The 2020 Hyundai Elantra gets more standard features but the six-speed manual transmission has been let go owing to poor sales
In the developed markets, automobile manufacturers find the manual transmissions to be redundant as the slumping sales figures have resulted in them being put to rest in more cases than one. Additionally, the driving convenience offered by the automatic transmission is preferred more by the new generation customers.
The 2020 Model Year Elantra is the victim of the circumstance as the six-speed manual gearbox has been dropped out of the lineup for the first time ever. Based on the variants chosen, the updated executive sedan comes with the continuously variable transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch auto.
The Elantra features 2.0-litre four-cylinder Atkinson cycle engine connected to a CVT in the SE, SEL, Value and Limited variants while the 1.4-litre turbocharged engine in the Eco and 1.6-litre turbocharged engine in the Sport variant gain seven-speed dual clutch transmission.
The entry-level prices of the 2020 Elantra start at USD 18,950 for SE CVT and it goes all the way up to USD 23,800 for the Sport variant that uses a 201 horsepower 1.6-litre T-GDI engine and features a sporty interior and revised trim headliner, paddle shifters, sport front seats with leather, flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in leather, sport instrument cluster and door trim garnish.
The new Elantra also sees an increase in fuel efficiency throughout the range as the base model returns 35 miles per gallon. Despite the removal of the manual transmission, the Elantra gets new standard features like 3.5-inch TFT screen within the instrument console and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Other main standard features are Efficient Positive Temperature Coefficient Electric Heater (2.0L engine only), Engine Idle Stop & Go on Eco model, Dual Shell Horn, Hyundai SmartSense features, Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist.
The facelifted Elantra is yet to make its Indian debut. Having already been spotted testing, the revised model will likely go on sale towards the end of this year but do not expect any mechanical changes except for BSVI compliance.