‘North American Car of the Year’ award at Detroit this year. Currently in the competition are old rivals like Skoda Laura, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, whereas some modern challengers are Renault Fluence and Volkswagen Jetta. Now with 2012 Hyundai Elantra joining in, the segment senses newness.

The interiors are smartly done with beige and dark grey double-shade finish inside the roomy cabin of New Hyundai Elantra. The slick dashboard and waterfall design centre console make a perfect combination. There are glossy black finished inserts on the door panel. The quality of each element is perfectly fine, be it the fabric of door trim or the leather seats in the cabin. There are many advanced features that are first in segment like auto headlamps control and 10-way adjustable driver’s seat. The rear seat of New Hyundai Elantra has proper room, which can be rated best in segment, with enough legroom and head room for three. There are numerous handy features lineup for the privileged occupants inside the cabin for instance rear AC vents, rear arm rest with audio controls and as many as 4-speakers and 2-tweeters at the front for that surround sound from the modern 2-DIN entertainment system that plays radio, CD , MP3 along with supports aux-in. The Neo Fluidic Hyundai Elantra is loaded with all the required active and passive safety aspects; be it front or curtain airbags, ABS with EDB, VSM, parking sensors and all the other latest equipments.

Hyundai Elantra Rivals

Since last couple of years Hyundai Motors have decided to take upon some of the prominent premium automotive giants across the globe. And why it shouldn’t, as it has developed world acclaimed sedans like the Hyundai Verna and Hyundai Sonata in the recent times. Currently, the most spectacular sensation that has come our way is none other than all-new Hyundai Elantra in India. This above 12-lakh segment has got many famed competitors and one of them is Skoda Laura. Starting with the looks, after getting dressed up in fluidic philosophy the Hyundai Elantra is the most charming sedan available, while here Skoda Laura looks neat and organized. The interiors of Skoda Laura look premium and polished, while Hyundai Elantra has extremely modern ones and they are very luxurious too besides being techno-forward.

Hyundai Elantra Mileage and Fuel Efficiency

One of the award-winning parameter for the ‘North American Car of the Year’, Hyundai Elantra has been mileage. The New Hyundai Elantra provides a shocker to its rivals in this department too, with its amazing fuel efficiency numbers. The higher displacement 1.8L petrol power train that produces nearly 149.5 PS of max power and about 177 Nm of torque is capable to provide a mileage of nearly 12 kmpl in city drives along with 16 kmpl on the highways. The lower 1.6L CRDi motor is packed with frugal and refined engine that promises greater mileage. The Hyundai Elantra Diesel that churns out 128 PS of pure power and peak torque of nearly 260 Nm that gives about 16 kmpl in bumper to bumper city traffic conditions, whereas a satisfactory 22 kmpl can be achieved on the smooth highways. Overall the Hyundai Elantra mileage will surely play a very important role at the sales counters in attracting the customers.

Hyundai Elantra Variants and Features

Compare Hyundai Elantra Models

Hyundai Elantra Engine, Power and Performance

The New Hyundai Elantra comes in two fuel choices of petrol and diesel. Both these powertrains are much refined than the predecessor along with being performance driven. The 1.8L, 4-cylinder, 16Valve DOHC now comes with dual VTVT petrol engine. It generates a maximum power of nearby 149.5 PS at 6500 rpm alongside 177 Nm of top torque at 4700 rpm. This Multi Point Injection (MPI) powertrain is mated to choice of 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed automatic transmission. The other one is the diesel counterpart with 1.6L CRDI, DOHC with VGT engine that gives out 128 PS of maximum power at 4000 rpm; moreover it generates some meaty torque numbers with 260 Nm at 1900-2750. This engine is also coupled with a similar alternative of 6-speed manual and automatic gearbox. These Hyundai Elantra engines are tried and tested ones, and have come up with flying colors when it comes to consumer’s satisfaction.

Hyundai Elantra Pickup and Acceleration

The bold and powerful 1.8L petrol Dual VTVT petrol engine of the New Hyundai Elantra churns out a massive power of 149.5 PS and a whopping torque of about 177 Nm. The engine with 6 speed transmission produces unbeatable power which makes the car more dazzling. The pickup from 0- 100 ranges between 9.9 seconds and the top speed attained is 182 Km/ h. Moreover, the figures are impressive with Hyundai Elantra 1.6L diesel choice too, as with 128 PS of utmost power and peak torque of 260 Nm it races up to 100 kph mark in mere 12.9 seconds. Here the light and zippy diesel engine manages to conquer a top speed of 195 km/h.

Hyundai Elantra Interiors and Features

There are handful of sedans available in any segment that have been awarded especially for their class leading interiors, here New Hyundai Elantra interiors were applauded when it was conferred with the North American Car of the Year early this year. The all new Hyundai Elantra has vast stretched and flourished interiors with aero style appearance, the one that makes you more indulged into the unique world of ecstasy. In short the interiors are highly sophisticated, technically modern, and comfortable too.

The excellent headroom of the Hyundai Elantra adds to the inner comfort and luxury of a vehicle that sophisticated and meant to be a fatigue free ride. Just like other cars from the company, the sedan is admirable and blessed with a huge boot space that makes it easier to carry loads of luggage on long journeys.

Hyundai Elantra Exteriors and Features

The Hyundai Elantra is not just a sedan, but an all new definition to sensuousness with ‘fluidic’ looks to yield some eyes for. The magnetic and electrifying beauty captivates huge admiration along the wheels it carries. The masterpiece is bound to grab every eyeball wherever goes. The curvy angular headlamps adorn the front fascia together with the mesmerizing front chrome signature hexagonal grille that looks esteemed, while the classy Hyundai logo sits with pride amid the front grille. Moreover, the Hyundai Elantra’s bonnet scoop feels just like the high end Mercedes Benz. The front L shaped fog lamps create the feel of distinctiveness. Overall the looks are extremely spectacular as compared to predecessor’s boxy and boring one.

 

Many other detailing like the shining chrome door handles, body colored bumpers, side protectors, integrated rear fog lamps and the platinum outline of the boot adds to the charisma of the sedan. The overall shape and structure of the magnificent Elantra looks dazzling and appreciable of the marvelous craftsmanship that goes in the making of such a unique sculpture. Hyundai has always had its own way of dramatizing cars with their own head lamps and so the justice has been made to this sedan as well. The very impressive head lamps of 2012 Hyundai Elantra give it a smiling face and front fascia with an elegant pleasing touch through the LED integrated lights together with a beautiful pair of fog lamps 

only add to the beauty. The rear of the sedan is embraced with the similar privilege and is admirable in the same manner. The Hyundai Elantra seems quite a class and delivers looks that take the breath away.

 

The admiration continues to grow even more towards the rear of the sedan that speaks of remarkable engineering and design. The rear finish of Hyundai Elantra is aristocratic and bears all the materialism that can be expected within the courtesy. The platinum boot outline outshines the glare of the sun and steals the show every how. There is high mounted stop lamp along with spoiler type trunk lid add to the grace at the back. The rear LED tail lamps look amazing with the illumination that is safe and very visible. The New Hyundai Elantra exterior are not just bold but elegant at the same time and are top notch when it comes to style.

Safety Features in Hyundai Elantra

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has got incorporation of some of the safest elements inside the cabin to make sure nearly ‘no’ or minimal scratch to its occupants at the time of any misfortune. Besides standard features such as Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with the Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) there will be other advanced aspects.  And that will comprise of Traction Control System (TCS) with the Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), parking sensors and Hill Hold Control along with memory on board programmable computer etc. Some more aspects include Electro-Chromic Mirror (ECM) camera display, Silica tyres, dual front and side curtain airbags (total of 6 airbags), height adjustable seat belt, crumple zones and collapsible steering column. The Hyundai Elantra sedan has been engrossed and embedded into a steel frame for extra strength and rigidity. The wheels of the fluidic sedan are well supportive of disc brakes. The HID LED lights of Hyundai Elantra are very useful while driving through darker and misty places. The anti-theft alarm and the central locking are helpful in protecting the car from anti- social elements. Also the New Hyundai Elantra will be totally enabled with scratch protective side shields and bumpers that help it escape unwanted damages made to the body.

Hyundai Elantra Driving and Handling

The New Hyundai Elantra handling offers a peppier drive than the earlier version. At the time of long drives the seats it is truly comfortable, especially the driver’s seat that has lumbar support and is 10-way adjustable. The newly tweaked 6-speed manual transmission and 6-speed automatic gearbox are providing smoother shift of gears in the city traffics and on the long routes. The newly incorporated clutch is definitely being responsive and sensitive for better handling. The Hyundai Elantra ride quality that was one of the USPs of the earlier version is expected to remain intact in this new version too. If the same gets retained it will be one of the class leading rides across the bumpy roads. As per the many test drives conducted by various auto portals and magazines, the passenger at the rear seat never feel the trauma of uneven road because of aptly placed Mac Pherson suspensions. Here the longer wheel base also plays an important role.

Hyundai Elantra Accessories

The refreshing integrated audio and stereo system of the Hyundai Elantra is worth some discussion here. The outstanding entertainment on the go is supportive of a Bluetooth and AUX/ USB module that ease out the pressure while driving when you can communicate through your phone via Bluetooth, transfer, switch and listen to your playlists without getting out of your comfort zone. The fine crystal clear speakers with noise cancellation make the acoustics louder and clear. The central locking with anti-theft alarms, leather premium upgrades in the upholstery, steering wheel wrap, gear knob wrap, woofers and amplifiers from the stereo system, LCD with DVD audio visual system, GPS module, Telecommunication n and infotainment module etc. are some additional accessories that you may buy from the company stock itself.

New Hyundai Elantra Road Test Report

Easily one of the most breathtaking premium sedans, the Hyundai Elantra was test driven some days back to check out every aspect closely. The test run carried out was of less than 100 kilometers and this distance was enough to unveil many interesting and talented characteristics of the New Hyundai Elantra. 

While on the road test, it was observed that this sedan shared many capabilities of sibling Hyundai Verna. First of all, it’s the supreme 1.6L diesel engine that again presents its amazing refinement throughout the drive as it does with Verna, or would say slightly more polished. The 1.8L petrol motor also offers a real chunky ride as its diesel mate. Here the Hyundai Elantra diesel MT was driven. The suspensions are aptly set up and are inclined more towards providing more comfort, while if talk about earlier version the suspension wasn’t that great, on the run this sedan can cut corners very well. The undulations of the roads were absorbed pretty well. There was no noise inside the cabin the NVH levels were of great delight; just think if this is the feedback of diesel variant, how pleasurable will be petrol drive. Here, with manual transmission you feel a bit of turbo lag after which 2012 Hyundai Elantra drags it modestly.

 

Inside with dual zone climate control function the air conditioner (it also has cluster ionizer) works perfectly, while rear vents also perform their duty well. There are 4 speakers and two tweeters on the dash; moreover the sound quality out of the music system is truly humming, while there is Aux, USB and iPod interface present for more handiness. Here, the phone can also be synced to stream the audio and simultaneously be useful at answering phone calls. 

 

The body roll was never problematic in this long test. Some other remarkable characteristics, the steering was feather light in right sense and the ideal gripping 4-wheel discs were just accurate accompanied by ABS they were in total control. Additionally, the car is also equipped with unique VMS (Vehicle Stability Management) feature that not only corrects the steering but also assists well under lost control situations. One can say it as an enhanced edition of ESP. In any sense Hyundai Elantra is a cozy highway cruiser by clocking 140 kmph cleanly. The 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmission take good care of the fuel economy, be it diesel or else petrol.  The best part at zooming is that it remained planted on the road, which was a shortcoming in the Verna. The firm grip is actually conferred by the 16-inch alloy wheels, these Nexen silica tyres offer proper grip on the surface.

Hyundai Elantra Conclusion

Now this is yet another Classic from the Korean carmaker, after Hyundai Verna and Hyundai Sonata. The price as expected is aggressive as far as the competition is concerned and that makes New Hyundai Elantra ‘a complete package’. There are very fewer cars that make such an astounding and promising ‘return’ into the crowded arena of automotive world. As per the rumors earlier, it is expected to be priced near to that of Toyota Corolla Altis sedan. Hyundai Motors are now slowly and steadily trying to eat away the premium market with spirited products like New Hyundai Elantra also known as ‘Hyundai Avante’ in some countries.