Hyundai hasn’t had too much success with the Elantra in India. Its all-new and stylish successor hopes to change that and take the fight to the Toyota Corolla.

Bold lines, a new design language and crisp detailing make this Hyundai stand out.

Hyundai has unveiled the all new Elantra. And we think, it’s probably the best looking Hyundai to date. A car that will eventually replace the awkward looking model that is currently being sold in India, the new Elantra or project HD was unveiled recently at the New York Auto Show. Bold confident lines, a new design language and crisp detailing make this Hyundai stand out.
Of course, some of the bits are inspired by other successful designs, like the headlights are very Honda Civic and the taillights hark of the Toyota Corolla. However, the sum of the parts is all new. Unlike the Civic, this is not a low-slung design. Rather, it’s one that masks its upright stance successfully without looking ungainly and awkward. The stunning looking headlights are sunk into the bonnet and are high mounted, and these, along with the arched roof and upward curving belt-line give the car a unique identity. Using a traditionally proportioned and angled bonnet — not a sharply raked one like the Honda City — the Elantra escapes that semi-people mover or minivan look. The aggressive treatment of the chin, the BMWish ‘flame surface’ like crease that runs from the front fender to the rear and the rear quarter glass are other stand-out features.

This all new Elantra is claimed to be almost 50 percent stiffer than the current car. But then, it would need to be. Front and rear suspension is independent, dampers are gas charged and has been tuned to deliver a good driving experience along with a speed-sensitive power steering system. The company also claims a breakthrough in sound insulation, claiming the Elantra is a full two decibels more silent. Now, that’s a considerable amount. The car also has more interior space compared to competitors like the Civic and Corolla, something that should go down well with Indian buyers. Another factor that is sure to impact passenger comfort to a greater degree is the more upright stance of the cabin, meaning easier ingress and egress, better thigh support and more legroom.
The design of the interiors is typically Hyundai, following the footsteps of the new Sonata. Blue-backed dials, a multifunction steering wheel and protruding aircon system knobs all make this easily recognisable as a Hyundai even from the interior. The vertically slated aircon vents, as on the current car, keep the identity of the car. The seats of the car are substantially built and the Elantra comes with six airbags, including curtain bags, as standard in the US market. Of course, this strategy is unlikely to be replicated here.
Also all-new are two of the three motors that power the car. The first, the petrol 1.6 comes from the all new Gamma range. An all aluminum engine this motor also features dual overhead cams as well as continuously variable valve timing. An impressive 122bhp is what the motor puts out at peak power. The Gamma series of engines will also power the new Accent or Verna that is to be launched in India.
The Chevy Optra better take cover. This engine is joined by a 2-litre ‘Beta’ motor, that makes an even more impressive 143bhp. Also of interest to Indian customers is the new common rail diesel motor displacing 1600cc. It uses dual overhead cams and four valves per cylinder for better breathing. This 1.6-litre diesel motor, internally known as the D4FB, is substantially smaller than the 2- litre unit that powers the current Elantra, but incredibly produces more power and torque. This is made possible due to substantially more advanced multiple injection per stroke, upto five, technology as well as a more advanced variable geometry turbocharger, currently only found on more expensive cars like the Skoda Laura and Mercedes C Class.
The current Elantra hasn’t been a runaway success is plain to see. It lacks visual appeal and looks smaller than the competition too, a key disadvantage. The considerably more attractive and larger looking new car promises to change all this. Hyundai are in the process of firming up launch dates for the new car, but don’t expect it before the year-end.

FACTFILE
Layout 4 cyl, 1591cc,petrol/ 4cyl, 1975cc petrol/ 4cyl, 1582cc CRDi
Max power 122/143/115bhp
Max torque 15.7/19.0/26.0kgm

Transmission 5-speed manual/ 4-speed auto

Length 4505mm
Width 1775mm
Height 1490mm
Wheelbase 2650mm

What to expect
Stylish looks and new-gen engines.