When the C-segment sedan, Hyundai Elantra was launched in Pakistan in 2021, it was much welcome news for those who were stuck choosing between Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic. However, Elantra came to Pakistan with a caveat – it is a 6th generation sedan which was originally launched in South Korea in 2015. Matter of fact, its current and 7th generation had already been launched in the world (2020) when the 6th gen Elantra came to Pakistan. In short, Pakistanis were offered an outdated Elantra.
In light of this, it is only fair to ask when the latest generation of Elantra will be launched in Pakistan and what to expect in it. One reliable indicator is to look at the latest Elantra as launched in ASEAN including Malaysia, etc.
Hyundai Elantra 2024: Design & Philosophy
Sensuous Sportiness
Is the latest design philosophy of this South Korean automaker and interestingly the same design philosophy on which the latest gen Sonata is built on. So don’t be surprised if you see the latest Elantra looking a bit like its older sibling. Though, Sonata is all about curves, while the Elantra is full of sharp lines and triangles.
So what is Sensuous Sportiness?
This design philosophy aims to bring four fundamental design elements into perfect harmony. These elements are technology, styling, architecture and proportion. Elantra’s standout mesh grille on the front and sharp polygonal creases on the sides give it a distinctive look, which puts it above its local competitors.
Unlike Toyota and Honda, Hyundai has never shied away from delving into the unknown. Having triangles in a car’s exterior is not common and Hyundai has taken a bold risk with the design of this sedan. Once launched in Pakistan, people will either love it or hate it.
Variants
The current Elantra in Pakistan is available in two variants:
- Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL
- Hyundai Elantra 2.0 GLS
In Malaysia, the latest generation Elanra is available in two variants as well:
- Hyundai Elantra Executive 1.6L
- Hyundai Elantra Premium 1.6L
Like Pakistan, Hyundai Elantra 2.0L (called Hyundai Elantra 2.0 Executive) is also available in Malaysia though it is of the previous (6th) generation.
Specs
Let’s see what the latest gen Elantra has to offer in terms of specifications:
| Hyundai Elantra Executive 1.6L | Hyundai Elantra Premium 1.6L | |
| Dimensions (L✕W✕H) in mm | 4675 x 1825 x 1430 | 4675 x 1825 x 1430 |
| Weight in kg | 1210 | 1210 |
| Wheelbase in mm | 2720 | 2720 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Fuel Tank in Litres | 47 | 47 |
| Front Suspension | McPherson Strut | McPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Couple Torsion Beam Axle | Couple Torsion Beam Axle |
| Tyres | 225/45 R17 | 225/45 R17 |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Solid Disc | Solid Disc |
Compare the latest gen Elantra with the current Elantra in Pakistan, one can see that the latest Elantra is longer and wider than the 6th gen Elantra though it is slightly shorter in height. It is also lighter, which should help it offer better fuel efficiency. The latest Elantra has a slightly bigger wheelbase, which would make it a comfortable sedan to drive on highways though it would be a bit hard to turn it on tight corners especially in the city.
Hyundai Elantra 2024: Engine
Now, let’s see if the latest gen Elantra is more powerful.
| Hyundai Elantra Executive 1.6L | Hyundai Elantra Premium 1.6L | |
| Engine | 1.6L 123PS | 1.6L 123PS |
| Horsepower | 123 | 123 |
| Torque | 154 | 154 |
| Transmission | CVT | CVT |
| Top Speed in Km/h | 195 | 195 |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Aspiration Form | Naturally aspirated | Naturally aspirated |
| Valvetrain | DOHC | DOHC |
Elantra may have advanced a generation but its power output remains very similar. For example, the current Elantra in Pakistan produces 126hp while the latest generation Elantra produces 123hp. Their torque figures are also almost identical. So, if you already own an Elantra, you may not want to buy the next and latest generation Elantra if you are looking for a faster sedan.
Hyundai Elantra 2024: Comfort & Safety Features
The 6th and 7th gen Elantra may not have radically different engines, but are there any significant comfort and safety features which are missing in the Pakistani Elantra as compared to the latest Elantra in Malaysia? Let’s find out.
| Hyundai Elantra Executive 1.6L | Hyundai Elantra Premium 1.6L | |
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All seats | All seats |
| Autonomous Emergency Braking | ✖ | ✔ |
| Lane-Keeping Alert | ✖ | ✔ |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✔ | ✔ |
| ABS/EBD | ✔ | ✔ |
| Collision Warning | ✖ | ✔ |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | ✔ | ✔ |
| ISOFIX | ✔ | ✔ |
| Immobilizer | ✔ | ✔ |
| Security Alarm | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front + Rear Parking Sensors | ✔ | ✔ |
| Cruise Control | ✖ | ✔ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✔ | ✔ |
| Sunroof | ✖ | ✖ |
| Headlamps | LED Projector | LED Projector |
| DRLs | ✔ | ✔ |
| Front Fog Lamps | ✖ | ✖ |
| Rear Fog Lamps | ✔ | ✔ |
| Paddle Shift | ✖ | ✖ |
| Multi-function Steering Wheel | ✔ | ✔ |
| Speakers | 6 | 6 |
| Instrument Cluster | 4.2” TFT LCD | 10.25” Supervision TFT LCD with Rheostat |
As can be seen, the latest generation, if and when launched in Pakistan, would be much safer than the current Elantra in Pakistan. The Pakistani Elantra has 2 airbags, while the latest gen Elantra offers 6. Though the latest gen Elantra lacks sunroof, just like the Pakistani Elantra. Other than these features, there are many similarities between the two in terms of comfort and safety features.
As you might have noticed, there are some features in Executive and Premium trims which are different. So, depending upon which variant we get here in Pakistan in 1.6L engine, there may or may not be a whole lot of safety and comfort features difference between the current Pakistani Elantra and latest gen Malaysian Elantra.
Hyundai Elantra 2024 Price in Pakistan
The current Hyundai Elantra 1.6 GL is priced at Rs.6,399,000. If the 7th generation Elantra is launched in Pakistan today, it could cost around Rs.7,500,000 to Rs.8,000,000.
For this price, you can buy sedans like Toyota Corolla 1.8L Altis Grande, Honda Civic Standard and SUVs like Chery Tiggo 4 Pro, Glory 580 Pro and 580 1.8 CVT and MG ZS, etc.
If the latest 7th generation Hyundai Elantra is launched anytime soon in Pakistan, would you consider buying it? Why or why not? Leave your comments below.
You may also like to read:
Hyundai Elantra 1.6L Launched in Pakistan
Image Credits: https://paultan.org/
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