Hyundai Elantra 2016 - more challenges for Altis in Vietnam

The 6th generation Elantra could be the final punch for the decline of the giant Altis.

Three years ago, it was hard to imagine that Altis would lose its leading position in the mid-size sedan segment. But that prospect is now a reality. In the first six months of 2016, Altis was no longer on the best-selling list of the Vietnam Automobile Manufacturers Association (VAMA), and was surpassed by two rivals, Mazda3 and Kia K3.

The difficulty for Altis will be greater when on July 13, Hyundai Thanh Cong launches the 6th generation Elantra and becomes the first market in the Asia-Pacific region to assemble this model. Hyundai's leaders are confident in their ability to succeed when setting a target of selling 500 cars per month, one and a half times the average of Altis. Not a small ambition.

The reason for confidence is that customer needs have changed a lot. People who can afford to buy a C-class car are no longer middle-aged people in their 40s who have saved up for half a lifetime. This class is now only 30, with good jobs, good abilities and good finances. They choose cars not because of their value but more importantly because of their youthful, individualistic design, many trendy features and especially the right price.

Elantra has almost all of those things. Designed according to the philosophy of flowing sculpture, right on trend when it resembles the 4-door coupe style that German companies created. Compared to Altis, Elantra is smoother, more aerodynamic and more dynamic. 17-inch sporty alloy wheels, HID projector headlights and very stylish air vents in the front bumper. However, if placed next to Mazda3, Elantra is still considered a lot because it is not really a breakthrough.

The interior is the only weak point in the initial review of the Elantra. The space is smaller than expected and lacks the luxury accents. Most of the details are plastic, less glossy than the Hyundai style of a few years ago. The interior language is also unclear and inconsistent in terms of trend. Sporty, luxurious or practical?

In return, Hyundai understands Vietnamese customers very well when equipping most of the expected features.. First is the navigation system with built-in Vietnam map after several years of testing. Dual-zone automatic air conditioning, cruise control, Bluetooth hands-free calling. Elantra is also the first car model that allows drivers to choose from 3 driving modes: Eco, Normal and Sport to increase driving emotions.

The smart key has the added function of automatically opening the mirror and turning on the handle light when approaching. Another interesting detail is that when standing close for 3 seconds, the trunk will automatically open for situations where you have to use both hands to carry things. The car has additional air conditioning vents for the rear seats.

All versions have rear sensors, a rear camera, a 7-inch central touchscreen, automatic wipers and headlights. The top-end version also has tire pressure sensors, a sunroof, 10-way power seats with integrated heating and hill start assist.

Like its sibling Kia K3, Hyundai Elantra has two engine versions 1.6 Gamma and 2.0 Nu. The 1.6 I4 engine version has a capacity of 128 horsepower at 6,300 rpm, maximum torque of 155 Nm at 4,850 rpm.Meanwhile, the 2.0 Nu engine has a capacity of 156 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and maximum torque of 196 Nm at 4,000 rpm.

Elantra is divided into 3 versions, including 1.6MT with 6-speed manual transmission. Two versions 1.6AT and 2.0AT have 6-speed automatic transmission.

The safety system includes anti-lock braking system ABS, electronic brake force distribution EBD, emergency brake assist BA. The highest-end version 2.0AT has additional electronic balance ESC. Customers can choose from 6 colors: red, white, black, silver, sand yellow, blue.

The price for the 1.6MT is 615 million VND. The 1.6AT version costs 689 million VND and the highest-end 2.0AT version costs 739 million VND. This pricing method makes the Elantra 100 million to 200 million VND lower than the Altis, a gap that young people, who are likely to change many cars in the future, do not need to consider much.

Compared to Kia Cerato, Hyundai prices Elantra 3-10 million VND higher for each version. Although they are from the same parent company, Hyundai always puts itself above Kia, so the price is also more expensive.

Finally, the problem of competing with Mazda3. Hyundai sells 50-110 million VND cheaper to attract those who are still hesitant about the check engine light problem of Mazda3, as well as to take advantage of the newness of the newly launched product.

According to VNE