Hyundai Elantra 2012-2015 SX AT

Hyundai has reintroduced its D-segment sedan Elantra, which has turned fluidic, flowy and better in more ways than one. Hyundai first introduced the car in the year 2004 which was taken off from the market three years later as the car could not garner much sales in India. Apparently offshores the Japanese auto major introduced the fourth generation of Elantra but it never saw Indian soil as the response they got from the foreign countries was not much appeasing. The New Hyundai ELantra in its fifth generation is more elegant, looks conspicuous but is still much balanced with its aesthetically designed exteriors. The freshness can be felt in the overall looks however when you look closely, the familiarity pokes you. The fraught bonnet lines and the elevate d waistline with a kink on the C-pillar and the stretched tail-lamps makes one recall Hyundai's first turned fluidic sedan Hyundai Verna and to some point Sonata, still this is the best looking sedan out of these three.

Exteriors

2012 Hyundai Elantra Fluidic is Hyundai India's attempts to merge with the Hyundai family new design language called Fluidic. But, there is a sense of identity and design expression in the new Elantra, even as it sticks to the 'Fluidic' philosophy. It is distinctly a Hyundai, but it also has very recognizable lines that are shared by all other cars in the stable. The i10, i20, the current Verna and the new Elantra feature minor variations of features like the hexagonal grille, swept back headlamps, strong bonnet character lines and the overemphasized tornado line on the side. The Elantra's new design is definitely more radical, modern and pleasing than the previous generation's. The most interesting profile of the new Elantra is from the side. Very much like the new Sonata's, the Elantra too seems to carry off the roofline of a coupé very well. In fact, though it seems quite improbable, it also manages to bring together a rather cab-forward style design at the front and the coupe-like rear. At the rear, the new Elantra features a simple, symmetric and classy look, very similar to the Sonata. In fact, from a distance you'll mistake it to be the Sonata. The oversized rear bumper lifts up the impact of the rear design.

Interiors

When you step into the cabin area the car will definitely appeal you as the interiors are extremely pleasant and well-finished, the dashboard is made up of high quality stuff and is loaded with features. The central console comes with a whole gamut of components to ESP and ABS, the Elantra has enough by way of creature comforts to keep you occupied for a significant part of your journey; cruise control, bluetooth, audio controls at the rear, cooled front seats, reversing camera to name a few. What's truly important to know here is that its wheelbase of 2700 mm rivals that of the Renault Fluence, which already holds the record of being the longest in its class. That does translate to good leg room, head room and knee room for passengers at the rear, this despite the sloping roof. The seats are wide and provide enough support, so long journeys should leave little to worry about. I found the seats in the front much to my liking and my 5 foot 7-inch frame only mildly protested about the lack of some more bolstering.

Engine and Performance

Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra SX AT is powered by an all new 1,797cc dual VTVT unit with Hyundai's variable valve timing tech . This multipoint injection fuel system engine chunks out147.4bhp power @ 6500rpm and a maximum torque of 181Nm @ 4700rpm. The 1.8L petrol mill comes coupled to a six-speed automatic transmission to deliver a mileage of 16.3kmpl (ARAI certified) that makes neo Fluidic Elantra less fuel sipping car in its segment against Toyota Corolla Altis , Volkswagen Jetta , Honda Civic . Hyundai Elantra's engine surprises everyone with its smooth and swift delivery, the sedan rolls and wallows more and there is enough pulling power available at 1200-1400rpm. This D-segment sedan is speedy as well and goes upto 190kmph .

Braking and Handling

This premium sedan is quite large and long, which means it has to have a sturdy braking and a robust suspension to handle the Indian roads. This all new 2012 Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra SX AT is equipped with a McPherson Strut type suspension along with a coil spring for the front axle of this sedan. While, the rear axle has a coupled torsion beam with gas type shock absorbers for superior comfort on rough and pot holed ridden roads as well. This new entrant also has an advanced vehicle stability system along with an electronic stability program, which further enhances the stability of this sedan. On the other hand, the efficient braking system is very adept with both the front and rear tyres having disc brakes. Apart from these powerful brakes, this premium sedan also has an anti lock braking system with electronic brake force distribution to improvise the braking system on wet and slippery roads.

Safety Features

Hyundai has added all new safety feature known as Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) on the Elantra. Now what this feature does is it combines the intelligence os the ESP with the power steering in tricky conditions and improves braking and acceleration stability by adjusting the steering system. The VSM feature comes into action during hard braking or accelerating on wet/slippery road conditions and also during sudden lane change situation.

Comfort Features

This latest 2012 Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra SX AT has been loaded to the gills with some of the most exciting and top of the line comfort features. The long list includes a solar glass for both the wind screens and all the windows, a power adaptable driver seat in 10 different ways along with both the front seats having AC ventilation to decrease exhaustion and make the drive enjoyable. The this premium sedan has a powerful air conditioning unit with a completely automatic dual zone temperature control along with rear AC vents and also a cluster ionizer. The multifunctional power steering wheel is tilt and telescopic and also has mounted buttons for the music system, receiving calls and also a cruise control button. The integrated powerful music system has various input options such as a USB interface, an iPod Cable and also Bluetooth connectivity. While the 2 Din MP3 and CD player also has FM Radio along with 4 speakers and 2 tweeters. The external wing mirrors are electrically adjustable, retractable and also has a heating function as well. This 2012 Hyundai Elantra SX AT has a smart key along with a push button start as well to add to the convenience quotient. The front glove box is quite large and cools the stuff inside it and there are quite a few other storage spaces as well. The instrument cluster has an ECO driving with manual transmission gear shift indicator and also has organ type accelerator pedal. This sedan has all four power windows along with driver side up, down and safety function. All these and many more such exciting and impressive comfort features have been integrated in this 2012 Hyundai Neo Fluidic Elantra SX AT, which makes it a stunner.

Pros

Fuel efficiency, safety features ,

Cons

Similar looks, low power,