Hyundai Elantra is set to re-create a magic

The Hyundai Elantra is a well-known name in India, thanks to the striking design language used both the times it was introduced in the country, i.e. in the year 2000 and later in 2012. Now Hyundai has decided to launch the sixth generation car in India to re-capture the D-segment sedan throne. Indian automotive website MotorBeam.com got its hands on the car and decided to run the classy sedan through its paces.

The outgoing Hyundai Elantra had a swanky design language that looked very eye catchy whereas the new sixth generation vehicle adopts a more mature and grown-up look - the kind of styling that suits more to D-segment sedans.

The front profile is dominated by a chrome highlighted hexagonal grille accentuated with L-shaped projector fog-lamp housing.

The side profile now has an elegant and sober look, having a straight shoulder line that highlights the length of the car. The twin 5-spoke alloys look neat and even the coupe-style roofline merges with the boot quite well. At the same time, the rear looks youthful and sharp with the LED pattern on the tail lights.

Inside, the new dashboard design is eerily German-looking. The car now offers mature interior styling which looks uncluttered and more user friendly than before.

The cabin is all-black with brushed silver elements and the three-spoke steering feels great to hold. Some of the key features include keyless entry and go, 10-way power adjustable seat, drive mode select, etc. The rear seat cushioning is perfect with good support and legroom is excellent.

The 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Sound quality is excellent and even the navigation system looks modern.

As the car will be primarily chauffeur driven in India, it gets dual-zone automatic climate control system which has a strong and silent airflow all the way to the rear passengers. The fit and finish is excellent and it’s hard to find any rough edges.

Hyundai is using a new 2.0-litre petrol engine which punches out 151 HP of power. This engine comes mated with both manual and automatic transmissions.

We got a chance to drive the petrol automatic variant and the new motor feels quite peppy with a strong mid and top-end. This engine delivers an ARAI certified fuel economy of 14.59 km/l and 14.62 km/l with both the manual and auto gearboxes respectively.

The diesel is the same tried and tested 1.6-litre U2 CRDI engine which is now more refined. It still delivers the same 127 HP of power and 260 Nm of twisting force. Mated to this oil burner is a 6-speed automatic and manual transmission. Hyundai claims that the diesel Elantra is the most fuel efficient sedan in its segment delivering 22.54 km/l as per ARAI standards.

The biggest improvement in this Elantra comes in the driving dynamics department. Hyundai has used ‘Advanced High Strength Steel’ in the body frame which makes the structure more rigid and lighter, thereby improving handling characteristics. Though the handling has greatly improved, it still doesn't beat the car's German rivals.

Ride quality is also now considerably improved and there is no notorious Hyundai-trademark bouncy feeling even when the car is fully loaded. The ride is cushioned even on undulated surfaces. Braking performance is progressive with the usual good pedal feel and bite.

The sixth-generation Elantra is loaded with many safety equipments such as 6 airbags, ABS, ESC, Vehicle Stability Management and Hill-Start Assist Control. Hyundai is well known for its after sales service and with the launch of the new Elantra, the Korean carmaker announced new Hyundai Premium Assurance Program.

Hyundai claims that this is the best Elantra they have ever made, and we whole-heartedly second that. The car is set to re-create the magic shown by the last generation Elantra and therefore it will once again become the best-seller in its segment.

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