Hyundai Elantra

Overview

One of the most popular options in the midsize sedan category across the globe, the Hyundai Elantra now features an updated, much sleeker personality which has made it the sharpest looking Hyundai till date. Hyundai is offering this new seventh-generation model of the Elantra in two different variants, both of which do have different petrol engines under their hood. 

Interior & Features

While the exterior design is a vast departure from that of the erstwhile iteration, Hyundai has kept the interior cabin design of it in this new version of Elantra. Compared to the very edgy exterior design, the interior looks a bit toned down with its simpler layout. However, there is no way it lacks any sort of luxurious appeal or feel god factor.

The all-new multi-functional steering wheel shared with other new-generation Hyundai offerings is the only change that looks noticeable. Apart from that, the subtly designed instrument console with MID in between and a simple centre console with wide housings for the touchscreen infotainment system and buttons for dual-zone automatic climate control below it looks pretty decent.

While the seats are well cushioned, have great under-thigh support and are wide enough to seat three people at the rear, the sloping roofline does eat up some amount of headroom which can be a hassle for taller passengers. However, some premium features onboard like wireless charging, electric sunroof, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, and ventilated seats.

Exterior

Like all the previous iterations of the Hyundai Elantra, this new one sports an all-new design language that shares nothing from the model it has replaced. While the new Elantra still has got the curviness and sleekness of the previous model, it now sports a number of angular design cues that now make it look very sharp and futuristic.

At the front, there are a lot of triangular hints in its design, which is quite evident from the headlamps and fog lamps. The grille too is wider and has prominent edges towards its sides, which give the new Elantra a widened appeal. Also, new to the front design is the longitudinal bulge at the centre of the front bonnet.

The side profile looks more or less similar to the old model, with a curvy roofline, taut waistline and a sharp character line giving it an essence of a coupe. However, the new 17-inch alloy wheels seem bigger and more premium than before with their new machined design.

Like the front fascia, the boot design too has been completely revamped. While the license plate housing has moved downwards on the rear bumper, the tail lamps have ditched the curvy design for much angular ones with boomerang-shaped LED inserts within them.

Ride & Handling

The Hyundai Elantra has always been a decent balance of driving appeal behind the steering wheel and ride comfort in the back seat. The new model too maintains that nice balance – while it is not too engaging to drive, the rear seat space too isn’t best in the class. However, it gets the job done evenly in both aspects

Engine & Fuel Consumption

The Hyundai Elantra here is available in a choice of two engine options under its hood, both of which are petrol powered and are coupled to a 6-speed automatic torque converter. The smaller 1.6-litre engine belts out 128 PS of maximum power and 154 Nm of maximum torque, while the more powerful 2.0-litre engine produces maximum power and torque outputs of 152 PS and 192 Nm respectively.

Braking & Safety

With front, side and curtain airbags, ABS with EBD, reverse camera, hill start assist control, electronic stability control, forward collision avoidance assist and blind-spot collision warning, the Hyundai Elantra promises to provide an assurance of utmost safety.

Verdict

With every passing generation model, the Hyundai Elantra has established new benchmarks as far as styling is concerned, and this new latest model is a testimony to this fact. This new iteration of Hyundai Elantra is by far the sleekest and sharpest looking while maintaining ample levels of luxury and space. With decent performance under the hood and ride and handling balance, the Hyundai Elantra makes for a strong case for itself in the executive sedan space.