Hyundai Asia Resources, Inc. (HARI), Hyundai’s exclusive Philippine distributor, has given the country a sneak peak at the newest Elantra. After the nameplate won the Car of the Year award last 2012, HARI is hopeful that the 2016 Elantra will once again top its respective segment.
Boasting of Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design philosophy, the refined compact sedan comes in 20 millimeters longer and 5 millimeters wider than the last-generation Elantra. On its front is the brand’s defining hexagonal grille flanked by projection headlamps, while on the reverse are rear combination lamps. The new Elantra also stands on 16- or 17-inch alloy wheels under a new arch design.
Inside are ergonomic features akin to those in Hyundai’s luxury nameplates such as the Sonata and Genesis. The dashboard buttons are grouped by function and the cockpit display sits on a 6.9-degree angle towards the driver for easy access, all the while being wrapped in soft-touch high-quality materials. Creature comforts aboard the Elantra include ergonomically designed seats for driver and passengers, as well as smart key entry.
Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) were also tuned down to a minimum. Re-designed windscreen wipers now help reduce wind noise in the cabin and thickened door glass helps dampen other outside noise.
For safety, dual airbags and body structure made of 53-percent Advanced High-Strength Steel enables the Elantra to adequately protect its passengers from collisions. Also present is a rear view camera with dynamic guidelines for reversing.
The Elantra will arrive locally in three trims: the top-of-the-line L variant with a Nu 2.0 MPi engine doling out a maximum 152PS and 192.2Nm of torque; mid-level S variant with a Gamma 1.6MPi engine and 6-speed automatic transmission; and the entry-level E variant with the same Gamma 1.6 MPi engine with 6-speed manual transmission.
The new Elantra is expected to be available in all HARI dealerships during the first quarter of 2016. It will be available in colors marina blue, phantom black, fiery red, platinum silver, and polar white.