The Elantra was first introduced in 1990 and it went on to become a best seller for Hyundai. The 4th generation was launched in Singapore in 2006 with the name of the Avante. Now it is in the 5th generation and the Elantra has received an update with some styling flourishes that are minor along with changes to the amount of equipment that is on offer.
On the outside the make-over is mild. It has new square bezel HID projection headlights, a chrome grille that has been revised, a new bumper on the front and this plays host to the fog lights that have been redesigned. There is also a new belt line in chrome along with a black rear diffuser.
The changes to styling enhance what happens to be a very accomplished car when it comes to looks. Inside the changes are more apparent with most changes having focused on the console in the centre.
The materials have been updated and there is a stainless steel trim having taken over from the chrome, along with a gear level that has been simplified.
The central air vents on the predecessor were said to be too low and these have now been raised to face level height, at either side of the multi-media system that has had a make-over too.
There is rear air conditioning in the back for passengers, which is a great new addition when you take into account the humid climate. There is decent leg and headroom and it offers 421 litres of cargo space.
The Elantra has the 1.6 litre Dual-CVVT engine and the four cylinder unit offers enough power for almost all situations, however you do have to coax it when it comes to overtaking quickly. The gearbox hasn’t been updated this time around.
The six speed automatic transmission works well with the engine and the response is decent. The Elantra came in well for fuel efficiency and gave us 12.4km/l in peak hour traffic.
It does feel nimble on the roads and it has grace when cornering and can soak up the ruts and bumps without fussing about it too much. It has steering that is positive and which is very happy when it comes to changing direction and feedback is good. Flex Steer enhances it and this comes in Comfort, Normal or Sport.
The Elantra hasn’t been changed all that much this time around and this was due to the fact that it didn’t need all that much doing to improve it. The updates that have happened have been welcomed and there is now more equipment offered for the price tag.
