Quote:
Originally Posted by convivial Hi Tanveer, GTO -
First of all, a big cheer to Team-BHP for being the best in terms of reviews. I can say that confidently and have believed in it every time I read your review. I have been personally following the launch of the Elantra for a long time and have read the reviews on many websites and forums (international as well). Yours is arguably the BEST when it comes publishing a comprehensive report. And I attribute the reason to your undying passion for automobiles. I whole heartedly express my gratitude to all the brains behind Team-BHP & its awesome members for making this forum the most "meaningful, relevant, up-to-date and trustworthy". |
Thanks for your kind words.
Quote:
Pre-conditions -
1. COST - Costs around 15L
|
Release of the Car is a few weeks away. Hyundai has not said when, but I can make an educated guess, that it would be before Dusshera to get in with dhanteras rush. Only then we would know the price
Quote:
2. Features - I can live without MID, but I badly need a
a. Climatronic A/C
b. rear seat comfort
c. rear vents
d. ABS
e. Airbags
f. alloys
g. all wheel discs
|
all available
Quote:
3. ENGINE - Has a reasonably performing heart under the hood - my city driving is relaxed most of the time (even when there isn't much traffic) because of the bad roads, but I like quick overtakes when I see an opportunity. On the highways, however, I am a completely different animal. In Kerala where the roads are dominated by speed guns, I have very little opportunity to be my self, but I wouldn't want to miss any. I don't even want to think of touching or crossing 140kmph, again because of the roads and the insane etiquette - for me, the car should average 100-110 effortlessly. Today, my Elantra is a favorite not because he can cross 150 (have done 185 once in 2008, but never after that), but the way he effortless swallows the miles with the tall gears and averages 100-110 with ease even when there are blocking trucks and other disturbances.
|
She does 100kmph with engine at 1900 rpm off. 110-120 is very easy, effortless
Quote:
3. BRAKES - Has good braking capability. My car does it really well now.
|
Excellent braking
Quote:
4. Fuel Economy - I am happy with anything around 15.
|
Same engine as verna with slightly more weight, so the worst should be 10% less than Verna, ideally, I expect around 5% less
Quote:
6. TURBO - Minimal turbo lag. I would love a car that gets it turbo kicking from something like 1500-1700 rpm.
|
Lag is there, but very little, not a deal breaker, esp with the A/T
Quote:
7. Cruise Control - the cops here are driving us nuts with their speed guns spread all over the highway
|
Yes
Quote:
8. Ingress/Egress - Easy to ingress and egress. I am 6 feet tall and that is one thing I find my Elantra being bad at - its really low slung and while it helps with high speed manners, it also becomes an enemy of my lower back.
|
rear doors do not open really wide, but front ingress is not an issue. I also suffer from lower back pain, and I found the drivers seat one of the most comfortable, esp with its high level of adjustment options. I normally find under thigh support lacking in most cars, but the the elantra, I was able to adjust the seat to my liking
Quote:
9. Steering - Preferably, a pure hydraulic unit. I think I am asking a lot when it comes to this and in an age dominated by EPS. So, I am OK with a steering that really tightens up on the highways and helps me corner at 90-100kmph in confidence.
|
Steering is EPS, and tightens at high speed, but will not have the feel of a hydraulic. That said, you do not feel under-confident due to steering. Control required is there
Quote:
10. GEAR BOX - A no-nonsense gear box. Something my Elantra just cannot give
me. A saw that was better in the Fluidic Verna, but still somewhat imprecise.
|
Excellent gearbox. Slick shifting, and light clutch
Quote:
11. Gear Ratios - The shorter, the better. I really loved it when I drove the DZire. I am OK with settling with something in between as well, but tall gears make life painful in the city.
|
six speeds mean you have enough control. However, if its an important parameter, a TD will sort it out for you
Quote:
12. BOOT - A boot as big as the previous generation Elantra, to say the least.
|
I am 6'2" and I could fit in the boot. Really, I sat in it to see how big it is. Needless to say, I am satisfied
Quote:
13. AND THE MOST IMPORTANT, HANDLING - Should handle well. My Elantra handles decently and is miles ahead of the City and Corolla. I would want a car that handles well looking at the way I like to enter and leave a corner. To make things clear, I am OK with a new car that handles as good as the previous generation Elantra.
|
Its average handler, and would suit the needs of most people. The Verna troubles are not there
Quote:
Could you please help me fill this checklist up and decide on whether I should spend 20+ for a car of this segment or go with a value for money proposition like the Elantra. I really appreciated the previous generation Elantra for the amazing value it delivered for the money I paid to get it and maintain as well. With cars priced at exorbitant levels and assuming the fact that Hyundai would price the top variant MT around 14L, is this a value for money package that satisfies all requisites?
A million thanks to all those who would help.
Regards
Jay
|
All eyes on Hyundai for the pricing. In my book, variant for variant, it should not cost more than 35% over the verna.
So top end A/T should not be more than 35% of ex showroom price of top end verna A/T
Lets see if Hyundai sees the light, and lets the cat among the pigeons