Alright folks! The All-New 2021 Hyundai Elantra (CN7) C segment sedan has been previewed in Malaysia and we had a chance to attend the media preview. Thanks to Malaysian distributors Hyundai-Sime Darby Motors. So as usual, we made a video about it. These are our thoughts about the actually gorgeous looking compact sedan (which actually isn't so compact these days as cars have gone larger by a fair bit). Malaysia is getting only 1 variant, the 1.6liter normally aspirated SmartStream engined variant with a Hyundai IVT (CVT for you and me) 8 virtual speeds transmission. It is fully imported, open for bookings and whilst prices have not been announced yet it should not be around RM120K but more closer to the RM140k mark as it is fully loaded with a lot of features.
Watch the video folks. The car looks good and is well put together. It also has tons of active safety equipment. I like the fact that this car has the Blind Spot Sensors with Brake Assist where if you don't brake when there is a car at your blind spot area, the car will help brake for you if it spots a danger. There are also the usual tons of passenger and driver conveniences like an adjustable height cupholder and wireless charging for smart devices. The car comes fully loaded.
However, it does only come with that 1.6liter engine in a market where bragging rights are sometimes required even though the most important bits in a car is just to transport you comfortably. That non-turbo 1.6liter engine faces 1.8liter, 1.4liter and even 2.0liter competition in the C segment sedan category and whilst it makes 121hp, 153Nm torque which are industry normal figures for a 1.6liter normally aspirated petrol engine, competition is stiff. It may only have to push an industry average weight of 1,245kg but if you are at a teh tarik session with friends, you must focus your bragging skills towards how the car looks as you only have 121hp to work with in terms of sounding cool.
And it does look extremely good.
The integration of design cues and overall execution of its styling is spot on. I especially like how the designers have integrated the front grille into the LED lights and how much it moulds into the side panels and the bonnet. It just looks so aggressively sporty yet integrated and complete. The design is definitely mature and complete that you can see that this is what differentiates it from many other brands. Some Japanese brands do not have that cohesiveness in terms of how the lines flow especially when there are so many surface play around.
The rear end is also good looking too. The light strip is a key stying point and it does make the car look even more futuristic. That fastback shape too. Of course, these days fastbacks are making a comeback. It must be the late 1970s again where many manufacturers did fastbacks or liftbacks then...but this is only in shape as it does have a normal boot and 4 doors only.
Inside, there are 2 interior trim styling on offer. You get the normal, common all black/very dark grey interior and then there is the unique, which shows some separation between the driver and front passenger space, 2 tone light and dark grey interior inside.
There are also a digital instrument cluster as well as a fully functional and connected infotainment screen. So the inside is also quite nicely styled. It does look that Hyundai has not skimped out on styling inside and out...which many manufacturers do at this segment. In terms of being cohesive and total in terms of styling and execution, the car is extremely good.
That engine needs to be a 2.0liter normally aspirated petrol at least if not for the very nice Hyundai 1.6liter GDI turbo.
Anyway, watch the video. I've said more stuff there and it does help if you watch and then subscribe to the channel. More photos are below.
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