Hyundai Elantra Review
Car tested: 2012 Hyundai Elantra
Price OTR Mumbai: Rs. 17.72 lakhs (1.8 SX AT), Rs. 19.32 lakhs (1.6 SX AT)
“The Elantra not only looks fantastic but also appeals as a complete package”
Hyundai is all set to start the second innings of the Elantra in India. Codenamed ‘MD’, the fifth generation Elantra was first showcased at the 2010 Busan International Motor Show in April 2010. Also known as the Avante in certain countries, this edition of the Elantra incorporates Hyundai’s ‘Fluidic Philosophy’ and the design is an absolute revolution considering the previous generation cars were least known for their looks. The latest generation Hyundai Elantra has received recognition globally, including the 2012 North American car of the year award. It is also one of the few cars to have sold more than a million units in a single year. We got a chance to drive this beauty in the lake city of Udaipur and put it to test.
Exteriors – The Elantra is a piece of art and you simply can’t argue with that fact. Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture has come off fantastically well and it’s without any doubt, the best looking car in the segment. Those of you who think it looks similar to the Verna are mistaken. It is much wider, longer and taller than its sibling. The front end of the Hyundai Elantra houses a wider smiling hexagonal grille with sharp character lines running from the bumper to the A-pillar. Wrap around headlamps look good and run quite a way back into the side. The air dam and the fog lamps get rich looking chrome surrounds.
The sides of the Hyundai Elantra flaunts the muscular wheel arches and 16-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. The roof line slopes gradually towards the rear giving it a coupe look. The boot lid has an integrated spoiler which helps in aerodynamic efficiency. Similar to the headlamps, the tail lamps also extend quite a way back into the body. Sharp character lines which runs along the side enhances the sporty feel.
The rear is highlighted by a 2-piece tail lamp cluster which extents quite a way towards the center. The bumper is large in size and has distinct lines running around it, giving the Hyundai Elantra a sporty touch. Rear parking sensors are also housed in the bumper along with two rear reflectors. If you notice, you would not see the Hyundai badge anywhere (except the logo). ‘Elantra’ badge sits on the top right corner of the boot lid with the variant badge on the opposite side.
Head over to the next page to read about the interiors of the Hyundai Elantra.
