Hyundai Elantra - Manual or Automatic

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact car from the South Korean automaker currently in its sixth generation. One of the more popular variants in Hyundai’s portfolio, the Elantra oozes with just the right amount of luxury, sportiness, and reliability. This Hyundai sedan boasts of aerodynamic design with enhanced chassis rigidity, dual impact beam for the rear, and reinforced B-pillar for durability, maximize stability, and better performance. On the front exterior is a robust hexagonal grille flanked by sleek headlights. At the rear is the new dynamic wheel arch design to tie up the sporty look.

The design of Elantra has won several awards including Good Design™ Award in 2015 under Transportation category; Best in Class at Middle East Car of the Year 2016 (MECOTY) award; International Design Excellence (IDEA®) Bronze in the 2016 Automotive & Transportation Category; and iF Design Award 2016 Product under the Automobiles / Vehicles / Bikes category.

Variants and prices

Under the hood, the Hyundai Elantra specs sheet features several engine options with matching drivetrain. Here is a look at the Hyundai Elantra price list:

• Hyundai Elantra 2.0 GLS 6 AT - Php 1.183 million (SRP)
• Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL 6 AT - Php 1.06 million (SRP)
• Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL 6 MT - Php 970,000 (SRP)

In terms of price, it is a given that the automatic options will cost a lot more than the manual. Though the difference between the GL MT and GLS is quite significant at Php 213,000, the GL AT is more affordable at just an added price of Php 90,000.

Engine

The top of the line Hyundai Elantra 2.0 GLS is powered by a Euro 4 standard compliant Nu 2.0 MPI engine capable of delivering 150 hp of power at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm. The engine of the GLS is mated to a 6-speed automatic and has a maximum speed of 202 kmph.

The 1.6 GL, on the other hand, is equipped with a Euro 4 standard compliant Gamma 1.6 MPI engine that can churn out 126 hp of output at 6,300 rpm and 154 of torque at 4,850 rpm. The engine is mated to either a 6-speed manual or automatic transmission that can deliver a maximum speed of 195 kmph for the automatic and 200 kmph for the manual gearbox. All sedan model options use gasoline for fuel and have a tank capacity of 50 liters. All Elantra variants come with the same dimensions at 4,570 mm long, 1,800 mm wide, and 1,450 mm tall with 150 mm ground clearance.

External and internal features

For the external features, the GLS comes with projection type headlamps with auto light control, chrome coating radiator grille, electric folding side mirror, and back warning camera with the dynamic guideline. The GLS and GL AT both have front fog lights and folding side mirrors with turn signals. The GL MT meanwhile is fitted with projection-type headlights and does not come with front fog lights, turn signal on the side mirror, and back warning camera.

In terms of cabin comfort, the top-of-the-line GLS comes with a 5-inch monitor coupled with a 6 speaker system. The AC also comes with automatic temperature control with ionizer and rear vent for better cooling and air circulation. The GL model only comes with an audio system coupled with 4 speakers and manual AC. The lack of rear vent can be a hassle for some especially when it’s the peak of the summer season and your stuck in heavy traffic. The Hyundai Elantra comes standard with power windows, power door locks, power side-view mirrors, and power outlet.

Safety features

Safety features	2.0 GLS 6A/T	1.6 GL 6A/T	1.6 GL 6M/T
Airbags	YES- dual front	YES- driver only	YES- driver only
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)	YES	YES	NO
Key system	Smart Key	Keyless Entry (Folding)	Keyless Entry (Folding)
Push start/ stop button	YES	NO	NO
Immobilizer	YES	NO	NO
Rear Park Assist System	YES	NO	NO
Rain sensing wipers	YES	NO	NO
High Mount Stop Lamp (HMSL)	YES	YES	YES

Verdict

Hyundai Elantra is a compact car perfect for first-time buyers, small families, or professionals that needed to get from point a to point B. The price point is affordable given the fact that it has a sturdy body case for added safety.

If you have the budget, it is still best to get the top-of-the-line GLS automatic if you think that the added power, performance, safety features, center console, and rear AC vent are worth the additional couple hundred thousand pesos. Between the GL AT and MT, it is best to go for the AT. The performance might not be as powerful as the MT, but the ease of driving an automatic is something that creatures of comfort look for a car that comes in handy when traversing inclined terrain or getting stuck in traffic— AT allows you to be more responsive in a stop and go traffic. After all, with less than Php 100k, you already get the automatic. But if you are in a tight budget and feel comfortable driving an MT, then, by all means, the GL MT might be the best model for you.

Also read: Hyundai Elantra - Buyer’s guide