Hyundai Elantra - Is it worth the price?

Hyundai Philippines is back in the compact sedan market with a new version of the Hyundai Elantra. The Korean automaker gave the vehicle a total makeover, taking cues from European-style designs for the 2019 model.

The Elantra re-debuted in 2017 and was Hyundai’s first entry in the Philippine compact sedan market again since the model’s popularity in the 1990s.

The local compact sedan segment is largely dominated by Japanese automakers, with the Elantra often pitted against models like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 during its release. Despite good ratings, major apprehensions towards the 2017 model when it first went on sale was its hefty P1.08 million price tag — relatively in the same range as SUVs and MPVs.

The 2019 model is now offering a 1.6L manual/automatic transmission variant priced at P970,000, and a new 2.0L automatic variant priced at a marginally heftier P1,065,000. While Hyundai Motors Philippines hasn’t made major adjustments to their prices, they have made several upgrades to the latest model. 

Hyundai’s latest upgrades aimed to make the Elantra more stylish and convenient for the compact sedan customer segment. We compiled this concise overview of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra to figure out if the P1.06 million price tag is really worth it.

Proportions

Length	4,570 mm
Width	1,800 mm
Height	1,450 mm
Wheelbase	2,700 mm
Minimum Ground Clearance	150 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity	50 liters

The 2019 Elantra is about the average size and weight of a typical compact sedan in the market. It has a spacious cabin and has the capacity to seat 5 adults, with just enough cargo space left over.

Exterior Features

The 2017 Elantra featured Hyundai’s newest style design at the time — the Fluidic Sculpture. For the 2019 version, the automaker opted for a European-inspired touch, making it look more modern and mature. The fluidic design is now gone and replaced with more angular shaping. The new headlights and tail lights are also slimmer and the sides now sport a crisp character line. However, Hyundai decided to retain the signature hexagonal grille that can also be found on the 2017 model. Hyundai Elantra colour options are

1. Marina Blue
2. Fiery Red
3. Polar White
4. Platinum Silver
5. Phantom Black

Interior Features

To give the vehicle a more premium feel, Hyundai made use of improved materials and a new NVH compliment. This is a huge step up, compared to the hard plastics and fabric materials used in the 2017 model. However, it is still lacking in console features, which was also one of the complaints towards the previous generation. The vehicle still has the same USB/Aux connectivity and FM/AM/Radio/CD entertainment system.

Engine

	1.6 GL 6MT	1.6 GL  6AT	2.0 GLS 6AT
Engine	Gamma 1.6 MPI (EURO 4)	Gamma 1.6 MPI (EURO 4)	Nu 2.0 MPI (EURO 4)
Power	126 hp / 6300 rpm	126 hp / 6300 rpm	150  / 6200 rpm
Torque	154 Nm / 4580 rpm	154 Nm / 4580 rpm	192 Nm / 4000 rpm
Maximum Speed	200 kmph	195 kmph	202 kmph
Fuel Type	Petrol	Petrol	Petrol
Transmission	6-speed manual	6-speed automatic	6-speed automatic

There were barely any changes under the hood in Hyundai Elantra specs sheet. Hyundai still offers the same 1.6L MPI engine that can be paired with either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission. The newest addition is the 2.0L MPI automatic transmission offering. While it gives you a little more power on the road, it’s still more or less on par with the most compact sedans in the market.

Prices and Variants

Here is a look at the Hyundai Elantra price in the Philippines:

Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL 6MT	Php 970,000
Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL 6AT	Php 1,065,000

There isn’t much difference with the price of the 2017 model. Considering that you’d still be getting virtually the same engine, you’re really paying for just the design upgrades. For the price of the 2.0L variant, inquire directly with your local Hyundai dealership.

Tech and Safety Features

The 1.6L MT variant possesses very minimal safety features. Both 2.0L AT and 1.6L AT variants are equipped with dual front airbags, while the 1.6L MT only has an airbag for the driver’s seat. Likewise, the two automatic variants have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), a smart key + button start feature, an immobilizer, a rear park assist system, and a rain sensor.

Verdict

Hyundai isn’t shying away from the compact sedan market. Hyundai Elantra shows that they’re still eager to participate and it has proved to be a very driver-oriented vehicle — ideal for first-time drivers or those who like to have maximum control options. The size is just right for a compact sedan and exterior design offers a more sophisticated look compared to the previous model.

However, while the design features are impressive, there’s really not much new with the 2019 Elantra. Considering the price from 2017 one and the current model, you’d be paying more for aesthetics than function. Similarly, one would expect more safety and tech features for the price. It still falls flat in comparison to models like the Honda Civic and Mazda 3 in terms of tech and safety features, as well as in the variants offering. Models like the Toyota Corolla also offer numerous advanced safety features without needing to shell out more for the high-end variant.

Since you’re virtually paying the same amount, purchasing the 2019 Elantra is really more about your design preferences. Let us know what you think: is the 2019 Hyundai Elantra worth your money?

Also read: Hyundai Elantra - Top alternatives