Hyundai Elantra 2015-2016 S

Elantra 2015-2016 S Review

For increasing the number of sales in the country's car market, Hyundai has rolled out the facelifted version of its stylish sedan, Elantra. It is available with the same petrol and diesel engine line up for the buyers to choose from. Among its variants, Hyundai Elantra S is the entry level petrol trim. This 2015 model series gets some additional features and design updates, which gives it a refreshing look. In terms of exterior design, the frontage of this premium sedan comes with a newly designed front bumper, chrome plated grille, projector headlamps with LED light guide and revised fog lamps. Its side profile gets a brand new set of 10-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels. Which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. Then it also has chrome door handles and molding on its belt line. At the same time, its rear profile too looks refreshed with the new two tone bumper and chrome tipped exhaust in addition to the new LED effect rear combination lamps. On the other hand, the company has also updated its internal cabin with metallic scuff plates, aluminum pedal, ergonomically positioned console box with armrest and rear AC vents. However, the company has not made many mechanical changes to it. This variant is equipped with the same 1.8-litre petrol engine, which is mated with a six speed manual transmission gear box. This engine has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 147.4bhp in combination with a peak torque output of 177.5Nm, which is rather good for Indian road and traffic conditions. Its braking and suspension mechanism are quite proficient, which keeps the vehicle well balanced and stable. It is going to compete against the likes of Volkswagen Jetta, Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze, Renault Fluence, Skoda Octavia and others in this segment. On the other hand, the company is offering this lustrous sedan with a standard warranty of two years or unlimited kilometers. At the same time, the owners can also extend this period by one or two years at an additional cost paid to authorized dealers.

Exteriors:

This lavish sedan is designed with an aerodynamic body structure, which is fitted with a number of striking features. To begin with the frontage, it is designed with a new radiator grille, which has a lot of chrome treatment. It is embedded with a prominent company insignia in the center. This grille is flanked by a well lit headlight cluster that is incorporated with projector lamps with LED light guide. Just below this, it has a body colored bumper, which houses a large air intake section for cooling the engine. This air dam is flanked by a couple of revised fog lamps that adds to the visibility. The large windscreen is made of green tinted glass and accompanied by a couple of intermittent wipers. Coming to its side profile, it is designed with chrome waistline moldings and door handles that gives it a decent look. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable and integrated with side turn indicator. Its neatly crafted wheel arches are fitted with a brand new set of 16-inch alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 205/60 R16. At the same time, its rear end has an expressive boot lid, which is embossed with a chrome strip and variant badging. The newly designed radiant tail light cluster has LED effect rear combination lamp. The body colored bumper comes with a protective cladding for preventing the vehicle from minor damages. The windshield has a defogger along with a wash and wipe function.

Interiors:

The company has updated the internal cabin of this Hyundai Elantra S variant and gives it a more elegant look. Now it is designed with completely black color scheme. The dashboard is equipped with quite a few features, which are a large glove box with cooling effect, a three spoke steering wheel, which has multifunctional switches mounted on it, chrome accentuated AC vents and many other such aspects. In terms of seating, the cabin is incorporated with ergonomically designed seats, which are wide and well cushioned. These are integrated with adjustable head restraints and are covered with premium fabric upholstery. Its leather wrapped steering wheel and gear shift knob gives the cabin a decent look. The inside door handles are in a chrome finish as well. The car maker has incorporated the cabin with a lot of utility based aspects, which are cup and bottle holders, front seat back pockets, map pockets in all doors, all four power windows with driver side auto down function, sunglass holder, manual transmission shift indicator, safety escort headlamps and many other such aspects. It has tilt and telescopic adjustable steering wheel, which makes it easy to handle even in peak traffic conditions. In addition to these, it is also bestowed with alternator management system, which means that the battery is only charged during deceleration or when the engine has power to spare. All these features put together makes it one of the convenient vehicle for drive in its segment.

Engine and Performance:

There are no mechanical changes in this variant and it is fitted with the same 1.8-litre power plant under the hood, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1797cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. This engine has the capacity of churning out a maximum power of 147.4bhp at 6500rpm in combination with a peak torque output of 177.5Nm at 4700rpm. With the help of a six speed manual transmission gear box, this motor enables the vehicle to attain a top speed of 195 Kmph approximately. At the same time, it can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmph in close to 12 seconds. It is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which allows the vehicle to deliver a maximum mileage of 16.3 Kmpl on the bigger roads. While in the city traffic conditions, it gives out 14.5 Kmpl, which is quite good for this class.

Braking and Handling:

This Hyundai Elantra S variant is equipped with an efficient braking system along with a robust suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced. For giving precise braking, the company has fitted all wheels of this sedan disc brakes. It is further assisted by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. On the other hand, its front axle is equipped with a McPherson strut along with coil spring, while the rear axle has been equipped with a coupled torsion beam axle type of mechanism. This suspension system is further assisted by gas filled shock absorbers. The cabin is incorporated with a responsive steering wheel, which is tilt adjustable and makes handling convenient even in peak traffic conditions. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters.

Comfort Features:

The lavish internal cabin of this sedan is bestowed with a number of refined aspects, which gives the occupants an enjoyable driving experience. For enhancing the ambiance of its cabin, it is bestowed with a 2-DIN music system that supports USB port, Aux-in interface, i-Pod socket, CD/MP3 player, radio tuner and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the mobile phones. Its multifunctional steering wheel is mounted with audio, call and cruise control buttons that adds to the convenience. The air conditioning unit comes with dual zone automatic temperature control along with rear AC vents, which keeps the entire cabin cool. It also has cluster ionizer along with dust and pollen filter. The outside rear view mirrors are electrically adjustable, retractable and has heating function also. In addition to these, it has a smart key along with a push button start that further adds to the convenience. The instrument cluster has ECO driving with manual transmission gear shift indicator and has organ type accelerator pedal. Apart from these, it also has day and night interior rear view mirror, aluminum pedals, one touch triple turn signal, rear seat armrest with storage box and 12V power socket for charging mobiles and other electronic devices.

Safety Features:

For a stress free driving experience, the car maker has incorporated this sedan with a lot of protective aspects. The list includes anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution, a high mounted third brake light, fog lamps, clutch lock and rear defogger with timer. It has dual airbags, which reduces the impact of collision in case of accidents. This sedan also has speed sensing power door locks along with impact sensing door unlock system. It has seat belts for all occupants along with driver seat belt warning notification on instrument panel. Apart from these, it has an advanced engine immobilizer prevents the vehicle from theft and any unauthorized entry. In addition to these, it is bestowed with rear disc brakes, a centrally located fuel tank, ignition key reminder, clutch lock, rear parking sensors and so on.

Pros:

1. Sleek and lustrous bodyline with a lot of styling aspects.
2. Advanced safety and comfort features adds to its advantage.

Cons:

1. Rear view camera can be given as a standard feature.
2. Price tag can be more competitive.