- Doors and Seats
4 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
2.0i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
112kW, 192Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 7.2L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Auto
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2017 Hyundai Elantra Elite 2.0 MPi review
I had a Ford Territory and always owned Australian-made, and now that I do not have that option and my lifestyle has changed, I decided to go with what best suits my lifestyle and the best value for my hard-earned dollar without breaking the bank.
- Looks great
- Handles well
- Great economy
- Keyless entry
- Large boot
- Engine noise when revs are up
- Radio reception is lousy
My partner purchased an i30 and I was impressed driving that, but needed something bigger. I am 6ft 2in and wanted my new car to have some room, and it needed to fit the golf clubs and buggy in the boot. As I mainly drive to and from work, with some highway driving, I needed performance, handling, economy and comfort without breaking the bank.
I test-drove the Elantra, Kia Cerato and the Honda Civic. I then looked at what warranty was on offer, as well as capped-price servicing costs and service intervals. The Honda was the better car but more expensive, and in saying that, I feel Honda’s warranty is misleading, as it stated seven years with 100,000km. I would do 25,000km per year, so that made it four years. Kia was more warranty and unlimited kilometres.
I felt the Kia and Hyundai were basically the same car, but I chose the Hyundai as it felt more refined and was quieter. I went the Elite rather than the SR Turbo.
I love the keyless entry and push-button start. The instrument cluster is plain, but I am an older driver and I prefer gauges rather than a digital display. The radio reception is pretty lousy as it has a rear windscreen antenna, but with Apple CarPlay I run through radio apps and my music, so that’s not an issue with me. No sat-nav, but once again with Apple CarPlay I run through Maps. I simply command Siri with what I want so my eyes stay on the road.
I have now clocked 7000km so far without an issue. My fuel use has gone from $100 per week down to under $45 per week. I have travelled on various roads and the car handles really well. I am not driving like a racing car driver. I just hit bends at speed and feel the Elantra holding the road and the power is there if I need it.
The boot fits two sets of clubs easily, and if I need room for buggies, I fold down the back seats. I don’t have rear passengers that often, but if you are tall you will touch your head in the back seat. The Elantra will fit four large adults comfortably.
Improvements would be less engine noise and an eight-speed transmission. DAB+ radio and satellite navigation should be standard. Without breaking the bank, I am really happy.