2016 Hyundai Elantra launched in India at Rs 12.99 lakh

The sixth generation of the Hyundai Elantra has been launched in India. It’s available in three trims – all of which are available with petrol and diesel engines. The automatic transmission comes with only the top two trims – SX and SX(O) while the 6-speed manual transmission is offered across all engine options and trims. Prices start at Rs 12.99 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) for the base S variant with the manual transmission. Scroll down to the tables below for more details on the pricing.

Exterior

Hyundai has maintained the swept back look that comes with the aerodynamic profile from the previous Elantra along with the signature 3-D hexagonal grille. But there are some prominent additions that set this generation of the sedan apart from its predecessors – like the high intensity discharge (HID) head lamps with sharply defined LED stripes, a tiny shark fin antenna that protrudes from the roof and a sunroof. Also new on the front are the projection fog lamps.

2016 Elantra side and rear details — Note the 16-inch alloys with gunmetal finish on the sides along with split LED tail lamps on the new Elantra

The new design of the profile is the Dynamic Precision version of Hyundai’s Fluidic 2.0 design language. Those sweeping lines and the wheel-air curtain aren’t just meant to be pretty – Hyundai claims a best in class drag coefficient of 0.29 – which should translate to better acceleration and fuel economy on the road.

2016 Hyundai Elantra rear lights — A closer look at the rear lights on the 2016 Hyundai Elantra

Features

Hyundai has a fierce reputation of packing its premium offerings with plenty of gadgetry and features. The infotainment system with an 8-inch touchscreen integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, audio-video-navigation with Mapcare, door pocket lights and the impact sensing unlock feature are no surprise. But the new Arkamys Smart Surround System with six speakers makes the new Elantra cabin even more premium than before. The leatherite seats and aluminium pedals keep up with the upmarket feel of the interior.

Another really cool feature is the one which pops open the boot if you come within three feet of it with the smart key in your pocket.

You can do this hands free in the Elantra

Engines and underpinnings

The petrol option for the Elantra is a 1.99 litre unit that churns out 152PS at 6,200rpm and 192Nm of maximum torque. The 1.6-litre diesel engine makes less power at 128PS at 4,000rpm but considerably higher torque of 260Nm. The petrol however returns a much lower fuel economy of 14.59kmpl and 14.63kmpl with the manual and automatic transmission, respectively. The diesel offers a Maruti-Alto-rivalling efficiency of 22.54kmpl for the manual transmission (All figures here are ARAI figures). The efficiency can also be improved by using the engine start-stop button when inching through city traffic.

Hyundai assures better ride quality with the MacPherson Strut suspension in front and Coupled Torsion Beam Axle CBTA at the rear. For better damping, Hyundai has employed Hydraulic Rebound Stoppers – a technical feature we will soon elaborate upon in our Techsplained section.

Safety equipment

The Hyundai Elantra comes with six airbags with ABS and EBD as standard. There is also electronic stability control along with speed-sensing lock (to securely lock all your doors when you’re speeding) and impact-sensing unlock (to unlock your doors for a quick getaway in the event of a crash) features.

Service and warranty

With the Hyundai Premium Assurance Programme, you get a warranty of three years (on unlimited kilometres) on the new Elantra. Another special loyalty programme for previous Hyundai owners stretches with warranty period by another year.

The programme also includes free maintenance for three year/30,000km along with a three-year roadside assistance package. It also makes owners eligible for three free updates of the MapCare navigation software.