Hyundai Elantra 2018 Philippines: Review, Price, Specs, Interior, Exterior & Performance

The Hyundai Elantra has established its popularity in the Philippines since the mid-‘90s. In the past, this compact sedan could be pitched as the most spectacular model from Hyundai. It successfully conquered Pinoys’ heart by its elegant design, class-leading features and admirable performance.

The Hyundai Elantra has established its popularity in the Philippines since the mid-‘90s

The Hyundai Elantra 2018 is still refined, spacious, and comfortable but to some extent, it is not the one we saw at the first time any longer. Those things are just about any new model in the current market.

Honestly, it’s sad to portray the way Hyundai has turned its used-to-be-world-beating compact sedan, which was very sexy, classy and original, into something new yet unoriginal, uninteresting and overpriced. More gravely, it appears that the Japanese carmaker has not regarded the Elantra as its goal.

We know that indifference when looking at the new Elantra. Even, the top-of-the-line 2018 Hyundai Elantra 2.0 GLS we are going to analyze in this review is likewise lusterless.

Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design carries over the exterior

To cite an illustration, let’s gaze at the Hyundai Elantra 2018 exterior.

We see the Hyundai’s Fluidic Sculpture design here and there, at the hexagonal front grille, angular lines and slim headlamps. Hyundai has tried to give the sedan a fresh and modern look, but we also see clearly that it’s too akin to the predecessor. Coming to details, the halogen head- and taillights make us disappointed: they’re tedious.

It’s too akin to the predecessor

The only thing that does penance for that downcast styling might be an eye-catching set of 17-inch alloy wheels.

The halogen head- and taillights make us disappointed

The Hyundai Elantra 2018 interior bears the same story. Remaining Hyundai’s iconic design (modern, comfortable and well-proportioned) though, there is an abuse of hard plastics througout the inside. Even, no leather seats. 

The inside remains Hyundai’s iconic design

Paradoxically, the manufacturer turns its focus on other unimportant areas like legible analogue gauges as well as nice controls and buttons. In fact, Hyundai could have created a high-quality and more premium sedan, but it did not choose to do that.

Hyundai turns its focus on other unimportant areas like legible analogue gauges as well as nice controls and buttons

Again, the Elantra lacks of safety features. In 2010s, its standard gears including dual SRS airbags, ABS and rear parking sensors brought its reputation in the class. For 2018, curtains airbags, side airbags, stability control are all absent from the safety list. In other words, there are no enhancements. Looking around, you just spot 2-poin lap belt for middle passengers and two adjustable headrests.

Again, the Elantra lacks of safety features

If you’re dissatisfied with the exterior, interior and safety of the new Elantra, its performance will release you from your suffering.

Motivated by a Nu 2.0-liter 4-cylinder MPi gasoline engine, the top-end Hyundai Elantra 2.0 GLS makes for a sensible and quiet cruiser. This engine can crank out 152 hp at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm of peak torque at 4,000 rpm and is mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. It performs well on the open roads, let alone its decent fuel efficiency. Normally, it only consumes 8.33 km/L at an average speed of 13 km/h.

The Elantra performance will release you from your suffering

Steering, like the powertrain, are likewise brilliant. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels are impressive. Surely, be careful when moving through tough roads, you’re just driving a sedan! In everyday trips, it runs smoothly and admirably, especially while confronting sweeping bends and long straights. Nonetheless, in case of quick transitions, the suspension system will tell you its drawbacks.

>>> Related: Hyundai Elantra for sale at affordable prices on Philkotse

Today, buyers want to see more rather than a seemingly original formula

Come hell or high water, a price tag of ₱1,158,000 will make you shocked. Refined, quiet and sensible but the Elantra 2018, to be frank, cannot allure us. Philkotse.com does not think that it’s bad, yet the refinements are ambiguous exclusive of its ride and handling. Today, buyers want to see more rather than a seemingly original formula that is deficient in convenience gadgets, a breakthrough in design as well as safety-wise.

>>> View full Hyundai Elantra Philippines price list with estimated installment

Some years ago, the Hyundai Elantra would definitely be in your wishlist if you were seeking for a gorgeous sedan with a fair price. But at the moment, how can it get by in this competitive compact sedan market?

>>> Click here to read more in-depth car reviews for the hot-selling vehicles in the Philippines.