Story & photos by Randy S. Peregrino
WHEN the all-new Hyundai Elantra was introduced late last year, its overall evolution from the previous generation immediately created spark of infatuation from everyone.
Some fell in love momentarily, while others—in spite of appreciation—wanted to further experience what it has to offer. Until recently, Hyundai Asia Resources Inc. (Hari) invited select members of the motoring media to finally get the first dibs on this fine compact sedan. Set in the majestic island of Cebu, the media test drive conquered nearly 300 kilometers of varying terrains from the city proper up to the northern tip of the peninsula and back.
It all started from an early morning flight to the queen city of the south. The group then converged at the newly opened Hyundai Cebu South dealership for the introductory program. Joining and spearheading the event was no other than Hari President and CEO Ma. Fe Perez-Agudo.
A fleet of 12 fresh units composed of both GL and GLS variants were commissioned for the adventure drive. One thing certain was the stunning exterior transformation from its predecessor, thanks to the brand’s evolving design philosophy, Fluidic Sculpture 2.0. While it is reminiscent to the previous design, it significantly transcended to a bolder look with longer and wider dimension of less curves but more sharp aerodynamic profiles. With the pronounced hexagonal grille, the fascia now shares the distinct identity of other modern Hyundai vehicles, along with the slender and sporty projector-type headlamps.
Teamed up with fellow journalist Bam Olivares, we boarded the top spec GLS edition and begun slicing through the heavy urban traffic. In order to feel the passenger’s standpoint, this writer opted to seat at the rear cabin. One thing evident was the generous legroom that complements the ergonomically padded seats wrapped in first-rate fabric material. The available rear air vent assisted the dual-zone air-conditioning system, which distributed cold air evenly inside the cabin. As for the cockpit, the dashboard veered away from the previous curvy design and transformed into a more straightforward-driver-centric layout.
Soon after, the winding roads of the transcentral highway within the mountain ranges surfaced. The constant turns enabled the vehicle’s fine-tuned suspension to demonstrate nimbleness, while maintaining minimal rebounds. After those grueling zigzags, the entire convoy made it to the initial stop for a driver switch. With over 100 km to go, this writer took the helm, as we resumed navigating the coastal thoroughfare west of the peninsula. During occasional curving paths, the steering system was remarkably reactive and accurate as you turn in any given direction.
Delivery-wise, the 2-liter petrol motor, coupled with a six-speed automatic gearbox, generated its maximum torque force toward the midrange. And with the available manual mode, it became easy to stay within the power band whenever there was a need to overtake and throughout every ascent. Halfway through the trip, what we thought to be a smooth transporting was suddenly interrupted by ongoing lane rehabilitations. Despite the rubbles, potholed and unpaved paths, the damping system managed to shrug off the roughness. The noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) feature amazingly muffled the noise coming from under chassis.
Several hours passed, we finally reached the Kandaya Resort in Daanbantayan just before sundown. We then settled and enjoyed the sumptuous buffet dinner and socials while we exchanged satisfying observations from the new-generation Elantra. The following day was all about the Korean barbeque-cooking challenge, relaxation, and the Latin-inspired dinner setup with cocktails in the evening before we called it the day.
After a hefty breakfast, we all progressed with the new vehicle assignments to try out the other model. This time, we boarded the 1.6 GL six-speed automatic variant to take on the motorways in the eastern portion of the island. This particular route took around 30 km shorter, but there were enough bended roads to hurdle, as well. Looking at the mid-spec version, there are very little noticeable disparities compared to the top-of-the-line. Aside from no fog lamps, the rims are smaller while the rear has drum brakes, to name a few. Interior-wise, the layout is the same minus several features, like the rear air vents, dual-zone climate controlled air-con system and fine fabric siding trims, among others. While the powertrain is less aggressive and needed more push, it performed well given the existing manual mode to squeeze more torque within the power band. The handling was as impressive when tackling the bending highways, as well as the steering characteristics.
Overall, without minding the less engine output and some missing elements from the 1.6 GL, it was hard to tell the difference on how the two models behaved on the road. After traveling about 130 km, everybody made it back to the Cebu South dealership safe, satisfied and passionately attached with the all-new Elantra.