Jump to content

Welcome to Autoworld Forum !

Sign In or Register to gain full access to our forums. By registering with us, you'll be able to discuss, share and private message with other members of our community.

Close
Photo

Elantra Test-drive : A Request To Reviewers


  • This topic is locked This topic is locked

#11
TheGunner

Posted 01 April 2012 - 10:51 PM

TheGunner

    Knight Rider

  • Staff
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 16,953 posts
QUOTE (ryder @ Mar 30 2012, 09:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thanks for the early review Kenso. Apparently the Elantra does have a soft suspension. Similarly this was suggested by folks who have driven it in other countries. It appears that the vehicle may be just suitable for normal everyday use as it doesn't have the character of more sporty types which are able to promote a more spirited and dynamic drive.

The high-spec'ed version in white does look quite good especially with the smoked headlamps. If just the performance and driving dynamics could match the sporty good looks of the vehicle..


I was told that for our market, the Elantra adopts the suspension and steering setup of the Australian market, which is slightly stiffer and more to our tastes.
The Gunner

Proud to be a Gunner

#12
flee

Posted 02 April 2012 - 10:05 AM

flee

    White Lightning

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 7,018 posts
Yes, the Malaysian market buyers tend to prefer soft riding cars - the like to sit in a comfortable car since they do not chuck it around corners like a rally driver. Those who prefer sportier ride can always replace the dampers with sportier performance units.
Regards,
Flee



#13
TheGunner

Posted 02 April 2012 - 10:51 AM

TheGunner

    Knight Rider

  • Staff
  • PipPipPipPipPip
  • 16,953 posts
QUOTE (flee @ Apr 2 2012, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, the Malaysian market buyers tend to prefer soft riding cars - the like to sit in a comfortable car since they do not chuck it around corners like a rally driver. Those who prefer sportier ride can always replace the dampers with sportier performance units.


That's what I thought too, but the folks at Perodua told me that the feedback they got from 1st gen Myvi owners indicate that the ride was too soft and steering too light. Hence, they stiffened both steering and suspension for the 2nd gen model.
The Gunner

Proud to be a Gunner

#14
Kevin

Posted 02 April 2012 - 04:30 PM

Kevin

    Tokyo Drifter

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 4,080 posts
QUOTE (TheGunner @ Apr 1 2012, 10:51 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was told that for our market, the Elantra adopts the suspension and steering setup of the Australian market, which is slightly stiffer and more to our tastes.

And I read that the Australian reviewers are comparing the ride and handling of their Oz-Elantra against the Golf, Focus and Cruze.

I find that hard to believe so I will need to test drive myself.

#15
kenso

Posted 02 April 2012 - 07:49 PM

kenso

    Tokyo Drifter

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 3,592 posts
QUOTE (Kevin @ Apr 2 2012, 04:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And I read that the Australian reviewers are comparing the ride and handling of their Oz-Elantra against the Golf, Focus and Cruze.

I find that hard to believe so I will need to test drive myself.


Do share your views, bro. Since my test drive didn't go as well as I hope, I'm thinking of going another round a month later once the test cars are in individual showrooms

#16
kenso

Posted 02 April 2012 - 09:37 PM

kenso

    Tokyo Drifter

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 3,592 posts
Gosh, I can't believe I left out another C segment Japanese contender in my comparison chart: The Lancer! Seeing so many Inspiras on the road, I completely forgot about it

#17
MASsenger

Posted 03 April 2012 - 08:53 AM

MASsenger

    Fast & Furious

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 1,393 posts
QUOTE (TheGunner @ Apr 2 2012, 10:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's what I thought too, but the folks at Perodua told me that the feedback they got from 1st gen Myvi owners indicate that the ride was too soft and steering too light. Hence, they stiffened both steering and suspension for the 2nd gen model.

I'm really surprised by the comment. I always felt my wife's Myvi(1st gen )rode like a galloping horse or a ping pong ball on a never ending table!


Ooooops.....if my wife reads this, I' m in the dog kennel tonight!

The REALdeal


#18
scenic

Posted 03 April 2012 - 10:09 AM

scenic

    Tokyo Drifter

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 3,156 posts
QUOTE (kenso @ Mar 30 2012, 04:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Finally finished writing about my test drive experience this morning:

http://kensomuse.blo...impossible.html

Sorry, while many of the points listed by ryder does make sense, the combination of inadequate road/time for the test drive and the lack of a manual variant makes it very challenging to do a detailed review of the car. Nonetheless, I hope the summary of specs at the end of the article helps those who're looking for a Japanese/Korean C segment. Hope you enjoy reading it


Well done, Bro. Cheers.
director's choice

#19
Kevin

Posted 05 April 2012 - 07:49 PM

Kevin

    Tokyo Drifter

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 4,080 posts
Test drove both 1.6 auto premium and 1.8 today around Temasya Industrial Park.

I like the suspension. It's bordering the Continentals in feel at legal road speeds. I need to take it beyond legal speeds to see if it remains just as composed.

Steering is a tad over-assisted but it gives decent road feel.

The 1.6 is barely sufficient to move the car off from standstill. The first impression I get is that the engine sounds too tinny for the car. It whines a fair bit (had to bring it up to 4k rpm) just to move the car off from standstill. After which, I had to keep the revs between 3k and 4k rpm to keep the car "alive" during the test drive. Engine is new though with only 200km on the odometer.

The 1.8 is much better but the engine note is too throaty for my liking. Every time I step on the throttle, the engine note intrudes into the cabin but at least it sounds good. The rest of the car is quiet so the engine noise in isolation seems very out of place. 400km on the odometer.

In the 1.8, I can't stand the locally installed HU. The angle of the screen means that most of the time, it reflects the sun into my eyes and I can barely make out what is on the screen. I prefer the HU in the 1.6 over the 1.8.

In isolation and between the 2, i will take the 1.8. Compared to other C-segment cars, my vote goes elsewhere.....to another car that brought smiles to my face during the test drive - the Ford Focus TDCI smile_thumbup.gif


#20
jayraptor

Posted 06 April 2012 - 02:41 AM

jayraptor

    Tokyo Drifter

  • Members
  • PipPipPip
  • 3,070 posts
Few of my colleagues actually went together without me to test drive the Elantra 1.6/1.8 and Forte 1.6 on the same day at dunno what shopping mall. Forte 2.0 only for display, no test unit. At least now they give LCD screen + 2.0SX badge behind. Here are their review compilation on Elantra 1.6 vs Forte 1.6:

Elantra seems to be using new platform. Forte and Elantra/Avante 07-11 are based on Lancer chassis.

Interior:
Elantra looks and feels more conti, legroom better but Forte wins on width and headroom.
Boot space, Forte should be bigger. Both are running on sports suspension, on uneven roads both passed the comfort zone and noise intrusion. Elantra wins on noise level, engine is quiet except when revving hard.

Handling:
Both are great, Elantra seems more aerodynamic with lower height. Design wise, Elantra wins. Elantra's steering wheel very nice. Forte's one got leather wrap, better touch.

Pulling power, both are great for 1.6 C-segment but Forte wins. Check the chart on display, Forte has better low/mid end torque as the Elantra seems to be tuned more towards power, realigned the torque to higher end. Forte 156Nm@4200rpm vs Elantra 157NM@4850rpm

Acceleration wise, no chance to try as the road is not that good with traffic. Think Elantra should win with higher horsepower, lighter weight and lower height. The Elantra 1.8 is impressive, beating the Civic 1.8 and could even compete with Civic 2.0. Forte 2.0, no comment as nothing is known about it, no test unit also. Can still survive in small numbers due to price at RM97k, can only get Elantra 1.6 high spec.

Pulling power wise, the Elantra 1.8 178Nm@4700rpm is good enough to beat its Japanese counterpart but still no match against the Cruze's impressive 176Nm@3800rpm. Elantra 1.8 too is tuned more towards horsepower probably Hyundai too eager to win on acceleration.

Conclusion, those who prefer family car with proper performance and handling, go for Forte. Those wanted better design, aerodynamic, better performance and handling, more conti feel can go for Elantra. Try to get Elantra 1.8L if possible. Majority of them who went voted Elantra whereas some even came up with Altis for better comfort ride.