Hyundai has come a long way since it started exporting cars more than 30 years ago. From square-block Mitsubishi cast-offs like the Stellar and Excel at the beginning, the Korean carmaker's products have evolved into modern and competitive cars in a short span of time.
The fact that it had managed to win the hearts (and wallets) of the notoriously discerning Singapore motoring public goes to show the massive strides Hyundai has made from its early days. The car that managed to help it achieve that, the Avante, was a game-changer for Hyundai's brand image in Singapore.
As with all things though, one has to progress and continue improving in order to keep up and Hyundai has brought out the Avante's replacement. The car revives the Elantra name that was used for all of the Avante's predecessors, but what will bringing back an old name do for arguably Hyundai's most important car locally?
Exterior
The new Elantra looks a whole world away from the Avante. In fact, it looks like no other family sedan that has worn the stylised H-badge. I'm sure if you cover the logos up and present the car to someone who doesn't know better, he or she might struggle to identify it as a Hyundai.
The fact that it had managed to win the hearts (and wallets) of the notoriously discerning Singapore motoring public goes to show the massive strides Hyundai has made from its early days. The car that managed to help it achieve that, the Avante, was a game-changer for Hyundai's brand image in Singapore.
As with all things though, one has to progress and continue improving in order to keep up and Hyundai has brought out the Avante's replacement. The car revives the Elantra name that was used for all of the Avante's predecessors, but what will bringing back an old name do for arguably Hyundai's most important car locally?
Exterior
The new Elantra looks a whole world away from the Avante. In fact, it looks like no other family sedan that has worn the stylised H-badge. I'm sure if you cover the logos up and present the car to someone who doesn't know better, he or she might struggle to identify it as a Hyundai.
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The 'Fluidic Sculpture' design language, first seen on the i45, results in a sleek and almost coupe-like shape, with curvy lines giving the Elantra a futuristic look. Hyundai also claims that the hexagonal design of the front fascia is an indication of the family look that will adorn future Hyundai models.
The short front overhangs and the swooping rear roofline also underlines the Elantra's sporty pretentions. It's almost like the Elantra wants to be a sports sedan of sorts. The rear windows that narrow towards the back, and body creases along the sides of the car, further enhance that perception.
Overall, it is a breath of fresh air when compared to the usual stuff that Hyundai churns out, and they certainly deserve credit for that.
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Interior
If one is familiar with Hyundai interiors of years past, you would remember hallmarks such as chunky and utilitarian designs, with hard plastics that don't come across as very nice.
Step inside the new Elantra, however, and you'll be staggered.
Instantly, you can see that the quality have been improved vastly from before. Everything feels classy and nice to the touch, and more importantly, well-screwed together.
The interior follows the Fluidic Sculpture theme from the exterior, with a swoopy design that looks almost space-age, complete with blue backlit displays for the clock and stereo. However, the middle air con vents seem to be positioned a bit too low. That didn't detract from the effectiveness of the vents though, as it channelled cool air well enough throughout the cabin.
If one is familiar with Hyundai interiors of years past, you would remember hallmarks such as chunky and utilitarian designs, with hard plastics that don't come across as very nice.
Step inside the new Elantra, however, and you'll be staggered.
Instantly, you can see that the quality have been improved vastly from before. Everything feels classy and nice to the touch, and more importantly, well-screwed together.
The interior follows the Fluidic Sculpture theme from the exterior, with a swoopy design that looks almost space-age, complete with blue backlit displays for the clock and stereo. However, the middle air con vents seem to be positioned a bit too low. That didn't detract from the effectiveness of the vents though, as it channelled cool air well enough throughout the cabin.
Despite the almost coupe-like design, the Elantra actually has quite decent room for passengers. Occupants will be comfortably accommodated in the front and rear, with no lack of leg and headroom, and there are various cubby holes and storage spaces to make the Elantra a practical proposition. Cargo capacity is excellent as well, with the 420 litre boot more than capable for family trips.
The Elite model we tested here is the mid-range trim, yet it comes jam-packed with equipment. Among the stand-out features include the automatic folding mirrors, the electrically-adjustable driver seats, the engine push start button, and the one that impressed us the most, the reverse camera integrated into the rear view mirror, which is an astonishingly cool feature.
The Elite trim is well worth the extra outlay over the Basic model, thanks to its extensive list of features, but if you want more, a sunroof can be specified for an additional $1,000.
The Elite model we tested here is the mid-range trim, yet it comes jam-packed with equipment. Among the stand-out features include the automatic folding mirrors, the electrically-adjustable driver seats, the engine push start button, and the one that impressed us the most, the reverse camera integrated into the rear view mirror, which is an astonishingly cool feature.
The Elite trim is well worth the extra outlay over the Basic model, thanks to its extensive list of features, but if you want more, a sunroof can be specified for an additional $1,000.
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The Drive
The Elantra is powered by a 1.6-litre Dual-CVVT engine that produces 130bhp, which is more than adequate for daily usage. However, the engine feels like it needs to be pushed to make swift progress, and the resulting din that results come as a bit of a disappointment. The engine roar is clearly noticeable at high revs, and noise insulation could be further improved.
On the road, the Elantra rides fairly well on Singapore's smooth roads. However, the ride starts to get a tad busy over hard bumps, but it's not too bad to the point of being uncomfortable.
Where the Elantra stars though, is in the corners. In the short time that we had the test car, we were impressed with the way that the Elantra handled itself, with controlled composure and sweet verve.
The steering is light and responsive, giving good, communicative feedback, and you just get the feeling that if Hyundai gets the overall package right, in terms of performance and refinement, this would be a very impressive car indeed.
The Elantra is powered by a 1.6-litre Dual-CVVT engine that produces 130bhp, which is more than adequate for daily usage. However, the engine feels like it needs to be pushed to make swift progress, and the resulting din that results come as a bit of a disappointment. The engine roar is clearly noticeable at high revs, and noise insulation could be further improved.
On the road, the Elantra rides fairly well on Singapore's smooth roads. However, the ride starts to get a tad busy over hard bumps, but it's not too bad to the point of being uncomfortable.
Where the Elantra stars though, is in the corners. In the short time that we had the test car, we were impressed with the way that the Elantra handled itself, with controlled composure and sweet verve.
The steering is light and responsive, giving good, communicative feedback, and you just get the feeling that if Hyundai gets the overall package right, in terms of performance and refinement, this would be a very impressive car indeed.
Conclusion
My views about Hyundai before have been admittedly mixed. While I appreciate the progress the Korean carmaker has made over the years, impressions I got from previous encounters (a few of my friends drive Hyundais) indicated that they had a bit to go before catching up with the Japanese.
However, on a recent trip overseas, I had a preview of Hyundai's future models (more on that in another article), and I was thoroughly impressed. The leaps and bounds that Hyundai have made is stunning, and I am now convinced that the days of cheap and nasty Hyundais are now gone.
Having driven the new Elantra, it only reinforces that belief. Together with its partner Kia, the Koreans have now stepped up to the big time, and are serious contenders in the automotive world now.
The Elantra is not just an excellent family car for a Korean make. It's an excellent family car, period.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
My views about Hyundai before have been admittedly mixed. While I appreciate the progress the Korean carmaker has made over the years, impressions I got from previous encounters (a few of my friends drive Hyundais) indicated that they had a bit to go before catching up with the Japanese.
However, on a recent trip overseas, I had a preview of Hyundai's future models (more on that in another article), and I was thoroughly impressed. The leaps and bounds that Hyundai have made is stunning, and I am now convinced that the days of cheap and nasty Hyundais are now gone.
Having driven the new Elantra, it only reinforces that belief. Together with its partner Kia, the Koreans have now stepped up to the big time, and are serious contenders in the automotive world now.
The Elantra is not just an excellent family car for a Korean make. It's an excellent family car, period.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
