Hyundai Elantra: Styled to perform

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The Hyundai Elantra, with looks that can rival some German and Swedish cars, comes with HID projector headlamps upfront with LED daytime running lamps, LED rear combination tail lamps and projector fog lamps. A large hexagonal chrome front grille, chrome door handles with pocket lights, 10-spoke 16-inch gun metal alloys and some really crisp lines run seamlessly from the front to the back.

The cabin is functional, with every corner intricately thought out and designed. The executive sedan comes with leather seats, dual zone climate control with ventilated front seats, aluminum scuff plates, smart key with push-button start/stop function, aluminum pedals, front and rear seat armrests and a handy infotainment setup, which is USB, AUX and Bluetooth enabled.

At the heart of the Hyundai Elantra is the same 1.6-litre diesel engine that also powers the Verna. However, Hyundai has re-tuned this engine to accommodate the different power modes that are now available in the automatic. The Elantra is also available with a new 2.0 litre petrol VTVT engine.

I get to lay my hands on the 1,582cc CRDi diesel, which puts out approximately 126hp at 4,000rpm and 260Nm of torque from 1,900rpm to 2,750rpm. The engine comes mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with options for a six-speed manual transmission also on offer. The peak power in the Elantra 1.6L CRDi comes in at approximately 4,000rpm. However, the vehicle gains momentum quickly and can achieve good speeds.

I try out the one with the six-speed automatic transmission. It is quite refined and the gear shifts feel seamless. The transmission comes with three driving modes: Auto, Eco and Sport. While on the highway, I engage the Sport mode and quite enjoy the drive. The engine instantly becomes more responsive and I can feel the surge of power.

As soon as I hit a little traffic, I switch to the Eco mode. It makes the response rather dull, but then again I do not need too much power and am sure to save some fuel as well. Speaking of fuel, the 1.6 litre CRDi automatic returns almost 18 km to a litre, which is more than decent for an automatic sedan its size.

Hyundai has also tweaked the driving dynamics of the new Elantra, offering much better steering setup. The new Elantra comes with disc brakes in the front and rear. The braking is progressive and lends the driver a lot of control and confidence.

The car also comes with cruise control, six airbags (including driver, co-driver, side and curtain airbags), anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, electronic stability control, hill-start assist control and an advanced high strength steel construction. That's style, safety and performance - and all of this at a reasonable price.

Reports: Motown India; www.motownindia.com

HYUNDAI ELANTRA
Engine: 1,582cc, 4-cylinder, CRDi, Diesel
Transmission: 6-Speed, Automatic
Power: 126hp@4,000rpm
Torque: 260Nm@1,900-2,750rpm
Price: Rs 19.2 lakh
(ex-showroom, Delhi)