Hyundai Elantra review, test drive

With brand new design, features and mechanicals at a competitive price, Hyundai makes a comeback with the Elantra

Published on Oct 25, 2012 08:34:00 PM

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Hyundai’s new Fluidic design notches yet another success with the new Elantra. All the bulges and creases are well proportioned, and the Elantra looks fantastic from all angles. The nose resembles the smaller Verna. It looks very similar in profile too, and the strong shoulder line that rises from the front bumper to the tail-light looks sporty and purposeful. The tapering roofline flows into the chunky tail to add to the coupé-like effect. Neat creases and beautifully detailed tail-lights further embellish the Elantra’s style quotient. At 4530mm, it is the shortest car in its segment. But its 2700mm wheelbase is the longest in the class and this is crucial in a segment where rear-seat space is at least as important as in the front.

Although the Elantra impresses with great cabin design, tight panel gaps and convincingly good materials, it still doesn’t exude a feeling of solidity and the door shut has a hollow feel to it. Despite all the equipment that’s packed into it, the 1.6 diesel Elantra tips the scales at 1329kg, its 1.8-litre petrol-engined sibling weighing 70kg less.

The car comes with independent front suspension but, unlike the old car, the rear is more conventionally sprung with a non-independent torsion beam, saving weight and space. The Elantra also comes with safety features like six airbags, ABS and Vehicle Stability Management. The VSM also has the ability to make small steering corrections if it thinks the car is getting out of shape.