2019 Hyundai Elantra vs Rivals: Specification Comparison

Hyundai has just launched the facelifted Elantra in India at a starting price of Rs 15.89 lakh (ex-showroom). Just like a typical midlife update, the facelifted model comes with revamped looks and additional features. The restyled Elantra is also the first model to pack in a BS6-compliant engine in its segment. 

But are these updates enough to put the Elantra back into the game against its well-established rivals, the Skoda Octavia and Honda Civic. Not to forget, we also have the silent Corolla Altis in this fight. Let’s see how they stack up:

Dimensions:

• Longest: Skoda Octavia
• Widest: Skoda Octavia
• Tallest: Skoda Octavia
• Wheelbase: Elantra, Civic and Corolla Altis
• Boot Space: Skoda Octavia

Sizewise, the Elantra is smaller than the Octavia, the largest car here. The Elantra is 50mm smaller, 14mm narrower and 11mm shorter than the Octavia. However, the Skoda has the shortest wheelbase when compared to the rest, all of which have an identical 2,700mm wheelbase. Meanwhile, the low-slung Honda Civic is the shortest one here while the Corolla Altis is the narrowest. 

Hyundai hasn’t officially revealed the Elantra’s boot space, so we will update you on that later. Watch this space. Meanwhile, the Octavia has the largest boot here followed by the Corolla Altis and the Honda Civic. 

Features:

All four cars come well equipped with all the features one might possibly need. Standard features on all models include LED headlamps with DRLs, touchscreen infotainment system, climate control, powered driver’s seat, cruise control as well as a multi-info display. 

While the Elantra misses out on some premium features like digital driver’s display, ambient lighting and a rear sun blind, it packs in ventilated front seats and a wireless phone charger to compensate. The Corolla Altis lacks a sunroof and its infotainment supports only Mirrorlink, which is a step back. Meanwhile, the Octavia comes as the best equipped, with powered passenger seat and ambient lighting. 

The Hyundai Elantra is also the only car in this segment to come with BlueLink connected-car tech. Meanwhile, all these cars offer a unique feature that isn’t found in the Elantra’s competitors. Have a look at the table below:

Safety Features:

Safety features on all models include a minimum of six airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability program, rear parking sensors and hill start assist. The Skoda Octavia is the only car to come with eight airbags while the Civic is the only one to come with electric parking brake with auto hold. Meanwhile, the Octavia and Elantra pack in front parking sensors and a tyre pressure monitor.

Powertrain Options:

Note: Since the Elantra is a petrol-only offering, we’ll be comparing only the petrol variants of its competitors here. 

• Most Powerful: Skoda Octavia AT
• Torquiest: Skoda Octavia MT and AT
• Most Fuel Efficient: Skoda Octavia MT

The Hyundai Elantra comes with the biggest engine in this bunch, developing 152PS of power and 192Nm of torque. While its power figures are the highest compared to its manual counterparts, it falls short when the Octavia automatic comes into the picture. The Skoda duo also produces class-leading torque when compared to its naturally aspirated counterparts. Meanwhile, the Corolla Altis and Civic are the least powerful on paper. 

Another disadvantage with the Honda Civic is the lack of a manual gearbox in the petrol variant. This is a huge bummer considering the Civic’s chassis capability and its rev-happy 1.8-litre i-VTEC engine. Meanwhile, the Octavia’s manual gearbox can be had with the smaller 1.4-litre unit only while the quick-shifting 7-speed DSG is limited to the larger 1.8-litre TSi. On the other hand, the Corolla Altis and Hyundai Elantra can be had with both manual and automatic options on the same engine. 

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Skoda Octavia with the smaller engine leads the chart followed by the Honda Civic, Skoda Octavia AT and Hyundai Elantra. That said, the Hyundai is the only one to come with a BS6-compliant unit, an added credit. 

Prices and Verdict:

Prices for the Hyundai Elantra start from Rs 15.89 lakh, making it the least expensive petrol-powered  D-segment sedan one can buy now. Its top-spec variant is also a shade more expensive than the Corolla Altis, making it good value for money. The Hyundai Elantra is also the only BS6-compliant car in this comparison. 

While the on-paper specs tilt towards the Hyundai, only a full-fledged comparison test between these luxury sedans can give us the full picture. So stay tuned to ZigWheels for the real-world comparison and road test.