FLUID DYNAMICS

Grown up it may be, but the Elantra appeals to the youth in all of us.

Looks matter. Hyundai has learned this, and the ' Fluidic sculpture' philosophy has given us cars that made us go 'wow' at first sight — and no car wears this design better than the Elantra. It is a sedan, yes, but that silhouette is straight from a coupe. It begins at the front, with the subtle two-part grille. The chrome strip isn't flashy, because it doesn't need to be; your attention is automatically drawn to the new swoopy headlamps with their projector units. The projector units are a feature that won't be found on most cars in this price range, but the LED running lamps are head turningly unique, and not just in its segment. The vertical fog lamps balance the swept-back headlamps admirably. Viewed head-on, the Elantra sports all the elements of a sports car — the squat stance, the wide bonnet with its creases, and the wide tyres. 

Move slightly around to the side, and the Elantra's minimalistic sides come into view. It is a good contrast to the front and rear, and the strong, upswept shoulder line and flared wheel arches give it muscle. From the side, the silhouette is like nothing else in the price range — it is pure coupe, even though it has four doors. Only when you're done admiring the sports car roofline do you notice the finer things like the chrome underlining the windows and adorning the door handles, and the mirror-mounted LED indicators and the new ten-spoke alloy wheel design. Walk around to the rear, and the swept-forward tail lamps come into view. They echo the headlamps, and have an LED effect. The stubby boot may look small, but underneath it is a massive 420 litres storage capacity. The exhaust has a new chrome tip that makes it look larger and sportier. Despite the Elantra's looks, it doesn't have any of the drawbacks of a sports car — its belly stays clear of the biggest speed breakers and it will go a long way on a single tank of fuel. 

Hyundai hasn't forgotten that beauty isn't merely skin deep. On the inside, there are swathes of leather and high-quality plastic. The swoopy lines from the outside are evident on the inside as well. The steering wheel with its bold design will grab your attention at first, and on closer inspection will reveal that in addition to controlling the phone, audio and cruise control, it also controls what shows up on the clear, concise multifunction display. In between the easily adjustable air vents lies the new colour touch screen audio head unit. It can play CDs, for those audiophiles among us, and accept MP3s via USB drive as well. You can also connect your Apple product and it will play the songs just fine, or connect your phone via Bluetooth and stream the audio. 

If all these options weren't enough, there's an Aux-in port as well. The Bluetooth connection to your phone also means you can make and receive calls on the go; although safety is top priority at Hyundai, so you can only pair a new device while the car is standing still. The colour display is also the video feed for the reversing camera, and the guide lines and parking sensors will tell you if you're getting too close to the object behind. The automatic climate control is one step ahead of the mundane: it offers different temperatures for driver and passenger. Hyundai hasn't forgotten the rear seat occupant: there is a dedicated vent that can cool both rear seat passengers as well. The Elantra offers one more thing that is absent in most cars even a segment above: a seat cooling system for the front seats. This is a boon during summers in our country. Of course, there are individual controls for both front occupants. 

The Elantra can keep your drinks chilled as well, with the cooled glove box — something that will help you stay cool in the summers. Both front and rear seat occupants get central armrests, but the rear armrest also gets inbuilt cup holders, a storage space, and an intelligently-designed front where a mobile phone can slot in and be visible by the occupants. There are three charging points in the car — two in the front, and one in the rear armrest, so your gadgets will never run down. 

Finding a good driving position is easy — it is electrically adjustable. There is also adjustable lumbar support. The steering wheel also tilts as well as telescopes, which helps drivers of any height get comfortable and reach those sporty aluminium pedals. The mirrors are electrically adjustable and foldable, and there is auto dimming for the interior mirror. All four windows are electrically wound, and the driver's window even has auto up and down.

 At the heart of the driving experience is Hyundai’s engine. Pick the 1.8-litre petrol and you'll be surprised by its performance — 148 bhp and 18.1 kgm arrive in a hurry and leave late in the rev range, thanks to variable valve timing on both intake and exhaust valves — what Hyundai calls 'Dual VTVT'.

 It is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox that is docile and slurs from one speed to the next in the city, yet shows no hesitation in downshifting out on the highway when an overtaking maneuver is executed. No matter where, it always keeps an eye on the fuel efficiency, giving you the best of both worlds, drivability and efficiency. If you prefer to be in full control, however, the 6-speed manual gearbox is the one for you. If efficiency is your top priority, you can pair it with the 1.6-litre diesel engine. With 126 bhp and a locomotive-like 26.5 kgm at a mere 1900 rpm, it isn't troubled by either other traffic or steep inclines.

 The gearshift throws are positive and snappy, so even though that great torque spread means you don't have to shift gears, you feel like shifting just to feel the 'snick' of the lever engaging the next cog. The low rolling resistance tyres help better the efficiency while still offering grip and feel at the helm. Disc brakes all around haul the Elantra back to a stop effectively and sure-footedly. Of course, if nature tries to get the better of the Elantra, there is a raft of safety features that will protect you. Among them are ESC or 'Electronic Stability Control' that monitors the brakes and prevents the car from skidding, VSM or 'Vehicle Stability Management' that enhances directional stability via sensors in die steering system and chassis, a chassis made out of Ultra High Tensile Strength Steel, six airbags, and rear parking sensors. 

Driving the Elantra is a joy, whether in the city or out on the highway. The light controls make commuting a delight, and the fuel efficiency keeps owners happy. Out on the highway the power of the engines will put a smile on your face and keep the Elantra going for an incredibly long distance before it will need to refuel. With the low noise levels even at highway speeds and great high-speed manners, the Elantra is the car of choice for those who love to drive long distances. With all the Elantra has going for it, you'd not expect much more from it - but it goes the extra mile and offers everything you see here at a really competitive price. Never has a product looked this good from so many angles.

Published by   : Motoring World

Evolving Beauty

Evolution is inevitable, and this holds true both for an evolving automobile brand like Hyundai as well as for a world city like New Delhi. To preserve traditions, yet move with the times, can be a challenge - but striking a perfect balance between the two can create an enduring and everlasting legacy. 

Hyundai created, cultivated, and now reinvented their Fluidic Sculpture design philosophy. Breaking away from conventional barriers is what Hyundai has been doing with their styling over the past few years, and bold steps like these are needed for the Indian capital to mark its place in the list of leading world cities. The Indian capital, from the beginning of time, has been considered as the city of emperors. Both the car and the city continue to evolve to become more vibrant and progressive. 

This saloon is easily the best looker in the C-segment thanks to its Fluidic DNA, which gives it an athletic look and makes it more dynamic. Its stylish swooping roofline is pleasing to say the least. The beautifully crafted elongated sweptback headlamps are nothing short of a work of art, with the LED daytime running lamps splitting the twinpod cluster. The Elantra also oozes attitude with an all-black radiator grille and boomerang shaped fog lamps. This certainly would have pleased the previous rulers of the walled city. 

Delhi is a confluence of old and new, Indian and foreign cultures, which is best exemplified by Connaught Place - officially known as Rajiv Chowk - which firmly stands the test of time. This former headquarters of British India, modelled after the Royal Crescent in Bath, UK, is a heritage structure that has evolved from the days of the Raj to the modern day - recently refreshed to its former glory. And the Elantra looked the part, whether it was placed next to the Georgian architecture of the city's past or the modern art of the many murals now adorning the capital. 

The Elantra is not merely a pretty looking thing, as the bold lines in its silhouette complements its solid build. With muscular shoulder lines and bulging wheel arches, it reminds you of a sprinter about to get off the blocks. As so we decided to see how the sedan looked in front of the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru  Stadium. The stadium has hosted mega events such as the 1982 Asian Games, the 2010 Commonwealth Games, and the 2013 South Asian Games. The Elantra didn't look at all overwhelmed or lost amidst this mammoth structure, which itself received a bit of a redesign before the Commonwealth Games.

In this day and age, progress is all about being environmentally conscious. So, even though the Elantra cruises comfortably at high speed and remains as stable as the Delhi Metro, Hyundai has worked hard on the 1.8-litre petrol and 1.6-litre diesel engines for better efficiency and lower emissions. Keeping emissions in mind, another masterstroke by Hyundai is the addition of an inbuilt ioniser in the dual-zone air conditioner. It clears the air in the cabin of allergens like pollen, mould and hazardous airborne particles such as bacteria. And with the air quality being what it is in most big cities currently, this conscious effort goes a long way in helping us breathe slightly easier.

Even though the country's capital is criticised for its air pollution levels, the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change leads by example – as their new headquarters are made from fly ash bricks and Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks, which are lightweight, insulate heat and provide fire resistance. The building also uses Bamboo Jute Composite for door frames and shutters. It's the most energy efficient building in the country at present, and it's lit up in pretty shades of blue, green and pink at night – which made for a pretty picture with the striking Elantra in front of this multihued structure.

The Elantra is definitely bold when it comes to design, but what is interesting to see is how the Fluidic DNA is a sign of progress for Hyundai. Like Delhi, it' s also continuously evolving with the times, and projecting Hyundai as a force to be reckoned within the changing automotive world order - much the way Delhi is leading the charge as India makes its presence felt on the world stage.

Published by: Auto X

All the rage

As compact crossovers take the Indian car market by storm, the upcoming Hyundai Creta is stirring up a hurricane of its own.

HYUNDAI India has revealed its highly anticipated C compact SUV, which is expected to take the compact crossover segment by storm. Prospective customers are already making a beeline for Hyundai cars, and dealers are unable to quote a definitive delivery timeline for the vehicle owing to high demand. We were present at the grand unveiling ceremony for the crossover organised by Hyundai at its Chennai plant, followed by a short drive within the company's production facility (photography, however, was strictly prohibited). So, here we have it, the first impressions of the new Hyundai CRETA.

WHAT IS IT?

The CRETA is a slightly tweaked, international version of Hyundai's China specific SUV, the iX25. Good ground clearance, along with a rugged appeal to appear more suited for the notorious Indian road conditions, and a perceived sense of comfort and safety about SUVs have made this category extremely popular. Hyundai has established itself successfully in the up to the 15 lakh price category, a segment where most other low-cost car manufacturers have not been able to prove their mettle. People rate the Korean brand highly for quality, durability and premium appeal — and are ready to pay a fair premium for its products.

DRIVE IMPRESSIONS

The Hyundai CRETA is being offered with a choice of one petrol and two diesel engines, with each engine variant getting four trim levels — Base, S, SX and SX (O). Petrol power will be provided by a 1.6-litre Dual VTVT engine. Diesel power comes in the form of a 1.4-litre CRDi and 1.6-litre CRDi VGT engines. The engines are said to have been tuned for high fuel efficiency, though no fuel efficiency figures have been revealed yet.The 1.6-litre CRDi diesel, apart from a six-speed manual transmission, also gets a six-speed automatic gearbox — a segment- first for a diesel engine. The 1.6-litre Gamma Dual VTVT petrol produces 123 PS, while the 1.6 CRDi dishes out 128 PS of peak power. The power output of the 1.4 CRDi Diesel has not been officially specified, though it produces 90 PS on the Elite i20 hatchback, and is expected to be more or less the same.While in the driver's seat, you realize that the dashboard is high-set, and the feel very car-like. The height adjustable steering wheel is leather wrapped, feels nice and soft to hold and has mounted controls on top variants.

  

During the brief drive, the 1.6-litre diesel seems to have a mild turbo lag. Even while featuring a variable geometry turbine, the engine spools up fully only at 2,000 rpm. Having said that, the car drove  reasonably well in low revs and there wasn't any noticeable gasping or spluttering. The gear shifts on the six speed manual transmission are smooth. The automatic transmission on the CRETA is quite snappy, too, and shifts with an alacrity hitherto unseen in other similar auto boxes from Hyundai. Attempts to confuse it by modulating the throttle were responded to pretty well.We cannot have a conclusive opinion on the gearbox based on such a short test, though initial impressions are very good. The turbo lag, which was quite noticeable in the manual version, wasn't apparent in the auto variant where the electronic brain did the cog swapping for us in a rather deft manner.

The 1.6-litre diesel AAA engine, in its AT trim goes -all the way upto 4300 rpm, at full throttle before up-shifting. In the six-speed manual version, however, the engine is redlined at 4,800 rpm, and revs all the way up to 5,000 rpm. The engine gets slightly noisy after 3,000 rpm, though it still remains smooth and none of this noise translates into any irritating drone inside the cabin. On the move, body roll is noticeable but not to a level where it turns into a bother, though the CRETA definitely rolls. Ride is supple though, and should be rated as one of the highpoints of the CRETA. The vehicle we drove was riding on large 17-inch wheels with low profile tyres — the versions with 16-inch wheels will possibly have a softer and more pronounced body roll. Braking is taken care of by disc brakes up front and drums at the rear. The car scores high in terms of safety with its much drummed-up HIVE body structure, up to six airbags, ABS, electronic stability control and Hill Assist functions.

CABIN COMFORT

The front seats on the Creta are nice and well scooped out. They would fit a slim to medium build person snugly with nice lateral support. Those seats, however, might turn out to be a tad small for people with a larger build. The driver's seat is height adjustable, though it doesn't feature lumbar support. Power window buttons are well finished and have an auto function for the driver side window. Featuring a double din LCD multimedia touch screen (about 5 inches) the central console on the Creta looks feature-rich. The resolution is good and the screen is responsive to touch. The audio, as always, is good too. For the top SX (O) variant the Creta comes loaded with features such as a sat-nav system, rear view camera, push button start and static bending headlights. The instruments panel features a trip computer with details like distance to dry, average efficiency and other important data. Sockets below the centre console include USB/Aux — in and a 12V power socket. The shark fin antenna on the CRETA aids reception for sat-nav, radio as well as for Bluetooth. ORVMs are power folding and feature mounted turn indicators.There is no dearth of storage space inside the CRETA, The car has space for big bottles on all four doors, along with map pockets, and also features a decent sized glove box. There is also generous storage space under the front armrest. There is additional small storage ahead of the shifter stick to put your small belongings in.Fit and finish is quite nice, and overall the interior looks good though it's not totally devoid of hard plastics. There is some hardness to be felt on the rear door panels and the upper black part of the dashboard. But this isn't much to complain about.At the back, the shoulder space is more than adequate to seat two adults in Copyright comfort, though fitting in a third occupant would be a bit of a squeeze. Legroom at the backbench is great. Rear seat features a centre armrest with integrated cup holders, though it doesn't have any lid covered storage space. There are also twin A/C vents for the rear seat occupants.

FIRST OPINION 

Overall, the CRETA comes across as a nicely made car, both, on the inside and out. It is reasonably spacious with a premium looking interior. The engine options on offer are good, that automatic transmission is a revelation of sorts and the car rides well too. So, while we really can't give our conclusive opinion on the car without knowing the prices,and without driving it for a few hundred kilometres — our first impression is positive. The CRETA in the first look appears to be a finely balanced package, made with a sharp focus on the Indian audience.

Published by   : Mid Day

 Words by   : Amit Chhangani