‘Space’ – no, not the ‘Trekkie’s’ ‘final frontier’, we mean roominess – has been conquered by Hyundai with the all-new Hyundai Elantra sedan. In fact it out-mid-sizes some of the mid-sizers for interior dimensions.
So while it’s officially termed a ‘small car’, the all-new Hyundai Elantra actually provides 3,126.2-litres of interior space. Hyundai claims that figure eclipses the Honda Accord Euro and Volkswagen Passat CC to name just two high quality mid-size sedans.
That should being a smile to the faces of family small cars buyers.
Priced from just $20,590 and – yet again! – a nicely styled Hyundai, the all-new Elantra will make a major contribution to the Korean company’s +80,000 sales in Australia this year.
Hyundai Elantra Overview
Even Hyundai admits the now-superseded Hyundai Elantra was no oil painting in the looks department…so forget what came before and focus on the sharp good looks of the all-new model.
Combine that handsome exterior with a typically stylish, ‘new generation’ Hyundai interior with abundant space and a new, more powerful and fuel-efficient 1.8-litre petrol engine…well young families, down-sizing ‘empty-nesters’ and corporate fleets must pay attention to the Korean giant’s all-new small sedan.
For the all-new Elantra lineup, Hyundai Australia has ditched the SX and SLX model nomenclature and switched to the new grades now familiar with i20, ix35 and i45. Entry-level Hyundai Elantra ‘Active’ is priced at $20,590 (six-speed manual) or $22,590 (six-speed automatic); next-up is the ‘Elite’ ($25,590, six-speed auto only) and the range-topper is the ‘Premium’ ($28,990, six-speed auto only). Specification levels are impressive with even the entry-level Hyundai Elantra ‘Active’ boasting standard cruise control.
Over the Active, extras included in the Hyundai Elantra ‘Elite’ include 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, rear park assist, push-button start with smart key, auto headlights, climate control air-conditioning, an upgraded steering wheel and piano black interior trim finishes.
‘Premium’ models gain 17-inch alloy wheels, reversing camera, leather interior, heated front seats with electric adjustment for the driver, sunroof, upgraded instruments and a dark-chrome finish for the front grille.
Hyundai Elantra Engine
All change too under the bonnet for the all-new Hyundai Elantra with power coming from Hyundai’s latest ‘Nu’ series 1.8-litre petrol engine.
Delivering 110kW at 6500rpm, the newcomer is four per cent more powerful than the previous 105kW, 2.0-litre engine. Maximum torque is 178Nm at 4700rpm (186Nm in the old model).
Combined cycle fuel consumption is rated as low as 6.6l/100kms (six-speed manual) compared to 7.4l/100kms for the equivalent superseded Elantra model – an improvement of 11 per cent.
With dual continuously variable valve timing (inlet and exhaust), Hyundai’s ‘Nu’ engine delivers impressive performance albeit with some noise intrusion at high engine loads.
Drive is to the front wheels via either six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmissions – both made by Hyundai. In fact the latest six-speed automatic is smaller, lighter (by five kilos) and has 62 fewer moving parts than the four-speed automatic it has replaced.
Hyundai Elantra The Interior
In introducing the all-new Elantra, Hyundai was quick to get to its segment-leading interior space – ‘The Big Small Car’ they’re calling it. So we did the same, climbing straight into the back seat (after we set the driver’s seat to our desired position).
Yep, no doubt about it, the all-new Hyundai Elantra has noticeably more space inside than rival small sedans such as the Mazda3 and Holden Cruze. A 2700mm wheelbase sure helps (matched in this class only by the Honda Civic).
Boot space is also impressive at 420-litres and while it’s not hugely deep, it’s deep enough for a full-size golf bag or full-size baby stroller. And the 60:40 split-fold rear seat assists long loads.
Otherwise the all-new Hyundai Elantra’s interior reflects a lot of similarity to other ‘new generation’ Hyundai models like ix35 and i30. That means good quality materials, crisp, clean instruments and excellent ergonomics.
The stylish, four-spoke steering wheel adjusts for rake and reach and although the drivers’ seat could do with some extra lumbar support, the driving position is fine.
All Hyundai Elantra models run a six-speaker CD sound system with audio streaming and hands-free Bluetooth.
Hyundai Elantra Exterior & Styling
The all-new Hyundai Elantra was crafted at Hyundai’s North American styling studios in Irvine, California and is the latest example of the company’s ‘Fluidic Sculpture’ design philosophy. That means Hyundai’s usual hexagonal front grille, large, curved headlights which sweep back over the front fenders to the sculptured bonnet, flared wheel-arches, low roofline, kick-up bootlid and elongated tail-lights which flow to the side ‘character lines’.
As Hyundai has proved previously, this obsession with fluidity pays off in aerodynamics and the all-new Hyundai Elantra is slippery - a drag Cd of 0.28 is better than the impressive Mazda3, Holden Cruze and Toyota Corolla.
Hyundai Elantra On The Road
During the one-day media launch, we put both Elite and Premium grade versions of the all-new Hyundai Elantra through their paces over the mountain roads surrounding Canberra.
Suspension is a MacPherson Strut front design, while at the rear Hyundai has followed the big-name European small cars in opting for a torsion beam design over the previously favoured multi-link layout. During Elantra development, thousands of kilometers were covered in Australia and the result is a unique set-up for local conditions: front springs, dampers and a thicker front anti-roll bar plus a one-off tune for the motor driven power steering (MDPS).
As well as traction and stability control, Hyundai Elantra runs ‘Vehicle Stability Management’ (VSM) which combines ESC, TCS, MDPS and engine management to adjust torque and power steering weight when traction is lost.
There’s no doubt those acquainted with European standard small car ride will feel at home in the all-new Hyundai Elantra – quite firm over poor roads and very direct steering response (just what performance drivers demand). Some suggested the Premium model with its 17-inch alloy wheels was bordering on too harsh over the Canberra roads – we don’t agree with that point of view as we liked its precise, sporty feel.
The 1.8-litre powerplant was willing enough, especially on those fast, rural roads when we opted for the manual-shifting mode for the six-speed automatic transmission. Hyundai did not include any city or freeway driving in the test loop.
Hyundai Elantra Challenges
Our only disappointment in the all-new Hyundai Elantra was some noticeable engine noise when working hard (as we did a few times climbing the hills in the test loop).
Hyundai Elantra Verdict
By any measure the all-new Hyundai Elantra asks some serious questions of rival small sedans. It’s remarkable interior space, handsome looks and sharp prices will get some deserved traffic at Hyundai showrooms.
Hyundai’s global sales growth stems from great new products and the all-new Elantra is another chapter in this remarkable story. Bad news for rival brands is Hyundai ain’t done yet – there’s four extra new models (including the innovative Veloster sports car) to come before they close-off 2011.
Hyundai Elantra The Competition
An over-ride in the small car segment is the new Ford Focus which is scheduled for launch shortly – expect it to be a front-runner.
Other front-running contenders are the Mazda3, and Holden Cruze. Mitsubishi Lancer, Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Nissan Tiida are also in the consideration set.
