[ad_1]
Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors (HSDM) has just virtually launched the seventh-generation Hyundai Elantra. Previewed last week, the CN7 Elantra arrives as a CBU import from South Korea, in a single 1.6L IVT variant, with an introductory price. RM 158,888 On the road uninsured, exempt from 2020 sales tax. More on specs and pricing later.
The new Elantra follows the Sensuous Sportiness design identity of the new Sonata, but if the D-segment model is all about curves, the Elantra is full of sharp lines and triangles. Hyundai says triangular shapes are a “taboo” in car design, and this is a bold attempt to achieve “geometric beauty.” Definitely a love-hate design, but it’s certainly bold, and no one can accuse Hyundai of acting safe and boring. The recently revealed fourth-generation Tucson has the same Parametric Jewel design theme.
This razor-sharp body is larger than the sixth-generation AD sedan it replaces. At 4,675mm long, 1,825mm wide and 1,430mm high, the CN7 is 55mm longer and 25mm wider than its predecessor, but 20mm lower. Compared to the Honda Civic, the new Elantra is 27mm longer, 26mm wider and 14mm taller, and its wheelbase is 20mm longer than the Civic FC. The trunk space is 474 liters (without a spare tire, but with a repair kit) compared to Honda’s 519 liters.
This car’s 2,720mm wheelbase is 20mm longer than that of the AD, which points to the new 3rd-gen K3 modular global platform underneath, as used in the DN8 Sonata. The new architecture, which is said to improve safety, efficiency and driving performance, replaces the second-generation global platform family introduced in 2013.
Behind that low nose and “cascading grill” is a Smartstream G1.6 engine. This latest 1.6-liter unit is naturally aspirated and has dual-port injection (MPI, as opposed to direct injection), driving 123 hp at 6,300 rpm and 154 Nm of torque at 4,500 rpm.
Also known as the “Gamma II” engine, the DOHC and Dual VVT unit is paired with Hyundai’s Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) with eight virtual speeds. IVT is the CVT developed and produced in-house by the automaker, with a chain belt that promises better response and the stepped shift pattern of a normal car. The chain belt is said to improve HR by 1.2% compared to a normal push belt, and has a longer service life. This would be the first Hyundai sold here with a CVT; we’ve had dual-clutch AT and torque converters before.
The Smartstream engine and gearbox combo propels the 1,245 kg Elantra from 0 to 100 km / h in 10.4 seconds, while top speed is 196 km / h. The internally declared combined fuel consumption figure is 5.6 liters per 100 km, or 17.85 km / l. In terms of performance, it is not at the level of the previous generation AD Turbo, not even the 1.5T engine of the Civic FC (173 PS / 220 Nm), but Hyundai has the Elantra N Line with 201 hp / 264 Nm. 1.6L turbo engine. Is it in the plans, HSDM?
As for the chassis, these are front MacPherson struts and torsion bar rear suspension. The brakes are ventilated discs at the front and solid discs at the rear. Electric power steering (EPS or MDPS at Hyundai) and an electronic parking brake with automatic retention are also in the mix.
As you may have already noticed, this C-segment contender is more about design and features than outright performance (there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that), and the unique CBU variant Malaysia gets is very well equipped.
Outside, you’ll find bi-LED headlights, LED daytime running lights, full-width LED taillights (form a wide H), and 17-inch two-tone alloys (225/45 Kumho Ecsta PS71 tires) to match the design. parametric of the car. Please note that these are factory wheels and not locally sourced items; Speaking of which, the only local addition to the CN7 is the “Smartstream” badging on the front wings.
The new Elantra’s “immersive cocoon” interior matches the wow factor of the exterior, even if it isn’t cut as sharp. There is a very prominent boundary between the area of the driver’s cab and the front passenger, caused by a physical barrier that descends from the dash to the center armrest (also functions as a grab handle for the passenger) and the color of the trim .
The horizontal vents popularized by Audi are employed in this driver-centric cabin, and above that strip are displays for the instrument panel and infotainment system.
The instrument panel is a 10.25-inch supervisory LCD color screen (the dials will change color depending on the driving mode), while the main unit is an 8.0-inch touch screen with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay . There is also a Bluetooth multi connection feature that will take music from one phone and calls from another. Wireless smartphone charger too, of course.
Other useful comfort and convenience features include heated / ventilated front seats, heated steering wheel (we don’t need it, but these kits come in a package), dual-zone automatic air conditioning with automatic three-step fan control, air vents rear conditioning, intelligent temperature control for the driver’s seat (the seat ventilation can be synchronized with the climate control), electronic parking brake with automatic retention, tire pressure monitoring and a hands-free smart boot (no gestures are needed, just wait).
Also included is an eight-way power driver’s seat with keyless lumbar entry and push start, automatic headlights and wipers, and multi-angle backup camera. The front cup holders are variable and can accommodate various sizes of drinks. If you’re wondering what that circular thing to the right of the meter panel is, it’s a blank button – on the Elantra N Line, that’s where the Drive Mode button is. Perfect location for a magnetic phone holder I think.
While we only get one variant, there are two interior color schemes, which are all black and light gray. The black is self explanatory, but the gray scheme is nice as it highlights the cockpit area with a full gray trim. It also comes with a nice gray fabric on the door cards that looks and feels better than black leather. Melange-style woven fabric is also found on the rear of the front seats.
Both themes come with leather seats; choose the black theme and you will get black seats, and vice versa. We salute HSDM for offering a non-black cabin option – Malaysian car buyers are a conservative bunch, as all automakers will tell you, so no one would be fazed if black were the only option. As for exterior colors, the Elantra will ship here in Polar White, Amazon Gray, Intense Blue, and Electric Shadow. The latter is Hyundai’s version of the “Nardo Gray” shade in fashion today.
Last, but definitely not least, is safety, and the Elantra is strong in this department. Hyundai’s latest and comprehensive package of SmartSense driver assistance features is on show. Included in the package are Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Intelligent Cruise Control (SCC) with Stop & Go, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist (FCA), Assistant for head-on collisions at junction, Blind Spot Assist with Avoid Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Collision (RCCA) with Avoid Assist, Safe Exit Warning, Driver Attention Warning (DAW), Alert Vehicle Exit Leader (LVDA) and Rear Occupant Alert.
The basic SmartSense features are familiar, but there are new features like LFA (keeps one in the center of the lane), Cyclist Detection for the FCA, FCA Crossing, Stop & Go for the SCC (the car will move again from a stop) , and Avoidance Assist for blind spot monitor and RCTA (stops the car instead of just warning you), among other things. LVDA is like the Perodua ASA front exit alert. All this, plus six airbags and two rear Isofix child seat mounts.
Okay, with all the ingredients covered, let’s talk about the price, which is RM158,888 OTR excluding insurance, with exemptions from 2020 sales tax (described as introductory, should go up next year). Being a CBU Korea entry with such high specs, we are not at all surprised by the price of the Elantra, which is higher than the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. It is close to the CBU Japan Mazda 3, which peaks at RM154,679 after the SST exemption. Hyundai’s factory warranty is five years or 300,000 km.
It’s clearly not the cheapest C-segment sedan of the day, but the Hyundai Elantra CN7 is well-equipped and looks like nothing else on the road, at least until the next-gen Tucson arrives. What you think? To see the specs of the new Elantra in detail and compare it to its rivals, head over to CarBase.my.
GALLERY: Hyundai Elantra 1.6L IVT 2021, Malaysia Spec
GALLERY: Official Hyundai Elantra Images, US Spec.
[ad_2]
