Hyundai’s new Elantra is an extremely good looker, feature rich, stylish both in and out, and is available in both petrol and diesel versions. With this good looking machine, Hyundai has once again made an attempt to dominate the segment. But, even the new Elantra can not dominate the segment that easily. It will have to face tough competition from a number of rivals in the segment. It is pitted directly against the likes of the Renault Fluence, Toyota Corolla Altis, Chevrolet Cruze, Volkswagen Jetta and the Skoda Laura. Let’s have a glance at the features of the Hyundai’s new Elantra and its key rivals.
Hyundai’s new Elantra:
The new Elantra is available in both petrol and diesel options. The petrol version of the Elantra features all-new 1.8 litre engine that delivers a maximum power and torque of 149.5PS at 6500rpm and 177.5Nm at 4700rpm respectively. It has a maximum speed of more than 200 kmph. In terms of fuel efficiency, it gives 10.2km per liter in town and 17.8 km per litre on the highway. The petrol version of the car comes equipped with a 1.6 litre CRDi engine that is also found in the Verna. It produces maximum power and torque of 128PS at 4000rpm and 260Nm at up to 2750rpm. It has a top speed of 189 kmpl. The Elantra is a spacious car. The front has a maximum head room of 960mm. In the rear the maximum and minimum knee room is 890mm and 650mm respectively. The suspension and chassis come with all the conventional bits that can be expected from a contemporary car in the segment.
Renault Fluence:
Renault’s Fluence is one of many rivals that are challenging the new Elantra. The Renault Fluence is also an extremely beautiful car. The blend of new features with French flair has added to the charisma of the car, which can be proved by mentioning the fact that this car is finding steady buyers in the market. Like the Hyundai Elantra, the Renault Fluence has been designed as an all-rounder. Drive dynamics can be described as very easy going, while preference has been found impressive. The Fluence has been priced slightly below the Elantra, but when we make a comparison between the lists of the two cars’ features and comforts, the Elantra offers much more.
Toyota Corolla Altis:
The Toyota Corolla Altis is also tough challenger to the Elantra. It features Toyota renowned build quality, promises great drive comfort along with spacious interiors. Available in both petrol and diesel variants, the Corolla Altis is an extraordinary value-for-money proposition. The Corolla Altis has been priced nearly one lakh rupees below the entry-level price of Elantra. But, the Corolla Altis does lose out to the Elantra. The Corolla Atlis’ bland, rounded appearance is no match to the fluidic design philosophy of the Elantra.
Chevrolet Cruze:
The Chevrolet Cruze is obviously the no-nonsense car amongst in the segment. It has received an upgrade in the form of a spanking new engine. The new 1998cc engine produces an astonishing power of 166PS at 3,800rpm and a strong torque of 380Nm at 2,000rpm, which make the vehicle a rather powerful option against the diesel version of the Elantra’s power and torque of 128PS at 4000rpm and 265Nm at up to 2,750rpm respectively. The Cruze also features a rather fresh design and offers a rather respectable level of drive comforts. But, the Cruze too lose out to the Elantra in terms of overall comforts because its rear is somewhat tight, whereas the Elantra’s rear offers maximum and minimum knee room is 890mm and 650mm respectively.
Volkswagen Jetta:
The Volkswagen Jetta challenges the higher end of the Elantra. It has already made a strong impression in the segment. It comes packed with pretty much everything that can be expected from a contemporary sedan. The extremely good looking Jetta offers a blend of German engineering, build quality, a lot comforts, powerful & agile engine options, and a great fit and finish. The Jetta can easily outshine the Elantra in terms of features and comforts, but as the Elantra is rather aggressively priced, many potential Jetta buyers could shift their choice to the Elantra.
Skoda Laura:
Like Volkswagen Jetta, the Skoda Laura also challenges the higher end of the Elantra. It is a terrible contender to the Elantra in terms of pricing. However in terms of looks, the Skoda Laura has started showing its age. On the other hand, the Elantra boasts of its impressive shape. But, the Laura scores more than the Elantra in terms of performance. When it comes to interior space, the Elantra once again wins. Overall, the Elantra’s list of creature comforts is much longer than that of the Skoda Laura.
