2019 Hyundai Elantra: Still Good Enough For Bronze
The Hyundai Elantra is one of the most popular cars in Canada. And for good reason. Despite a drop of about 9 percent last year, it still sold more than 41,000 units. Korea鈥檚 finest compact ranks third in the country behind only the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The quality level is on par with the more established Japanese rivals and Hyundai is making sure we get the message through a sustained marketing effort. Under the hood of the Hyundai Elantra is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine that produces 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque. For 2020, the optional six-speed automatic transmission is replaced with a more fuel-efficient CVT. Those who prefer to drive with three pedals and a stick will be happy to learn that the manual gearbox returns as standard equipment. Performance is far from breathtaking. Then again, we would be lying if we said the Elantra lacks energy.
We just hope that the bigger mill won鈥檛 suffer from the same technical issues than the previous 1.8-litre unit. While some people praise Japanese cars as if they were flawless, the reality is otherwise. Honda鈥檚 1.5-litre turbo has been reported to mix gasoline with engine oil, resulting in rough, uneven operation at times. 25,499, you can buy a 201-horsepower Elantra Sport sedan. The latter aims to compete directly against performance-focused models like the Golf GTI and Jetta GLI, but if you ask me, Volkswagen has nothing to worry about for now. While some car companies insist on putting form over function, Hyundai designers created an ergonomic, user-friendly environment for Elantra occupants. The infotainment system is clear and simple, but if you want something a bit more familiar, there鈥檚 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, too. Furthermore, the buttons and controls on the dashboard are all nicely aligned. It may sound trivial, but we appreciate this thoughtful detail. Likewise, the controls on the steering wheel are easy to access. The arrangement could use more flair, but functionality is definitely not an issue here. One more note about the car鈥檚 ergonomics: As we found out over the course of the test week, the driving position is really accommodating and everything is readily at hand. 20,549. It offers standard Blind-Spot Collision Warning with Rear Cross-Traffic Collision Warning, plus available Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Lane Departure Warning and Lane Keeping Assist. Where鈥檚 the Added Value? Saying that competition is fierce in the compact segment would be an understatement. That鈥檚 why automakers need to find one or more ways to stand out. Subaru used to be the only one to offer all-wheel drive (with the Impreza), but now the redesigned Mazda3 is doing the same.
Essentially it is two gearboxes in one. With this new clutch management system, the breaks in power that are typical of even an automatic-shift manual gearbox no longer occur. This is achieved by an intelligent hydraulic and electronic (mechatronic) gearbox control system, the two wet-type clutches and the two input and output shafts in each half of the gearbox. This combination enables the next-higher gear ratio to remain engaged but on standby until it is actually selected. In other words, if the car is being driven in third gear, fourth is selected but not yet activated. As soon as the ideal shift point is reached, the clutch on the third-gear side opens, the other clutch closes and fourth gear engages under accurate electronic supervision. Since the opening and closing actions of the two clutches overlap, a smooth gearshift results and the entire shift process is completed in less than four-hundredths of a second.
In addition to its fully automatic shift mode, DSG has a Tiptronic function to permit manual gear selection. All Golfs, including the GTI, are set to run on variable servicing times. The on-board computer informs the driver when the vehicle needs a service or, for example, an oil change. Rather than having fixed service intervals determined by mileage, a range of engine sensors electronically monitors the vehicle's oil temperature, oil pressure, oil level and brake pad wear to establish when a service is needed. A dashboard display informs the driver when a service is due. Alternatively, customers can opt for a 10,000 mile or one-year Extended service schedule. With the variable system, it can be possible to drive for up to 19,000 miles or 24 months on petrol models without a major service. Customers can choose between Extended or Variable Servicing at PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and though it is possible to change from one to another during the vehicle's life, it can only be done when a full inspection service is due.
A new era for Volkswagen suspension design was ushered in with the arrival of the Touran; the Golf was the second model in the range to benefit from the development of a completely new four-link rear suspension system. Ride and handling were markedly improved over the standard Golf's predecessor, with attendant active safety benefits, and the new rear axle configuration also enabled an enlarged through-load width in the luggage compartment. The standard Golf's front strut and rear multi-link chassis have been made even more dynamic for the GTI, to guarantee the level of agile handling required for this car. The suspension has been lowered by 15 mm, while harder springs and dampers have been chosen for both axles. The stiffness of the rear anti-roll bars has been increased by 20 per cent, from 25 to 30 N/mm. Electro-mechanical power steering is another feature introduced with the Golf (first seen in Touran) and designed to enhance the driving experience. Unlike some electro-mechanical steering systems, it is able to vary the feel of the steering wheel to suit the speed and driving situation: firm and direct when driving hard, effortless at parking speeds.
