The new generation Elantra is really good, but why do I choose to buy Corolla or Civic?

On the morning of March 18, Beijing time 10, the seventh generation Elantra made its world premiere in Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA. Just in time for Elantra's 30th birthday, Hyundai used the venue to hold a birthday party.

Elantra: Are you talking about Elantra, a taxi that can be seen occasionally on the street now? Already 30 years old? Oh, my god.

Yes, this guy has quietly gained140,000 fans all over the world and is one of the most successful models in modern times.

Elantra used to be a "magic car".

If Jetta is a "superstar" in China's automobile industry, then I think Elantra was once as popular as Jetta. In the eyes of many China people born in 1970s and 1980s, Elantra, like Jetta, is a god-like existence, even a memory of an era.

In fact, since the first generation of 1990, Elantra has been popular in South Korea, Europe and North America, and the "feat" of daring to challenge Porsche was written by the first generation Elantra.

Five years later 1995, Hyundai Motor introduced the second generation Elantra. The second-generation model not only has smoother body lines, but also has the biggest highlight of abandoning Mitsubishi's engine and equipped with a modern self-developed Alpha engine. Starting from the second generation model, Elantra has gradually entered overseas markets such as Australia, the Philippines and Indonesia in addition to the Korean domestic and European and American markets, and has become a truly global best-selling model. Unfortunately, these two models have nothing to do with the China market.

In fact, the Elantra that China people are familiar with should be the third-generation Elantra made in Beijing Hyundai for the first time in 2003. Soon after listing in China, it quickly ranked first in the sales list of mid-range cars, and the myth that Santana, Jetta, Fukang and "Lao San" have occupied the China automobile market for many years has ushered in the greatest threat.

In 2004, a well-known organization conducted a survey. In the 2004 customer satisfaction survey, Elantra became the "most valuable car" in its class. ? This is why today, in the field of taxis and official cars, we can still see the third generation Elantra.

Subsequently, the fourth, fifth and sixth generation Elantra were actually made in China, but the third generation Elantra sold so well that Hyundai wanted it to exert its waste heat, so it never stopped production. However, if you keep selling, you need to solve the name problem. You can't always call it Elantra III, Elantra IV and Elantra V. This is too boring for consumers and a bit silly.

Therefore, starting from the fourth generation model in 2006, Elantra set off a wave of name change in the China market. The fourth generation model is called Elantra in China, the fifth generation is called Langdong, and the sixth generation is called Atom. Now, what you are most familiar with may be that sales are leading. When 20 16 went on the market, I asked May Su Chang (Hugh) to "bring salt" for herself, and it was really popular among friends for a while.

In China market, Elantra has been listed for less than six years, and it has become the third model after Excelle and Jetta, and its domestic ownership has exceeded 700,000. By February, 2020, Elantra has gained more than 4.6 million fans in the China market, from the third-generation model Elantra to the sixth-generation leader. Even in the cold winter of last year's auto market, Leading still sold 654.38+052.4 million vehicles throughout the year, with an average monthly average of 1 10,000 vehicles.

It can be said that Elantra has been in China for more than ten years. Although the late performance is not as eye-catching, it is still one of the pillar sales models of Beijing Hyundai. Now the seventh generation Elantra will also be made in China in the second half of this year. What is its strength and prospect?

Not the old taxi? You must know these changes of the seventh generation Elantra.

Create a new platform? Fully upgrade

The seventh generation Elantra is built on the brand-new i-GMP platform, which is familiar to everyone, because the tenth generation Sonata of Beijing Hyundai, which is expected to be launched in May this year, is the first model built on this platform. Thanks to the brand-new i-GMP platform, the new generation Elantra has been improved in design, safety, maneuverability, dynamic adaptability and economy.

Yan value peak? That handsome South Korean "Ouba" is back.

The seventh generation Elantra "Sensuous" in modern automobile design concept? "nastic movement" (nastic movement), adopted "parameterization? Dynamics "(parametric dynamics) design concept, saying that these illusory designs may not be fully understood by everyone. Simply put, the seventh generation Elantra has reached the peak of its development history. So what designs can the seventh-generation Elantra show off?

The seventh-generation Elantra is equipped with a "parametric gem style" front grille. As the name implies, its shape is like a gem, which can produce a gem-like visual effect with the change of light. The integrated layout with headlights is the most mainstream design idea at present, making the front face more integrated and domineering.

The most noteworthy thing in the new generation of Elantra is the profile. The i-GMP platform allows the new generation Elantra to have a longer, wider and lower body shape. Combined with the slip back design, a dynamic coupe side face is displayed in front of you. In addition, the new generation Elantra has adopted a more complex body line design, and it can be clearly seen from the side that three fold lines meet at the front door, which is full of muscle. I think this is the latest interpretation of the design concept of fluid sculpture that modern times have been pursuing. The tail also shows the latest modern design concept. The taillight group adopts the most popular through design at present. What I like better is that the lamp cavities on both sides form an H-shaped design consistent with the modern logo, and the rectangular exhaust design is also very innovative.

Does the interior integrate all the trendy designs? The configuration is also very awesome.

The interior is undoubtedly the latest design concept. The intuitive first impression is that many current trend designs are covered by the new generation Elantra, such as the combined screen design of full LCD instrument and central control panel and the air conditioning outlet throughout the design. In terms of configuration, I want to say that the new generation Elantra is definitely the best in its class.

In addition to the familiar intelligent interconnection system (with voice control) supporting CarPlay and Android, wireless charging of mobile phone, BOSE audio and seat heating, the new generation Elantra is also equipped with the function of numeric keys, which can bind the mobile phone, thus turning the mobile phone into a car key, which can not only open the car door, but also adjust the seat and air conditioner through the mobile phone. In addition, in terms of safety configuration, the Smartsense driver assistance system will be standard in all departments, with powerful functions such as pedestrian identification monitoring, collision warning, active braking, lane keeping, ACC adaptive cruise, and blind area monitoring.

Of course, these configurations are all equipped with overseas models. If there is no accident, the number of domestic models will definitely decrease in the future. What Smartsense driver assistance system comes standard, as well as digital keys and BOSE audio, which are likely to be cancelled or limited to top models after domestic production. As for why I don't need to explain, everyone knows that it is not unwilling to add these configurations now, but that adding these prices will inevitably follow suit and seriously affect its competitiveness. These configurations are not just needed in people's daily lives. Consumers in China are more willing to add some money to buy a mid-level car. Looking at the atmosphere, the space is quite spacious.

The first hybrid model? Carol, be careful.

Another advantage brought by the brand-new i-GMP platform is a richer power system. In addition to the traditional 2.0L naturally aspirated engine, the biggest highlight of the new generation Elantra (overseas version) is the first launch of hybrid models. Its hybrid system consists of 1.6L engine, 32kW motor and 1.32kWh battery pack * *, with a comprehensive maximum power of103kW (141ps) and a peak torque of 264Nm.

Undoubtedly, apart from Corolla and Lei Ling, China's compact hybrid vehicle market has great expansion potential. As a sales pillar model, the new generation Elantra is likely to introduce the hybrid system of 1.6L after domestic production. However, in terms of traditional power, considering the special situation of the domestic market, it is very likely to continue to use the leading 1.5L and 1.4T, but the parameters need to be readjusted, and no matter how they are replaced, they are acceptable in face.

Is the new generation Elantra really interesting? But I still choose to buy Corolla or Civic.

There is no doubt that the new generation Elantra can be said to be a brand-new all-round evolution. From this perspective alone, a new generation of Elantra should be welcome. However, China's automobile market is not what it used to be, and it is more difficult for a new generation of Elantra to regain its former glory. Why do you say that?

Decline in brand appeal? In the face of joint ventures and independent attacks.

In fact, Beijing Hyundai has had a hard time in recent years. According to statistics, Beijing Hyundai delivered 7.65438+0.6 million new cars last year, down 9.4% year-on-year, which is the third consecutive year that Beijing Hyundai's sales declined. Of course, this has a lot to do with the continuous cold winter in China automobile market in recent years, but there is still one thing that must be faced squarely, and the competitiveness of modern products in Beijing is declining.

The days when you can gain a large number of fans just by looking at your face are over. Now, China's consumption concept has begun to change to diversification. Looking at the face is just one of the factors that people consider when buying a car. Space, power and handling performance have become more and more important factors for people to buy cars. Moreover, with the continuous decline in the price of joint venture brands and the rise of independent brands, Beijing Hyundai has encountered a situation of being left behind.

Elantra faces many competitors because it is located in the most competitive compact car market segment. The joint venture brands are only LaVida, Sylphy and Corolla. At present, these competitors are basically "magic cars" in the China market.

According to last year's data, LaVida sold nearly 530,000 vehicles, followed by Sylphy, which sold nearly 470,000 vehicles, and Corolla, which sold nearly 350,000 vehicles. Judging from the performance of Atom (the sixth generation Elantra made in China) last year, although the average monthly sales volume has also entered the ranks of 10,000 vehicles, there is still a big gap with LaVida, Sylphy and Corolla. Sales volume is the most powerful competitiveness. If you are a consumer who hesitates between Atom, Corolla, LaVida and Sylphy, which one will you buy when you see this sales data? A big army can't be wrong.

However, 20 19 has passed, and the new generation Elantra has many upgrades and changes compared with the leader. If you fight hard, is the new generation Elantra really inferior to these rivals? We refer to the overseas models currently released to compete with these competitors.

Comparison of body dimensions between the new generation Elantra and its competitors

From the comparison of body size, the new generation Elantra based on the latest modern i-GMP platform shows advantages, except that the height is not as good as that of competitors, other parameters are surpassed. This body size design makes the new generation Elantra not only have a low and slender dynamic posture, but also ensure the practicability of its internal space. It can not only force the appearance, but also be practical. Judging from the size of the car body, the new generation Elantra still has the possibility of turning over.

Power comparison between the new generation Elantra (reference driving) and its opponents.

Then look at the power. In terms of traditional power, we speculate that the new generation Elantra is likely to continue to lead the powertrain after being made in China, equipped with 1.5L and 1.4T engines. Referring to the parameters of 1.4T engine equipped by the current navigator, it is obviously better than Corolla's 1.2T, and there is a certain gap with LaVida's 1.4T, not to mention Civic's 1.5T, and the difference is a bit far. This reflects the fact that despite its sporty appearance, the new generation Elantra is still a compact car that is partial to the family, or a "paper tiger" with only a superficial appearance.

Comparison between the new generation Elantra hybrid and the opponent's power

However, the new generation Elantra is not without a breakthrough in power, because it also has hybrid models, which is a market segment with less fierce competition and great exploration potential. Referring to the parameters of the overseas version of the new generation Elantra hybrid system, we compare it with the Corolla twin-engine E+ currently on sale, and the new generation Elantra is slightly better in terms of parameters. Personally, I think the new generation Elantra can play this card well after it is made in China.

Finally, let's talk about the issues that everyone is most concerned about. Will you choose a new generation of Elantra or Corolla, LaVida, Sylphy, Sagitar and Civic after domestic production in the future? Personally, I will still choose to buy Corolla or Civic. Why?

Yes, the new generation of Elantra has indeed been reborn and upgraded a lot, but from the above analysis, the biggest highlight it brings to consumers is still the face value, and it has not broken away from the old routine, and other aspects have not obviously surpassed the current hot-selling rivals such as Corolla, LaVida and Civic. If you want to rely on the face value to force, then the coupe SUV is a better choice for me.

Yes, we can say that its space has become larger. No matter whether it will be lengthened at home or not, it will surpass its competitors at the same level from the wheelbase of 2720mm for overseas models. But if I really care about space, I will definitely add a little money to buy a serious medium-sized car. Medium-sized cars are so cheap now. It is not difficult to seize the opportunity of 65438+ 1 100 million to buy Camry and Accord. No matter how big and long the new generation Elantra is, it can't surpass Sonata. It's still muddling along in the compact car market, so it's ridiculous to show off the blank space.

In addition, from the perspective of overseas models, the new generation Elantra configuration is indeed strong enough, but it cannot be equated with future domestic models. Although it has not been officially confirmed, it is certain that the price of the new generation Elantra will be reduced after it is made in China. Advanced configurations such as Smartsense driver assistance system, digital key and BOSE audio will basically disappear. After all, Beijing Hyundai should consider the pricing of the new generation Elantra, and the price will definitely go up after joining these cars. As far as the current competition situation in China market is concerned, this is undoubtedly digging its own grave. But without these, the new generation Elantra has nothing to show off in configuration. As for the design of interior screen, independent brands can learn it in a few months, and the price is still cheap.

As for motivation, I don't need to choose a new generation of Elantra. If power is the first factor I consider, then the popular Civic car is not better. 130kW 1.5T engine broke 100 in 8.7 seconds, only a little more than 65438+ 10,000. Even if the price rises, the waiting time will be longer. At least, people have real strength and are worth waiting for.

Of course, it's not that I don't have the space to choose a new generation of Elantra. If the price is right, I don't have that much money. Compared with my own brand, I may really buy a new generation of Elantra. After all, people are still serious joint venture cars. But I don't speak for everyone. Consumers in China are not as aware of their brands as before. Geely and Great Wall have the strength to compete with joint venture brands in technology and design, and more and more people buy them. Moreover, judging from the current leading price range, the new generation Elantra basically lingers in the range of10-150,000 after being made in China, and has entered the current leading cycle. Its cost performance ratio is not as good as that of its own brand, and it has no price advantage compared with Corolla, LaVida and Civic.

This article comes from car home, the author of the car manufacturer, and does not represent car home's position.