This new Hyundai Elantra Hybrid is at the top of its segment, competing with competitors like the Honda Civic or Toyota Grande. It has a more aggressive design compared to the previous generation. With its parametric grille pattern and aerodynamically shaped body, the car is equipped with full LED headlights that also work as fog lamps.
A modern aesthetic that includes matte black plastic. The exterior design is inspired by the shape of the Prism, especially the rear that looks like the Audi Etron GT back, which has a smart trunk opening feature when standing for close to 3 seconds. The Elantra Hybrid also has good ground clearance (150 mm), making it suitable for everyday use in urban areas.
Performance & Powertrain
- Horsepower: 139 hp
- 6-speed DCT transmission
- Torque: 264 Nm (due to hybrid powertrain)
- 1.6-liter hybrid engine
- 1.32 kWh lithium-ion battery
- 34 kW Motor
The Elantra is an actual Hybrid. These specs provide impressive results in power, torque, horsepower, and mainly combined fuel average ratio, making the Elantra top-of-the-line compared to competitors like the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic RS Turbo.
With a 6-speed DCT transmission, the car delivers smooth performance. While it doesn’t have pedal shifters, you can manually control the gears by switching the gear knob to manual mode by just slightly pushing it to the right. Performance-wise, the car can go from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds, though actual times may vary based on road and fuel conditions.
Fuel Economy & Range
- City Fuel Economy: 33.1 km/L in EV mode
- Highway Fuel Economy: 19.5 – 20 km/L with AC on
Hyundai Elantra Hybrid delivers excellent fuel economy. On highways, it averages 19.5-20 km/l, even with the AC on. In the city, it performs even better, achieving 33.1 km/l when in EV mode, and can stretch up to 40 km on short trips. The total range on a full tank is about 800 km, which is remarkable for a hybrid in this segment.
Driving Experience & Handling
The Elantra Hybrid’s handling is precise, offering a good road grip with no understeering or oversteering. The car’s suspension is soft and smooth, making it comfortable even on bumpy city roads. It offers excellent maneuverability, especially on highways and challenging terrains.
The driving modes—Eco, Sport, and Smart—offer flexibility for different driving conditions, with Eco mode ideal for city driving and Sport mode perfect for performance enthusiasts.
Interior & Technology
The interior features a driver-centric design with accessible controls at arm’s length. The 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster clearly displays all necessary information, including hybrid system status, fuel consumption, and battery charging status. The 8-inch infotainment screen supports wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, offering seamless connectivity.
Comfort is a highlight, with dual-zone climate control, heated and ventilated seats, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. However, the rear seats lack an armrest, and there are complaints about the use of plastic on the rear doors. The cabin does feature good sound insulation, though tire noise is noticeable, especially from the Kumho tires.
Safety Features
While the Elantra Hybrid lacks advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like Honda Sensing, it still comes equipped with essential safety features, including:
- 2 Airbags
- ABS & EBD
- Front & Rear Parking Sensors
- Hill Start Assist
- Traction Control
Verdict
Priced at 9.7 million PKR, the Elantra Hybrid offers a compelling alternative in the C-segment sedan category, especially considering it’s the only hybrid in this class. While it faces competition from the Toyota Corolla Grande and Honda Civic RS Turbo, the Elantra Hybrid stands out with its hybrid engine, impressive fuel efficiency, and dynamic performance. The lack of ADAS is a drawback, but the car’s performance, design, and tech features more than makeup for it.
Pricing & Warranty
- Price: 9.7 million PKR
- Warranty: 4 years/100,000 km (Basic), 8 years/160,000 km (Hybrid)
The Elantra Hybrid’s pricing places it in a competitive spot against other CKD hybrids like the Toyota Cross and Julian HEV. It offers an excellent warranty, particularly for the hybrid system, giving customers peace of mind.