Hyundai Elantra 2019 – 5 Impressive features

Hyundai launched the all-new and updated 2019 Elantra in Malaysia less than a month ago. Like the model before it, the 2019 Elantra is slotted under the C-segment sedan section, which means it competes with the likes of Honda Civic and Kia Cerato. However, the Hyundai sedan is not only newer than its rivals but also offers slightly more room in the cabin. It’s currently available in only one trim - the RM 109,888 2.0L Executive. Apart from its sharp exterior design and sophisticated interior, this new avatar of the Hyundai Elantra has a few more things going for it. Therefore, here are the top 5 most impressive features that the 2019 Elantra showcases.

1. Stylish exterior lighting

While there are quite a few exterior design elements that might draw your attention, the lighting system of the 2019 Hyundai Elantra certainly sticks out. While the previous model had pretty decent looking exterior lights, this one easily blows it out of the water. Starting at the front, there are three distinct sets of lights to focus on. The first one, most obviously, is the headlights. Unlike the softer design on its predecessor, the 2019 car comes with striking yet smart looking headlamps. Nestled inside are bi-halogen projector units which not only look cool but also provide better road illumination than standard reflector bulbs. Moreover, they also possess the added benefit of spreading out the light more evenly, and with better consistency.

That isn’t all, though. For some extra pizzazz and visibility, these projector headlights are also accompanied by some ornate LED daytime-running lights (DRLs) - a large angular strip around the outside, plus three arrow-shaped on the inside. Right below the suave headlamps, there are the 2019 Elantra’s bumper-mounted turn indicators and LED fog lights. For a more aggressive look, these two have been incorporated inside single arrow-shaped glass housing. The rear tail lamps feature a brilliantly svelte design, with sharp upper and side, LED elements that connect the bottom filament housing.

2. Gorgeous wheels

In almost every car, the design and styling of the wheels are crucial in determining the overall aesthetic appeal. On this front as well, the 2019 Hyundai Elantra fares satisfyingly well. Despite not being one of the higher trims that are available in other markets, the Executive variant still comes with dapper, intricately carved 17-inch alloy wheels. These sporty, five-spoke rims are wrapped with 225-section tyres all around.

3. Peppy powerplant

The 2019 Elantra specs show that it is powered by Hyundai’s Nu series of petrol engines. In this case, a 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor with multi-port fuel injection that makes 150 hp at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm of maximum torque at 4,000 rpm. As before, the engine comes paired to a 6-speed auto ‘box that spins the front wheels. However, Hyundai now allows drivers to choose between four different driving modes - Eco, Normal, Sport, and Smart. These modes basically change the behaviour and response of the Elantra’s steering wheel, engine, and transmission. In Eco mode, for example, everything’s sobered up to help improve fuel economy; while Sport mode ramps up the throttle response, sharpens up the steering, and the transmission now holds onto its gears longer. Also, the 2019 Elantra can now hit 100 kmph in just over 9 seconds, while its top speed of 205 kmph takes the least amount of time possible.

4. Sporty steering wheel

One of the instantly likeable interior items of the new 2019 Elantra is its three-spoke steering wheel. Its design is far more pleasing to the eye and feels pretty expensive to touch and hold as well. The stitched leather effect and silver accent with a black centreline marking only adds to the premium-ness. Its multi-function capability also means that you can access and control the car’s stereo, Bluetooth, and driver’s digital multi-information display. Hyundai has calibrated the steering wheel for lightness, which helps drivers to easily manoeuvre the Elantra during parking and in tight city traffic.

5. Intuitive multimedia system

The multimedia/infotainment system found on the 2019 Hyundai Elantra is a decent piece of kit. It’s innately easy to use and understand, while its graphics and display are legible and clear. It’s further aided by the presence of a plethora of hard keys on the dashboard, and tactile buttons/switches on the steering wheel. The 7-inch LCD head unit displays a variety of information and features come in the form of Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, AUX and USB inputs, and Bluetooth connectivity and telephony. It also projects the feed coming in from the car’s reversing camera.