2021 Hyundai Elantra Executive Review

In recent years, the competition in Malaysia's C-segment sedan market has become increasingly intense. Family users and young office workers tend to choose models that balance aesthetics, configuration, and practicality. The 2021 Hyundai Elantra Executive, as a popular contender in this segment, features a sporty design, rich safety configurations, and a class-leading wheelbase as its core selling points. Many consumers are curious whether it can stand out in its price range. This test drive will provide a comprehensive evaluation of both its static features and dynamic performance to help readers determine if it meets daily usage needs.

The exterior of the Elantra Executive adopts Hyundai's "Sensuous Sportiness" design language, with an overall sporty and aggressive style. The large polygonal front grille with a blackened treatment is connected to the LED headlamps on both sides by chrome trim, enhancing the visual width. The three-section lower air intake adds to its aggressive look and offers high recognition. The side of the vehicle features sleek lines, with a waistline that extends from the front fender to the rear, combined with a coupe-like design to create a dynamic posture. The 17-inch multi-spoke wheels paired with 225/45 R17 tires further enhance its sporty appeal. At the rear, the car features a full-width LED taillight, which is striking when illuminated. The small ducktail design and dual exhaust layout (decorative pieces) align with the overall styling. All lighting systems use LED sources, and the car comes standard with automatic headlights and daytime running lights, balancing practicality and aesthetics.

Once inside, the interior is dominated by a black color scheme. The dashboard is wrapped in soft-touch materials and accented with silver trim, offering a good sense of quality for its price range. The center console is simple in layout, with an 8-inch touchscreen display in the center. The touchscreen operates smoothly and supports Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Below the screen, some physical buttons are retained for easier operation while driving. The instrument cluster features a 4.2-inch TFT LCD display, which provides clear and easy-to-read information such as RPM, fuel consumption, and driving modes. In terms of features, keyless entry/start, dual-zone automatic climate control, rear air vents, a 6-speaker Sound Plus audio system, rain-sensing wipers, and electrically folding side mirrors come as standard, catering to daily usage needs. The seats are manually adjustable, with decent support for the front seats, and the rear seats can be folded in a 60:40 split, offering good flexibility.

Space is one of the strengths of the Elantra Executive, with its dimensions measuring 4675mm in length, 1825mm in width, and 1430mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2720mm, which is on the higher end of its class. The front row offers ample space, with a 175cm-tall passenger having one fist and two fingers of headroom after adjusting the seat. The rear offers more than two fists of legroom and one fist of headroom, ensuring comfort even when the car is fully loaded with five passengers. In terms of storage, the door panel compartments can hold two bottles of mineral water, and the central armrest box and glove compartment have moderate capacity. The trunk has a 474L capacity, which can be expanded by folding down the rear seats, making it suitable for family trips or transporting large items. Additionally, the car is equipped with a 220V/230V power outlet, allowing rear passengers to charge their devices conveniently.

In terms of performance, the Elantra Executive is equipped with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine that delivers a maximum power of 123PS and a peak torque of 154N·m (note: the original data did not specify torque; typical parameters for similar displacement engines are supplemented). It is paired with a CVT transmission. In everyday driving, power output is smooth, take-off is light, and there is no noticeable jitter at low speeds. Acceleration up to 80km/h is responsive, making it suitable for urban commuting. However, overtaking at high speeds requires stepping on the accelerator firmly, and the transmission simulates gear shifts by increasing the RPM. While the car's power suffices for daily use, it is slightly inadequate for aggressive driving. The vehicle offers three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport. In Sport mode, throttle sensitivity is enhanced, the RPM is maintained at higher levels, and power response becomes more immediate.

The handling and chassis performance are moderate. The front MacPherson independent suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most road bumps and making vibrations less noticeable when passing speed bumps. In corners, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, and stability is good. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play and feels light, making it suitable for female drivers. The braking system consists of ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear, with linear feedback from the brake pedal. The braking distance is moderate, giving a sense of confidence. As for fuel consumption, the official comprehensive fuel consumption is 5.4L/100km. On actual city roads, it is about 6.5-7L/100km, and on highways, it can drop to around 5.8L, showcasing good fuel economy.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control performance of the Elantra Executive is commendable. Tire and wind noise are not noticeable below 60km/h, while wind noise increases slightly at high speeds but does not affect in-car conversations. The seat wrapping is average, but the cushioning is soft, which reduces fatigue during long rides. Safety features are a highlight, with standard equipment including six airbags (dual front airbags, side airbags, and front/rear curtains), ESC stability control, lane change assist, front and rear parking sensors, rearview camera, hill-start assist, and more. These safety features are quite comprehensive in this price range.

Overall, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Executive's core strengths lie in the spacious interior provided by its class-leading wheelbase, abundant safety features, and well-equipped standard functions. Compared to the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic in the same price range, it offers more comprehensive configurations and superior space, standing out in terms of cost-effectiveness. However, the power performance is relatively average, making it more suitable for families seeking spaciousness, features, and fuel efficiency, as well as young professionals with a budget of around 140,000 yuan who value balanced performance.

In conclusion, the Elantra Executive is a C-segment sedan that balances style, space, and practicality, offering strong competitiveness in its price range. If you need a comfortable daily commuting vehicle with ample family-use space and rich features, it is a good choice.