Auto123 takes a first check drive of the 2021 Hyundai Elantra.
In case you might need misplaced observe of time – totally forgivable given the final weeks and months of semi-confinement – Hyundai’s Elantra has been on our roads for nearly 30 years. The primary mannequin carrying the title arrived in 1992, to little or no fanfare in any respect to be sincere. Few took discover.
The mannequin has come a great distance since then. Final 12 months, the Elantra ranked third in gross sales in its class in Canada, behind perennial chief the Honda Civic and never far again of the Toyota Corolla. Hyundai’s goal now could be greater up the rostrum because it introduces the next-gen Elantra, scheduled to debut in 2021.
The Sonata as muse
And what we’re getting is a wholly new mannequin in each respect. Constructed on a brand new platform, this Seventh-generation Elantra has an extended wheelbase, wider tracks and a daring exterior styling within the custom of a four-door coupe. It clearly borrows a few of its inspiration from the Sonata, which modified its pores and skin final 12 months.
What stands out with this new styling train is the general upscale look that recommend a dearer automobile than the Elantra actually is. And, because of the bigger exterior dimensions, the inside advantages as properly. The seating place is now decrease to counteract the receding roofline on the rear that would have lowered headroom for rear-seat occupants.
Nicely-equipped
Korean automakers proceed to construct on their popularity for delivering worth. The in depth record of normal gear contains frontal collision avoidance, lane help, driver consideration warning system and rearview digicam.
Our tester was the Final trim, and it additionally contains extra superior options corresponding to freeway driver help, which helps preserve you targeted in your lane and a protected distance behind the automobile in entrance of you, rear occupant alert and protected exit alert along with clever cruise management.
This top-of-the-line model additionally advantages from a completely digital instrument panel with a customizable show that modifications settings relying on driving model – one other function sometimes present in luxurious automotive fashions.
The Elantra can also be the primary automobile in its phase to obtain Android Auto and Apple CarPlay wirelessly when geared up with the 8-inch infotainment display screen. No extra dragging a wire round, woohoo. Hyundai added that subsequent 12 months, you will additionally be capable of use wi-fi navigation out of your smartphone.
Past that, there’s an obtainable massive 10.25-inch high-definition display screen with navigation and audio system. This technique gives improved performance over the earlier technology, together with split-screen performance. We even had customizable 64-colour temper lighting that invitations you to calm down or get excited or no matter your desire.
Hyundai additionally considered all types of small particulars like the lean of the infotainment contact display screen in direction of the driving force for simpler entry. The numerous changes doable for the seat permit you to discover a good driving place. Glorious leg and shoulder room within the rear provides to passenger consolation.
Tranquil on the street
For this primary encounter, Hyundai solely made obtainable to us the common model of the brand new Elantra. This fairly sedate model is supplied with a 2.0L engine producing 147 hp and 131 lb-ft of torque. Solely the bottom Important model is obtainable with a guide transmission; all different fashions include the so-called “clever” IVT (CVT) transmission, which simulates gear modifications to cut back the extent of ache in your ears if you open up the throttle.
The main focus is on consolation, not efficiency. In order for you extra energy, slightly little bit of endurance is so as as a result of Hyundai will deliver out the N Line model with a 201-hp 1.6L turbocharged engine later in November. If that is not sufficient, extra endurance will probably be required as you’ll have to attend for the true N model Hyundai is getting ready for 2021, and which can borrow the two.0L turbocharged powerplant of the Veloster N with a number of efficiency changes for suspension, chassis, steering and extra, and 276 hp underneath the hood.
Lastly, for many who wish to do even higher than the 6.7L/100 km common that we managed to do with our gas-powered Elantra, Hyundai will even provide an Elantra Hybrid geared up with the powertrain of the Ioniq Hybrid, which can undoubtedly take the cake on the subject of gas economic system.
In our Final model, as with all different variations, energy comes solely by the entrance wheels – so no AWD – and the emphasis is on consolation. Quiet driving and competent dealing with, however nothing extra.
Sensible pricing
The beginning worth for a manual-transmission model of the Elantra Important begins at $17,899. It is true that it has rather less gear than the following variations, however vehicles underneath $20,000 are very uncommon.
Our check mannequin, an Final Tech model with just about every thing conceivable added to it, together with two digital shows, wi-fi smartphone connectivity, heated seats and extra, begins at $28,299. Which we nonetheless take into account to be an amazing deal.
The Most popular variations, that are prone to be the preferred, begin at $21,899 and the entry-level Final fashions are priced at $25,599, or about $1,000 greater than a hybrid model.
Conclusion
With its daring, high-end styling, large choice of trims and several other upcoming fashions, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra is primed to make transfer within the class. And I admit it’s good to see that, at a time when auto producers are systematically abandoning vehicles for SUVs, Hyundai continues to spend money on automobiles for many who admire the pleasures of driving a automotive.
We like
Complete record of normal options
Gasoline economic system
A number of area for passengers
We like much less
The engine’s slightly meek
The CVT can get screechy throughout accelerations
The styling seemingly gained’t please everybody
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