Such is the competition for sales as new car registrations tumble in the first quarter of 2015 and car manufacturers have been forced to add more value to their products, refreshing their looks and even finding more interior space to give them added appeal in today’s price sensitive car market.
These changes in refinement go hand-in-glove with unbeatable finance offers, better trade-in values, lower servicing costs with stronger warranties. It is a tough world for car manufacturers and dealers alike but it’s definitely good news for the customer, who is currently king (or queen).
Here is why Hyundai has been providing a strong product line-up in recent years and providing a benchmark to its competitors with a segment best warranty and after sales program (which many in recent times have been ‘forced’ to follow with similar values).
In 2010, the all new Hyundai Elantra made its global debut winning dozens of awards globally and quite a number here in Malaysia. Now comes a honest re-styled Elantra which is more accurate between the run-out of old model and the introduction of this revised version.
The Elantra was never really aimed at the buyer looking for a sporty sedan. It was designed to the family driver and the young executive/manager looking for the company car image with clients.
The Elantra is the best-selling model in the current Hyundai range, and it has really benefited from its mid-life revamp. The most noticeable improvement is the revised interior center stack. It still is a full five-seater with a load area to match. Refinement and product quality is also significantly improved, as are the higher levels of equipment and specification included at no significant extra cost.
This Elantra feels solid, the doors close with an expensive ‘clunk’, the electric windows operate quietly and engine, wind and road noise intrusion is much lower than before. The steering is now more responsive and offers better feedback, and suspension and steering changes allow the car to provide a more level and less fidgety ride. Hyundai’s suspension engineers have tuned the Elantra’s suspension to make sure it’s not only fun to drive on a bumpy Petaling Jaya roads but is a refined cruiser on the highway.
Safety and security features are maintained and still offer class competitive features. Now all that is left is for you to visit a Hyundai dealership and test drive this RM85k sedan and decide for yourself if its value fits your automotive needs.
Hyundai Elantra 1.6L Specifications
Engine: Inline-4, DOHC, 16V, Dual CVVT, Gasoline Direct Injection
Capacity: 1591cc
Transmission: 6-speed auto, FWD
Max Power: 130PS @ 6300rpm
Max Torque: 157Nm @ 4850rpm
Price: From RM85,928.47
