Hyundai Elantra 2015-2016 SX AT

Elantra 2015-2016 SX AT Review

Hyundai Elantra is one of the most popular sedan model available in the Indian car bazaar. The company has launched its facelifted version with some cosmetic updates to its exteriors and minor changes in its interiors as well. Among several variants the Hyundai Elantra SX AT is the top end trim. The updated version gets a refreshing front fascia with large projector lamps and LED guide lights, redesigned bumper with a set of fog lamps and chrome garnished radiator grille. Its side profile gets a brand new set of alloy wheels, while rear end is designed with a radiant tail lamp cluster, which has new LED light pattern. The company is selling this vehicle with both petrol and diesel engine options with the same technical aspects. The exterior dimensions of this sedan remains the same with a large wheelbase of 2700mm along with a decent ground clearance. Its overall length, width and height are 4550mm, 1775mm and 1470mm respectively. With a bunch of updates to its exteriors and features, it is going to give a tough competition to other vehicle in this segment including Skoda Octavia, Volkswagen Jetta, Renault Fluence, Chevrolet Cruze and many other vehicles in this segment. This variant is equipped with a 1.8-litre petrol engine under the bonnet, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1797cc. This is cleverly mated with a six speed automatic transmission gear box, which allows the vehicle to deliver 147.4bhp in combination with a maximum torque output of 177.5Nm, which is rather decent for Indian road conditions. The company has given it an efficient braking and suspension mechanism, which keeps it well balanced and stable. Its braking mechanism is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution, which prevents it from skidding in case of sudden brakes are applied. On the other hand, the car maker is selling this sedan with a standard warranty of two years or unlimited kilometers.

Exteriors:

The company has updated the exteriors of this sedan for attracting the buyers. It has a sleek and lustrous bodyline and fitted with a number of striking features. To begin with the front fascia, it gets a lot of changes and now looks more refreshing. One of the highlights of this vehicle is its groundbreaking Fluidic body design that took the automobile world by a storm. This particular model has very expressive lines all over its body that makes it look modern and classy. It is now designed with a revamped radiator grille, which is fitted with a single chrome plated slat. It is embedded with a prominent company logo in the center, which gives the frontage a distinct look. This grille is flanked by a newly designed headlight cluster, which is incorporated with projector headlamps along with new LED guide lamps. It also has automatic headlight control, which adds to the convenience by automatically switching on the head lights as per the visibility conditions outside. Just below this, it has a tweaked bumper that houses an enlarged air dam for cooling the engine. This air intake section is flanked by a couple of revised fog lamps that adds to the visibility ahead. Coming to the side profile, it has a few expressive line passing right from the edge of fog lights to the taillight cluster. It has body colored door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are electrically adjustable and integrated with side turn indicators. The flared up wheel arches have been fitted with a stylish 16-inch alloy wheels that enhances its sporty look. These rims are further covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres of size 205/60 R16 that offers a superior grip on any road conditions. The rear profile of this sedan is decorated with swept-back style taillight cluster, which is assembled with LED based light. It also has a smooth surfaced bumper and a very stylish boot lid, which is embossed with a thick chrome strip and variant badging. The bumper is also accompanied by a cladding and chrome finished exhaust pipes.

Interiors:

The company has designed the interior of this top end trim with high gloss black finish, which is complimented by a lot of chrome inserts. In terms of seating, the cabin is incorporated with ergonomically designed seats, which offers enough leg space along with head room for all occupants. These seats are covered with high quality leather upholstery, which gives it a plush appeal, while traveling. The rear seat comes with a split foldable function, which helps it in increasing the boot volume of car. Its driver seat has 10-way electrically adjustment function that adds to the comfort level. The smooth dashboard is fitted with quite a few equipments like an AC unit, advanced instrument panel and a three spoke steering wheel with multifunction switches. The company enhanced the premium looks of the interiors by decorating the central console and door panels with high gloss black and chrome inserts. Furthermore, the interiors are accentuated with chrome garnish on the doors, steering wheel, gearshift lever and so on. The company equipped some of the important utility features including a large glove box compartment, cup and bottle holders, along with 12V power outlets for charging electronic devices. Its multi information display has a couple of large dials for displaying various settings. The upper section has a blue back light, while the lower section has several gauges and other notifications.

Engine and Performance:

The company has made no any mechanical changes to this vehicle. Under the bonnet, this trim is fitted with a 1.8-litre power plant with dual VTVT technology, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1797cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using double overhead camshaft based valve configuration. It is cleverly mated with a six speed automatic transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its front wheels. 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. This motor propels the vehicle to attain a top speed of 195 Kmph approximately, which is rather incredible for this class. At the same time, it can accelerate from zero to 100 Kmph in close to 12 seconds. This petrol mill 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.

Braking and Handling:

This high end trim comes with a proficient braking mechanism, which is further augmented by anti lock braking system along with electronic brake force distribution. The company has fitted disc brakes to all four wheels, which offers a reliable and precise braking on the go. As far as handling is concerned, this trim has a very responsive electric power steering system that helps the driver to steer the vehicle with utmost ease. It comes with tilt and telescopic adjustment function as well. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 5.2 meters. On the other hand, its front axle is assembled with a McPherson strut with coil spring, while rear axle is equipped with coupled torsion beam type of mechanism. Both these front and rear axles are further assisted by gas filled shock absorbers, which gives a comfortable driving experience. It also has an advanced vehicle stability system along with an electronic stability program, which adds to the advantage.

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. It is bestowed with a 2-DIN music system with a 4.3-inch touchscreen display that supports USB port, Aux-in interface, i-Pod socket, CD/MP3 player, radio tuner and Bluetooth connectivity for pairing the mobile phones. The auto cruise control helps in maintaining the steady speed on the bigger roads as set by the driver. Its multifunctional steering wheel is mounted with audio, call and cruise control buttons that adds to the convenience. The windows and windscreens in the top end variant are made of solar glass that adds to the advantage. The front seats are ventilated and has a ten way adjustable driver's seat along with lumbar support. The air conditioning unit comes with dual zone automatic temperature control along with rear AC vents as well as cluster ionizer. The instrument cluster has an ECO driving with manual transmission gear shift indicator and has organ type accelerator pedal. It has all four power windows with driver's side up, down and safety function.

Safety Features:

Being the top end variant, it is incorporated with a number of vital protective aspects for taking care of its passengers as well as the vehicle. The long list of standard features include, 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 six airbags including dual front, side and curtain airbags, which helps in reducing the impact of collision. The rear end has a rear parking sensor along with a rear view camera with display on infotainment unit for making the parking very simple. 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. In addition to these, it also gets automatic headlight control, electro-chromic inside rear view mirror, hill start assist control, vehicle stability management and electronic stability program.

Pros:

1. Sleek and lustrous exterior appearance.

2. Advanced safety and comfort features adds to its advantage.

Cons:

1. Expensive price range is a big minus point.
3. Interior design can still be made better.