Hyundai Elantra 2012-2015 CRDi SX AT

Elantra 2012-2015 CRDi SX AT Review

Hyundai India has reintroduced its D-segment luxury sedan Hyundai Elantra in India. The South Korean automobile manufacturer launched this sedan earlier in 2004 in the country but then discontinued it later in 2007. Now they have brought it back with a new identity and named it Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra, this is the fifth generation of the Elantra and launched in 2010 globally. Hyundai has again used its proven and potent Fluidic sculpture and because of this the car looks a like Hyundai Verna Fluidic. The sedan is available in both diesel and petrol variants, there are a total 4 diesel variants, out of which Hyundai Neo Elantra Fluidic CRDi SX AT is the high-end diesel variant. It looks so stylish and dynamic because it is based on the Fluidic sculpture. The front fascia of the car is adorned by the hexagonal family grille with chrome inserts, wedged in between sweptback large headlamps. The large body coloured front bumper becomes more elegant with large air-dam and neatly integrated fog lamps. The side profile has been adorned by alloy wheels, chrome door handles and aerodynamically carved Fluidic creases and curves. The rear gets impressive with aesthetically designed wrapround tail-lamps.

The stylish 2012 Hyundai Elantra Fluidic SX AT is equally powerful and efficient too. The car houses a 1.6-litre CRDI VGT engine which also does duty in Hyundai Verna Fluidic. The powerful mill of the car churns out a maximum power of 126bhp at 4000rpm. The 1.6-litre CRDI VGT engine comes mated with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The new Hyundai Elantra has not only revamped exteriors but it also has refurbished interiors too. The car has a very spacious cabin and can accommodate five adults easily. The interior quality is good and the upholstery and steering has been furnished with leather. The fully functional steering wheel comes with control switches mounted on it. The Center Console has designed to match the overall style element of the car , which sporting a 2-DIN CD/radio stereo system and fully automatic air-conditioning and temperature control unit. The car comes with rear AC vents and rear armrest audio controls. The best in class mileage is also lures the buyers. The car is likely to compete with current segment topper Chevrolet Cruze, Skoda Laura and Volkswagen Jetta.

Exteriors

Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra CRDi SX AT is a very stylish and elegant car by looks. The car is based on the Fluidic sculpture of Hyundai which makes it so identical to its younger sibling Hyundai Verna Fluidic. The Fluidic sculpture design gives it a dynamic and dashing identity. The groovy aerodynamic curves and creases of the car are very attractive and attracts the attention towards it. The front fascia of the car has been blessed with the Fluidic sculpture's hexagonal single slat front grille which comes with Hyundai's emblem. The front grille has been complemented by large sweptback headlamps, which comes with integrated turn indicators. The body coloured front bumper comes with large airdam, which features horizontal slats and neatly integrated fog lamps. The huge headlamps have been stretched to the edge of the sides and also visible in sides. The body coloured ORVM is what that adds charm to the both front and side profile along with the signature Fluidic creases and curves with stylish 16-inch alloy wheels and chrome door handles. The rear of the car looks distinctive with nicely carved boot and stylish wrap-round combination tail-lamps. The car comes with a exterior measurement of 4529mm x 1775mm x 1435mm (lengthx width x height) with a tank capacity of 48 litre . Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra CRDi SX AT looks groovy and dynamic because of the Fluidic sculpture. But the car doesn't look fresh as we have already seen the Fluidic Sculpture in the Verna and other Hyundai cars.

Interiors

Hyundai cars are known for its best in class interiors, and new Hyundai Elantra also comes loaded with all comfy and luxurious interiors. Step inside in the car and you will feel that how spacious, stylish and comfortable it is. Starting with the uniquely designed steering wheels, which comes with subtle leather and comes with mounted controls for audio system and to make and receive calls . The cockpit of the car is designed to give it a stylish and modern feel and has been furnished in black finish, whereas the overall theme of the interiors have been kept in Beige. The integrated central console has been filled with the features and it has integrated infotainment system and fully automatic temperature. The car comes with both front and rear AC vents with a powerful and fully automatic air-conditioning unit. The driver’s seat is electrically adjustable and can be adjusted in 10-ways. The Elantra SX AT is the top-end variant and comes with leather upholstery, and leather covered steering wheel. In nutshell the car comes with stylish and luxurious interiors.

Engine and Performance

Hyundai Neo Fluidic CRDi SX AT is the top-end variant and houses a 1.6-litre Common Rail Diesel Injection engine comes equipped with Variable Geometry Turbo technology . The highly advanced engine comes mated with a 6-speed H-matic automatic transmission, which provides better drivabilty and overall performance without any losses in power and momentum. The engine cranks out maximum power output of 126bhp at 4000rpm with continuous and low end torque even at low revs; the peak torque of the car is 265Nm at 1950rpm. The car can achieve a maximum speed of 185kmph and the acceleration and pick is also fine.

Braking and Handling

Hyundai Neo Fluidic CRDi SX AT is a performer when it comes to the braking and handling. The car comes loaded with rear and front ventilated disc brakes with ABS (Anti Locking Braking System) . The car's suspension is advanced and features McPherson Strut Type with Coil Spring suspension at front and Coupled Torsion Beam Axle at rear with four gas filled shock absorber. The handling of the car becomes more effective with VSM (Vehicle Stability Management), that makes car more safe and stable. It combines the intelligence of ESP (Electronic Stability Programme) with power steering and as a result when driver accelerates or halt the vehicle suddenly it automatically controls the vehicle and avoid the accidental situations.

Safety Features

The safety features are most important as they save the lives in a collision like situation. Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra comes loaded with both passive and active safety features. The active features like ABS with EBD, ESP, VSM etc. these features help to avoid a crash like situations, while passive features like Sheet Belts, Airbags, Impact Sensing Door Unlock system save the lives of the occupants in a crash. The car comes with 6 airbags which reduces chance of injury in the case of collision. The car comes with a rear view camera which gets activated when the rear gear is engaged, it also comes with a parking sensor so these features makes car safer while parking and reverse mode. It also comes with headlights which turn on automatically as per environmental visibility and the lights remain on even after the ignition gets off. The doors of the Elantra gets open when a impact happen that reduces chances of jamming the doors and ensures a safe exit in the collision like situations. The car has enough safety features which make it an ideal vehicle.

Comfort Features

Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra CRDi SX AT is a luxury car and falls into D-segment, so it features all the bells and whistles of a luxury car. The central console is the designed so well and it features all the controls of audio system and temperature control unit. The 2-DIN CD/radio stereo system makes your multimedia experience awesome. The car features a unique cable that let you plug your iPod or mobile or any multimedia device to the audio system. You can attach your phone to the car via Bluetooth and make and receive calls with the help of controls mounted on the steering wheel. The car comes with special sensors which can sense the presence of its smart key and it also facilitates keyless ignition and remote opening of boot and doors. The car also features a Dual zone FATC (Fully Automatic Temprature Control) unit which controls the AC and dual zone enables different preference for both passengers and driver. In a nutshell the car has been loaded with lot of comfort features.

Pros

Drivability, Best in class Mileage, Comfort Features

Cons 

Repeated style, lesser power output than key competitors