2016 Hyundai Elantra India review, test drive

What’s it like to drive?

The Elantra is powered by a 152hp 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and 128hp 1.6-litre four-cylinder diesel unit, both paired to six-speed manual or auto units. I got behind the wheel of a diesel manual and a petrol automatic.

The diesel is Hyundai’s tried and tested U2 engine and, on the Elantra, it feels adequate but not really powerful. Power delivery is nice and linear all through the rev range but does not have that exciting surge at any point. Refinement levels of the engine are excellent, especially at idle with barely any sound or vibrations entering the cabin.

The petrol on the other hand offers a more exciting drive and is equally refined only getting noisy higher in its rev range. The auto box come with three modes – Normal, Eco and Sport –  that alters the shift points. Even in Normal mode though it seemed a little too eager to shift down a gear – just a light tap of the throttle orders a downshift.

Hyundai seems to have made great strides with the suspension. It soaks up bumps really well and has a very European feel (firm and well controlled) to it. The steering, though better weighted, is still typically Hyundai and not very engaging.