Rising Up to the Occasion

MANILA, Philippines - Amidst the jam-packed Manila International Auto Show (MIAS) crowd, Hyundai Automotive Resources, Inc. (HARI) launched the stunning all-new Elantra compact sedan. Serenaded by the UST Choir and attended by several VIPs including His Excellency Lee Hye-Min, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea and top delegates from Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), HARI pulled the covers on what was one of MIAS’s show stoppers.

The all-new, fifth-generation Elantra is the latest Hyundai model to carry on the brand’s signature “Fluidic Sculpture” design philosophy. Overall, the Elantra evokes a body shaped by the wind characterized by the dynamic contours, muscular wheel arches and sleek roofline. The smooth, flowing lines also lead the Elantra to have a very aerodynamic body: a co-efficient of drag at an exceptionally low 0.28 – lower than the most popular hybrid gasoline-electric cars.

Upfront, the Elantra carries Hyundai’s hexagonal grille. Together with the swept-back headlights it gives the Elantra a compact and athletic face. The assertive stance is complimented by the wrap-around LED brake lamp clusters and a sleek glass-printed antenna. The top of the line GLS ups the style factor by adding front fog lamps, 16-inch alloys with 205/55 R 16 rubber and LED repeaters on the heated side view mirrors.

There are two engines powering the Elantra and it depends on the transmission it’s paired with. Regardless, both drivetrains offer ample performance and exemplary fuel economy.

Under the hood of the 6-speed A/T model is Hyundai’s all-new 1.8-liter Nu engine. Developed to replace Hyundai’s aging 2.0-liter Beta engine, the 1.8-liter Nu is a whopping 33 kilograms lighter and 18 percent more fuel efficient than the engine it replaces. Despite giving up 200 cc in displacement, the Nu engine still manages to deliver 150 PS of power at 6,500 rpm and a peak torque of 18.2 kg-m at 4,700 rpm – figures directly comparable to the Elantra’s 2.0-liter rivals. This is down to the Nu’s use of engine technology such as Dual Continuous Variable Valve Timing (D-CVVT), Variable Induction System (VIS), electronic throttle control among others. On the other hand, the 6-speed M/T models are powered by the 1.6-liter Gamma engine. This engine is good for 130 PS and 6,300 rpm and achieves a maximum torque of 16.0 kg-m at 4,850 rpm.

The all-new Elantra rides on a 2,700 mm wheelbase, just 51 mm longer than the previous generation. However, the all-new model boasts of a “class above” status when it comes to interior room. It’s by far the roomiest model in its segment with a total interior volume of 3,127 liters – echoing cars in the mid-sized car segment. Its trunk volume, at 419 liters, easily trounces the other cars in the compact class as well. The GLS also features a 60/40 split-fold function on its rear seat for additional cargo volume.

Hyundai’s newfound expertise in interior packaging, lighting, design and craftsmanship is highlighted in the all-new Elantra. The cockpit is decisively driver-centric with a pair of large, telescopic clusters dominating the instrument panel. Sandwiched between them is a multi-function display that shows different performance and system gauges including a trip computer with a reading for instantaneous or current fuel consumption. Ensuring the best driving position, the Elantra also comes standard with a tilt/telescopic steering column.

The two trim levels: GL and GLS are differentiated by its interior trimmings. The GL is finished in matte black while the GLS has a high-gloss piano black finish. The GLS also has a dash-integrated audio entertainment system with CD/MP3 playback as well as auxiliary audio jack and USB inputs. The GLS also has a six-speaker system while the GL only has four.

Along with the use of ultra-high strength steel in its unibody construction, the Elantra boasts of a complete line of safety equipment such as anti-lock brakes (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), dual front airbags (for the GLS), driver’s airbag (GL) and three-point seatbelts with emergency locking retractors. The GLS caps its safety features with a keyless entry system with anti-theft function and rear parking sensors.

Bathed in a dark blue metallic paint and perched high at Hyundai’s huge display at MIAS, the 2011 Elantra generated buzz and interest among numerous buyers. Anticipation for affordable fuel-efficient cars such as the Elantra had a profound effect at MIAS attendance. In fact, it was the first time in local auto show history that people were refused entry for exceeding the World Trade Center’s maximum capacity (this happened a total of five times during the four-day event). Needless to say, with a starting price of just P798,000 for the GL 1.6 M/T and P938,000 for the GLS 1.8 A/T, the Elantra, like the high-wire act during its unveil, is set for great heights. Undoubtedly, the Elantra is fulfilling Hyundai’s mission to become the benchmark in design, advanced safety and fuel efficiency.