Hyundai Elantra

Inside, the Hyundai Elantra offers a premium minimalistic cabin design. Although there is a noticeable amount of hard plastics on the dashboard and the cockpit, its features feel relatively good-to-the-touch. Drivers of higher trims can enjoy a leather-wrapped steering wheel with multiple controls and a paddle shifter for a sense of manual control. They can also monitor their current driving conditions through a 10.25-inch LCD instrument cluster, while owners of lower trims have the 4.2-inch version. 

All variants are equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment display that has Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and hands-free voice command. The infotainment system of higher trims are linked to a 6-speaker sound system, while lower trims have the 4-speaker counterpart. 

Its seats are supple, but they lack a ventilation feature. Both the front and second rows offer generous amounts of leg room. However, rear headroom and space could still be improved. Three tall or larger passengers will not be able to sit comfortably in the second row. Aside from these, the sedan comes with four USB ports: 1 Type A and 1 Type C at the front, and 2 Type Cs at the rear. 

From the outside, the Hyundai Elantra has an elegant futuristic look thanks to its sharp character lines and premium lighting. At the front, it sports a smooth front fascia that is very similar to the faces of high-end EVs of the modern age. Additionally, its facade has a ‘Parametric Jewel Pattern’ that showcases a front grille that resembles diamond-cut gemstones. Its top-of-the-line, N Line, gets dual projection LED headlamps with an autolight control feature, while the rest have the multi-faceted reflector counterpart. The top-of-the-line and hybrid variants are given LED DRLs, while the lower gasoline engine variants have a halogen-type.

On the sides, the Elantra looks sporty and smart at the same time. Its top variant gets a blacked-out set of 18-inch alloy wheels, while the hybrid variants and the upper regular gasoline engine variant (1.6 GL 6AT) have 16-inch counterparts. Meanwhile, the base gasoline engine variant comes with 15-inch alloy wheels.

The Hyundai Elantra’s rear is a sight to behold. It has a unique-looking rear combination lamp that has a sharp architecture. The top variant, N Line, and the higher hybrid variant, HEV Premium, are given LED versions of this combination lamp, while the rest have a halogen-type. All variants are 1,825 mm in width, 1,430 mm in height, and 2,720 mm in wheelbase. In terms of length, the top variant is 4,675 mm, while the rest are 4,710 mm.

The Hyundai Elantra’s top-of-the-line and hybrid variants utilize a suspension combination of a MacPherson Strut at the front and a Multi Link at the rear. On the other hand, lower trims utilize the same suspension at the front but a Coupled Torsion Beam Axle at the rear.

This compact sedan offers a smooth cruising experience that has a right amount of firmness, especially when hitting turns or corners. For the higher trims, especially, you’ll have responsive shifts and good handling on the road. That said, you will definitely have a relaxing trip when the Elantra is your vehicle. 

The Hyundai Elantra offers three engine options. First, the two lower trim variants are powered by a 1.6L Gasoline engine that produces a maximum power output of 128 PS and a maximum torque of 155 Nm. These lower trims run on 6-speed automatic transmission.

Second, the mid hybrid variants are powered by a 1.6L HEV Gasoline engine that produces a maximum power output of 141 PS and a maximum torque of 147 Nm. These hybrid variants run on 6-speed dual clutch transmission. 

Third, the top variant, N Line, is powered by a 1.6L Turbo Gasoline engine that produces a maximum power output of 204 PS and a maximum torque of 265 Nm. This runs on 7-speed dual clutch transmission.

All variants are feasible daily vehicles for city driving. In terms of fuel-efficiency, the hybrid variants have the advantage. However, when it comes to driving at high speeds on free-flowing highways, the top variant really excels. Performance-wise, the Elantra N Line exceeds even its direct competitors, the Honda Civic RS Turbo CVT and the Toyota Corolla Altis GR-S CVT, in terms of power and torque.

In terms of the Hyundai Smartsense, the brand’s own ADAS, all variants have cruise control and rear view monitors with dynamic parking guidance. However, only the top and higher trim hybrid variants have a smart cruise control with a stop and go feature as well as the other advanced driver assistance systems that the Smartesense offers. This includes assistance systems for forward collision-avoidance and lane following and keeping, as well as a parking distance warning. In addition, the top and higher trim hybrid variants have six SRS airbags, while the rest only have two.

All variants utilize front and rear disc type brakes. The braking setup of the Elantra line is protected by an anti-lock braking system and electronic stability control. All variants also have a hill-start assist control. However, only the higher trims have a tire pressure monitoring system.

Right now, the Hyundai Elantra is definitely a must-try. Its top variant, N Line, might be a bit on the impractical side, but its impressive road performance justifies its current price. The hybrid variants are slightly better when you are looking for a practical and fuel-efficient daily vehicle in the city.