Hyundai Elantra Review

Photo Courtesy: Hyundai India

Launch

The latest Hyundai Elantra was launched in India in December, 2016.

The recently launched Hyundai Elantra is the 6th generation in its series. It’s not only the best looking one in its series, but, it is the best looking compared to its rivals.

I can just look at it and admire its beauty all day long.

Photo Courtesy: Hyundai India

Features and gadgets

It’s got 8-inch infotainment system with good response. Once or twice it felt lagging in response, though it runs smoothly and lag was never felt again.

Sound quality was not as good as expected. 

The screen and other tools are a bit tilted towards the driver which is good and gives an appealing look.

Air ventilation is exceptionally good and auto defogging is available during humid climate.

ENGINE	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
Fuel Type / Propulsion	Petrol	Petrol (AT)	Diesel	Diesel (AT)
Engine Installation	Front, transverse	Front, transverse	Front, transverse	Front, transverse
Type	1999/1582cc, 4 cyls petrol	1999/1582cc, 4 cyls petrol	1999/1582cc, 4 cyls diesel	1999/1582cc, 4 cyls diesel
Bore/Stroke (mm)	81/97, 77.2/84.5mm	81/97, 77.2/84.5mm	81/97, 77.2/84.5mm	81/97, 77.2/84.5mm
Compression Ratio	10.3, 17.3:1	10.3, 17.3:1	10.3, 17.3:1	10.3, 17.3:1
Valve Train	4 valves per cyl, DOHC	4 valves per cyl, DOHC	4 valves per cyl, DOHC	4 valves per cyl, DOHC
Max Power (hp @ rpm)	152hp at 6200rpm	152hp at 6200rpm	128hp at 4000rpm	128hp at 4000rpm
Max Torque (Nm @ rpm)	192Nm at 400	192Nm at 400	260Nm at 1900-2750rpm	260Nm at 1900-2750rpm
Power to Weight Ratio (hp/tonne)	119.6	113.6	95.5	90.9hp
Torque to Weight Ratio (Nm/tonne)	151.1	143.5	194	184.7
TRANSMISSION	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
Drive Layout	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive	Front-wheel drive
Gearbox Type	Manual	Auto	Manual	Auto
No of Gears	6	6	6	6

BRAKING	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
80 - 0 kph (mts, sec)	14.16m, 2.18s	14.16m, 2.18s	14.16m, 2.18s	14.16m, 2.18s
EFFICIENCY	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
City (kpl)	8.1	8.7	14.1	11.1
Highway (kpl)	11.8	12.5	17.7	15.1
Tank size (lts)	50 litres	50 litres	50 litres	50 litres

BODY	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
Construction	Four-door sedan, monocoque	Four-door sedan, monocoque	Four-door sedan, monocoque	Four-door sedan, monocoque
Weight (kg)	1271	1338	1340	1408
Front Tyre	205/60 R16	205/60 R16	205/60 R16	205/60 R16
Rear Tyre	205/60 R16	205/60 R16	205/60 R16	205/60 R16
Spare Tyre	Full size	Full size	Full size	Full size
SUSPENSION	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
Front	MacPherson strut with coil spring	MacPherson strut with coil spring	MacPherson strut with coil spring	MacPherson strut with coil spring
Rear	Non-independent, torsion beam, coil springs	Non-independent, torsion beam, coil springs	Non-independent, torsion beam, coil springs	Non-independent, torsion beam, coil springs

Dimensions	Petrol	Petrol AT	Diesel	Diesel AT
Length	4570mm	4570mm	4570mm	4570mm
Width (mm)	1800mm	1800mm	1800mm	1800mm
Height	1455mm	1455mm	1455mm	1455mm
Wheel base	2700mm	2700mm	2700mm	2700mm
Ground Clerance (mm)	165	165	165	165
Boot Capacity (Lts)	458	458	458	458

Photo Courtesy: Hyundai India

Looks and Design

They have made it aerodynamic; vents above the fog lamp which helps in the stability and improving mileage. A really good work has put on the chassis and resulted in a sporty look for the new Elantra.

You have to remember that the car comes under executive sedan segment, so, its mostly concentrates on comfort and quality ride.

Getting inside the car is a different experience then the previous models, the look from inside is more elegant and has a better finish. It perfectly suits the statement; look good, feel good.

The coupe-like shape of Elantra is really good for tall people as the backseat in lower than other sedans. Front seats are also very comfortable and ventilation at both parts are really good.

At the back seat, when you pull the arms rest, there is a small window for accessing the boot, The boot space is 458 L which is less compared to its rivals.

It has got automatic boot opening, you just need the keys with you.

Photo Courtesy: Hyundai India

Safety features

The focus on safety features is great in this model. It has a dual impact beam for rear seats, reinforced B-pillar.

The chassis comprises 53% advanced high steel and giving it a rigid strength. With 6 airbags, Hill-start Assist control (HAC), Elantra Stability Control (ESC), and Auto Cruise Control (ACC) systems, you can’t just deny its driving comfort and rich experience.

It can also set a vehicle;e speed and maintain even if you are not pressing the accelerator. It’s all about the maintenance of smooth drive and you don’t have to worry about the car automatically driving somewhere else. Lol.

Photo Courtesy: Hyundai India

Driving experience

Let’s get to the driving experience of Elantra executive sedan model. It has improved very much compared to its predecessors, one example being its steering feedback. It used to be dead but now, the feedback is there and now the driver friendly and the feedback helps the driver to understand the road better.

Even the automatic gearbox has improved, giving you the different modes of drive like ECO, City and Sport. It changes the gearbox response and if you prefer you rev in the red line, it can do it in sports mode.

The manual mode is good but in petrol; variant you change the gears more often as there is not much power and torque. There is a turbo lag but on highways, it’s good but not as punchy as it should be.

On high speed, the bumpy road doesn’t destroy the comfort of the driver. Brakes are decent and a bit softer. All the electronic nanny works well and keeps the car safe and stable even on curvy roads.

Suspension setup is good but, it’s not a type of car you would like to drive fast though they have given it a sporty chassis and mode.

Price: 1561715- 2317541 INR (ex-showroom)

Final Verdict

Looks and design: 9/10

Specs & features: 9/10

Dynamics & performance: 8/10

Safety & quality: 9/10

After-sale service: 9/10

Finally, what type of car it is and should you buy it?

It is a kind of car which will make you feel special, secure and be providing an experience of a high-speed cruising.

If you want a sedan with best looks and high-quality ride and features, it is your car.

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Do You Know Your Car

We can drive our cars in many ways, and the probable ways are not limited. Many ways include proper and good and also the maniac and foolish ways of driving.

This article will be concentrating on the not so convenient ways in which people drive; creating a problem for themselves, other drivers on road and pedestrians as well.

We have seen people sleep during the drive, drunk driving, drinking while driving or should say driving while drinking. I have also seen a guy searching for something under the seat while driving (trust me).

I will share a few examples and one of my own experience in this article.

There are maniacs and lunatics on the road walking and driving, and now that is not just the problem. I have seen many people who just use their car just like a commuting vehicle or a transportation medium.

Yes, it is a transportation machine, but above that, the vehicle is much more than a medium of transportation, especially when you’re sitting inside it.

All I am saying is that you need to have a connection with your car, a connection with your mind as well as your body.

Being an automobile enthusiast and lover I want to convey something about your vehicle that you have to take care of.

First of all, you need to have a connection with your car or bike. You should be able to drive with a flow.

I have seen many who have just started driving after getting their license; they just seem like a beginner who isn’t familiar with the car. While changing the gear, they have to literally look at the gear lever and change.

This is the part where one can understand your connection with your car.

Another incident which I remember is; during a trip I saw a guy going reverse to park on the roadside. The thing that I noticed was, he put his head outside the car through the window to look back instead of look at the 3 rear-view mirrors his car has.

This attitude or activities seem to be common or of not that important, but, these are the things which inhibit the processes of becoming a good driver.

Yes, not everyone wants to be a pro driver but there many things we should know and adapt to our car which will be fruitful in the future.

I would like to share one incident in my life that happened a few months ago.

I was driving on 4 lane highway and behind me was another and in front of me was a bus. Remember, in India, we drive on the left side. I was in the first lane and I was going to overtake the bus and started speeding up.

When I was halfway to overtaking, a drunkard just jumped in front of me!

There was no way I could stop as the car behind me will collide with me if I do so, nor I can overtake the bus with the present speed.

What I did next was totally a reflex action.

I downed the gear to 3rd and accelerated and overtook the bus in a sudden move before I reached close to the drunkard.

Hence, avoiding the collision with the car behind me and not hitting the pedestrian straight to heaven.

It is really hard to explain about being a good driver through a blog, but I think I am trying my best.

To make it easy, I would suggest you what to do and what not to do with your car.

Things to do

KNOW YOUR CAR’S LIMIT

Always have an idea of what your car can do and what it cannot. Knowing the limits of your car is the first step you can take towards becoming a good driver.

STEERING FEEDBACK

One way to know the road you driving is smooth or bumpy is analyzing the steering feedback. It will help you to judge the road’s condition.

SERVICE YOUR CAR AT LEAST TWICE IN A YEAR

Servicing your car is as important as you have a medical checkup. It will keep the car healthy and smooth

Things you shouldn’t do

DON’T THINK

Yes, don’t think and drive. Every move you make should be voluntary and your brain should work as the same way as you are walking or running.

On road we don’t have time to think, everything happens in seconds.

All you need to have is a reflex action as I had in my incident.

Don’t Always Apply Brakes When A Situation Arises

One thing we’ve been told by the experienced drivers is to apply brakes when anything happens. Yes, it is a good technique but doesn’t always work. We have to always analyse the surroundings; the vehicles on our sides, front and back. A decision should be made after considering all this and yes within in seconds.

Don’t Always Driver As Per Your Speed

There are certain speed limits as well as there is certain implied minimum speed in which you should go while driving on road. People will get irritated when you’re driving slow and there is no way of overtaking you.

Finally, these are just a few of the things I want to say but, it’s you who should actually work hard to learn about how to drive even after getting the license.

Try to improve your driving skills each day as much as possible.

Wish you a safe and happy drive.

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