Hyundai Elantra — Refreshed and improved From the side, the redesigned 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and chrome belt line moulding accentuates the Elantra’s premium image
From the side, the redesigned 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and chrome belt line moulding accentuates the Elantra’s premium image

From the side, the redesigned 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and chrome belt line moulding accentuates the Elantra’s premium image

Tinashe Makichi : Motoring Correspondent

Hyundai Elantra has been refreshed and improved as part of efforts to strengthen the model’s presence in one of the most competitive market segments. The Hyundai Elantra returns with extensive design upgrades: A host of new features have been added, while maintaining the roominess, warranty and safety that has helped the Elantra to be a winner in its market segment.Since the first-generation Hyundai Elantra was launched in 1990, the model accumulated global sales exceeding 8,77 million units. The present model, launched in 2011, has all-new front and rear exterior designs, along with interior styling upgrades.

The “fluidic sculpture” design language that has first been adopted by Hyundai for its popular ix35 SUV and the flagship Sonata sedan was also used to create the very attractive Elantra. That striking design has now been complemented by several exterior styling refinements.

The enhanced Elantra has an overall length of 4 550mm, which is 20 mm longer than the previous model, while its wheelbase remains the same. With front and rear bumpers extended by 5mm and 15mm respectively, the face-lifted Elantra projects a more stable, balanced look.

The newly designed front bumper, radiator grille, fog lamps as well as adoption of LED light guide and projection headlamps add a dynamic, high-tech feel to the Elantra.

When seen from the side, the redesigned 17-inch two-tone alloy wheels and chrome belt line moulding accentuate the Elantra’s premium image.

A new black, two-tone rear bumper and LED rear combination lamps were also adopted.

Interior design elements were modified with the aim of improving usability, reflecting feedback from customers of the previous Elantra model. Such research and feedback resulted in the centre air vent position being moved upward on the dash, while the front centre armrest position was also raised.

The front and rear styling of the Hyundai Elantra have been altered for a more stable, balanced look. Up front, a new open-mouth lower bumper, grille, more technical fog lights and projector headlamps add a dynamic, precise feel to Elantra.

The whole L-shaped fog light graphic stabilises the front end and gives the car a more grounded look, while maintaining a greater sense of width that forces the eye to the corners.

The headlamp and tail lamp LED accents were also given a more technical appearance to give the Elantra a stronger attitude. Viewed from the side, new 17-inch alloy wheels accentuate the Elantra’s premium image.

Inside, refinements in design give the entire Hyundai Elantra a more premium feel, with subtle changes to the placement of air-conditioning vents, controls and the height of the front centre armrest lending a higher-quality, simplified look.

Since the launch of the current generation Elantra in 2011, the model has undergone significant changes to reduce cabin noise.

The cumulative effect of these improvements is evident in the outstanding ride quality of the Elantra and they will be noticed immediately by driver and passengers.

The lightweight, all-aluminium 1,6 litre Gamma MPI four-cylinder engine is used for the current Elantra, equipped with D-CVVT to boost power output of 96kW at 6 300 r/min. and allow lower exhaust emissions while delivering class-leading fuel economy. Peak torque delivery is 157 Nm at 4 850 r/min.

Fuel consumption of 6,4 litres/100km has been measured officially for the manual transmission derivative, while the automatic version recorded 6,9 litres/100km in a combined (urban and open, rural roads) test cycle.

Hyundai’s commitment to making the Elantra highly fuel-efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transmission.

Developed and manufactured entirely in-house, the six-speed automatic transmission is designed for engine applications in small mid-sized passenger cars. The automatic transmission consists of three planet gears, two clutches and three brakes, which make it small, compact and light. Hyundai is one of only three global car manufacturers with its own unique six-speed automatic transmission layout.

The suspension and steering components of the Elantra are anchored to a chassis of outstanding rigidity and strength that permits more precise tuning of the final ride and handling settings.

The Elantra uses a MacPherson strut front suspension with a six-point reinforcement of the cross member that improves rigidity and handling characteristics.

At the rear, the coupled torsion beam axle suspension is simple in design and functioning, but light in weight and effective to deliver a smooth, comfortable ride and excellent stability.

A refined ride with a well-weighted and accurate steering response, linked with outstanding suspension articulation and road compliancy, forms part of the modern premium package of the Elantra.

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