Compare Toyota Corolla and Hyundai Elantra. What to choose - Hyundai Elantra or Toyota Corolla (Hyundai Elantra vs Toyota Corolla). Does the word match the deed?
The last decade has been a period of global change in the global automotive arena. Recognized market leaders have long been crowded out by new players from developing countries, but this phenomenon has reached global proportions relatively recently. One can observe an increasing filling of South Korean-made cars with the market share that previously belonged entirely exclusively to products from Japan. Today, the Koreans have gradually stepped over the level of "budget" cars, leaving this niche exclusively to manufacturers from China. The main competitor for the auto giant Hyundai is still Japanese-made cars. Our further comparative review is aimed at bringing the reader closer to two bright and very popular domestic market competing models.
Hyundai Elantra is a front-wheel drive 5-seat sedan, which belongs to the "C" class. The fifth generation of the model received a restyling and was presented to the public in August 2013. Two naturally aspirated petrol units are available for 1.6 and 1.8 liters of working volume with automatic or manual transmission.
Toyota Corolla is a front-wheel drive sedan belonging to the "C" class. The car was presented already in the eleventh generation in June 2013. The range of engines includes atmospheric gasoline units for 1.3, 1.6 and 1.8 liters of useful working volume, which can be aggregated both by “automatic” and “mechanics”.
Review models released in 2014 received 1.6-liter power units, which are paired with an automatic transmission.
Hyundai Elantra
The manufacturer's concept of "flowing lines" is perfectly reflected in the design of the sedan. Strict corners are neatly and elegantly smoothed out by smooth and light rounding. It should be noted that this did not affect general impression from the front of the car. The car turned out nice, serious and businesslike. Tapered headlights reach far into the front fenders, and the hood muscles successfully emphasize the complex shape of the head optics. Upper radiator screen is a solution with a main focus on decor rather than functionality. A chrome line and a large logo are the main elements of this body part. The lower grille with longitudinal lines and transparent "boomerangs" of fog lamps with chrome finish visually pull up the prominent forward massive bumper.
The side of the car immediately attracts attention with a wide line of stamping wheel arches. A swift strip in the area of the door handles falls from the rear optics to the front, introducing rigor into the soft design of the profile. The drop-down “drop-shaped” roof is very suitable for the model, adding swiftness. Soft contours of the glazing area and very aesthetic side mirrors with turn signals harmoniously fit into the exterior. The back of the model looks solid and presentable. Narrow and long longitudinal brake lights give the stern impressiveness and solidity. The edge of the trunk lid hanging over the rear optics makes the car look rich and respectable. The large rear bumper features a familiar combination of soft and strict lines, as well as a practical black insert in the lower overhang area.
Toyota Corolla
The front part turned out to be strict, has a rich chrome finish. The longitudinal narrow radiator grille is combined with the head optics, visually encircling the sedan in front. Nice DRL inserts in the headlights attract attention, adding solidity to an already austere car. The shapes and lines are quite simple, but this is the secret of success. Front bumper You can’t call it massive, but a large black lower grille with long strips of black plastic adds lightness to the overall perception. Triangular black inserts for installing front fog lamps are placed closer to the edges of the front. The lower overhang is painted in the same color as the body, forming a visual completeness of the design of all body and decorative elements.
The profile turned out to be classic, without pretentious and controversial decisions. The roof of the car does not tend to fall towards the rear. The side glazing area narrows slightly towards the stern, and the wide black pillars in the very center look quite impressive. wheel arches they did not emphasize much, having implemented stamping of medium width along the contour. The lateral line is well visible in the area of the door handles, aligning the car from stern to bow. The rear of the car does not lag behind the front. The lip on the trunk lid is adorned with a wide chrome strip above the license plate mount, which is continued in the form of transparent inserts on the taillights. The rear optics itself has sharp corners that successfully complement the overall design. rear bumper turned out to be powerful and wide, with neat roundings on the sides.
Choosing the final winner at this stage of the comparison was not the easiest task. Hyundai Elantra and Toyota Corolla are global products that manufacturers have made one of the main bets in the fight for the consumer, so both cars look very good.
The favorite turns out to be Hyundai car Elantra. The sedan looks bigger and more solid than its rival Toyota Corolla. Visually, the Korean car can even be mistaken for the initial class "D", which is an indisputable merit of the car's designers. I also want to add that the method of stretching the profile or stern, which manufacturers often use to achieve the effect " big car for little money”, is not observed. The sedan looks large, harmonious, harmonious and complete.
Salon
Hyundai Elantra
Smooth lines in the outlines of the body were continued in the interior design of the car. The dominant color has become black, and the main design touches are underlined in silver. The quality of materials is quite sufficient for the class level. Hard plastic with small inserts of soft coating dominates the interior of the car, but its texture does not reduce the cost of interior space. The assembly and adjustment of all elements is made on a solid five, without visible gaps or cracks. Rectangular-shaped side deflectors received edging with silvery plastic.
The main element of the dashboard is the center console, which received a large rectangular screen of the multimedia system. At the top is a thin strip with a monochrome display of the electronic watch. Vertical central air ducts are located on the left and right sides. The button elements that surround the screen of the system are diluted with a round central control, which stands out from the general background with its chrome rim.
A little lower is the car's climate control unit recessed into the depths. Above the climate control screen placed a central button to activate alarm. The block itself boasts a medium-sized display and a neat round knob in the very center. The functional element is also trimmed with chrome.
The central tunnel is high, made as a single unit with the center console and separates the driver and passenger area. Its side parts were designed in the form of narrow strips of gray plastic. The tunnel begins with a closing niche for storing small things. Next is the gear selector lever, which is pressed against the edge of the specified niche. The lever is finished in lacquered black plastic, and also received a thin encircling chrome ring at the bottom of the handle.
The next element was deep and roomy open cup holders. They are arranged longitudinally and have thin threads of chromium along the contour. The high center armrest with a wide cushion proved to be very comfortable and does its job well.
The door cards themselves are quite interesting. Soft lines, successfully underlined by silvery plastic, perfectly dilute the monotonous black interior.
The seats are comfortable and have a wide range of available plane adjustments. The finishing materials of the chairs are of good quality, the seams and stitching are done neatly and are not conspicuous. The filler of the seats, as well as the lateral support, is conducive to comfort. Dynamic driving cannot be completely ruled out, but this car did not receive significant emphasis on aggressive drive.
The steering wheel has an interesting shape. The steering wheel has four spokes, but it is very aesthetically pleasing. On each spoke are rows of function buttons for interacting with multimedia and communication systems. Chrome inserts on inner sides spokes make the steering wheel visually light. The rim is of medium thickness, covered with good material. The steering wheel lies in the hands quite confidently, the radius and rim are well chosen. The steering column can be adjusted for reach and tilt.
A significantly forward visor hides the tachometer and speedometer on the dashboard. The instruments themselves are set deep, and the edges of the wells received the familiar chrome strips along the contour. In the upper part, between the wells, there is a small screen trip computer. Information is read intuitively, so there are no problems with this. Instruments and buttons of the car are highlighted in bright white and blue. In the dark, the readings on the instrument scales and displays are highly legible.
Toyota Corolla
The interior of the car can be called at the same time modest, technologically advanced and slightly non-standard. The main material is hard plastic with softening inserts, as well as a combination of fabric materials with leather. The side deflectors are shaped like a rectangle with a bevelled edge. The edging of the lower part for these elements was chrome strips.
The first thing you immediately pay attention to is the “sheer” central panel. Torpedo resembles those solutions that were widely used in premium cars of the early 90s, only the materials are different. The location and design of the central rectangular air vents immediately made me remember the interior old model Audi 100. A well-forgotten classic, no less. It seemed a little strange to place a small display of the electronic clock on the right side, closer to the passenger.
Under the deflectors there is a large lacquered insert, visually separated from the top of the dashboard by a chrome strip. It has a multimedia system with a fairly decent-sized screen. On the left and right are vertical rows of buttons at the bottom, and on top are small round knobs that have received silver trim rings.
The air conditioning unit has a dedicated space under the multimedia system, which hangs over its relatively small panel. The interior climate control system has a narrow monochrome display at the top, large round knobs on the sides, and the rest of the space is filled with function keys.
The central tunnel has a one-piece design with a dashboard. Each element, starting from the very top, occupies a kind of “step” on the central panel, separated by an edge of a protruding plane. This is the last step and was the beginning of the tunnel. The closed niche is located just under the climate unit. Next is the installation location of the gearshift lever. The selector was slightly raised above the general plane of the tunnel, finishing the entire “island” with black lacquer and chrome.
This is followed by longitudinally arranged cupholders and a lever parking brake which is closer to the driver's seat. The coasters have a subtle silver outline that dilutes the overall dark range well. The central armrest cannot be called very wide, but it is more than enough for a comfortable hand position.
seats medium hardness, cornering support is well implemented. The material of the chairs is pleasant both visually and tactilely, promising a proper level of wear resistance. Available adjustment in all planes allows you to achieve a comfortable fit almost immediately.
The steering wheel is light, three-spoke, small diameter. It has a medium thickness rim, which is covered with high-quality material. Multifunctional steering wheel has soft and very comfortable joystick buttons on horizontal spokes. The vertical spoke received a wide silver insert at the bottom. The rim is of medium thickness, so it is very comfortable to hold the handlebars. The steering column is adjustable for reach and height.
The dashboard is protected by a small visor, has a large speedometer on the right side, a tachometer on the left side, as well as a large rectangle for the main indicators and a trip computer in the very center. The information is quite accessible for reading, and the large instrument scales are another plus. Illumination of devices and keys is made using blue and white.
Both machines have quality interior. This applies to materials, assembly and design. The Korean model Hyundai Elantra looks solid and even comfortable, and the interior ergonomics did not cause any comments. Toyota Corolla showed a classic design style, which was subjected to some modernization. The design of the central panel gave the interior of the "Japanese" freedom and space, which is a big plus.
The winner at this point is Toyota car Corolla. There are several reasons for this decision. The first was that the finishing materials of this sedan are quite a bit, but better, especially compared to a competitor. The second reason is the “freedom” that the tightened center panel gives. The third was precisely that “classic” novelty in design, which is an original solution for a modern car.
Driving performance
Hyundai Elantra
Received an independent front design based on spring suspension McPherson type. The rear suspension is semi-independent. It consists of a torsion beam equipped with coil springs and a stabilizer.
Engine power the car is enough, but the active drive is not expected. Good traction at medium speeds allows you to accelerate well in the allowed speeds. The lack of power can be noticeable when overtaking on the highway and with several passengers in the cabin. The 6-speed Shifttronic box tries to keep the engine in a crisp midrange in normal mode.
Suspension copes well with small and medium bumps in the road surface. You can highlight the smoothness of the course and energy intensity. But to bring the suspension to a breakdown under the force of a pit of a little greater depth. Additional questions arise to the noise of the running gear, as well as to the sound insulation of the wheel arches. Everything here is pretty mediocre. The engine compartment is well insulated, the engine is clearly audible only when the tachometer needle rises to the peak of torque.
Steering easy in the parking lot, has an average information content at speed. The car holds the road well, there is no windage and buildup. Drifts along the axes and slight rolls of the front end will manifest themselves only with an unreasonable enumeration with speed.
Braking well implemented. Disc brakes on all wheels allow for some harshness. ABS system sometimes demonstrates premature operation, but such cases are rare.
Toyota Corolla
It has an independent MacPherson strut in front, which is equipped with a stabilizer roll stability. The rear suspension is semi-independent, with a reliable torsion beam.
power unit overclocks well family car from a place and cheerfully twists to the peak of torque. The 7-speed CVT variator allows you to achieve good dynamics at the start. You should not count on vigorous overtaking in the track mode, but the engine allows you to dynamically accelerate.
Chassis configured for comfortable travel. The energy intensity of the Corolla suspension is at its best, which has always distinguished cars of this brand. It is also worth noting the fact that there is no significant noise during the time when the suspension works out irregularities of medium depth or a comb. Noise isolation of the wheel arches for a C grade, but engine compartment has a good level of insulation.
Control car is a competent balance between comfort and active driving. The reactions of the car to the steering wheel are quite clear, but are smoothed out by small rolls during sharp maneuvers. At permitted speeds, you should not be afraid of drifts along the axes, the car holds the road well.
brakes very good for a city sedan. Disc mechanisms on all wheels are able to provide smooth and confident deceleration. Auxiliary electronic systems make the car follow a clear straight line, without pulling and yawing to the sides.
Car comparison on the go determined Toyota sedan Corolla winner. The car handles a little better than its rival Hyundai Elantra. Suspension "Japanese" is quieter and a little more comfortable. The strength of the Korean model could well be more powerful power unit, but the practical test showed no such benefit. It turned out to be a well-deserved victory for Toyota Corolla.
capacity
Hyundai Elantra provides a sure supply of free space for passengers front row. The high central tunnel does not limit the space for the feet. The stock in width and height is enough for most riders of any build and height. Competent design and thoughtful ergonomics played a big role in this.
The back row is quite typical for the class. A good indicator of the wheelbase has become a guarantee that there is exactly enough legroom for the rear passengers as needed for a comfortable ride. Tall riders can push their knees into the back, but this seems to be more of an exception. There is enough space in the shoulders even for three, but only two passengers in the back row will be able to move completely comfortably. There is also a margin overhead, albeit insignificant.
The trunk of the sedan has an acceptable height and width of the loading compartment, and also has a good capacity. Bags, suitcases and boxes will not be a big problem. The main thing is not to clog the compartment to the very top, since the trunk lid has hinges.
Toyota Corolla allows you to feel at the front row quite freely. Nothing interferes with the knees of the driver and passenger, and the space in width and height is provided even with a small margin. Ergonomics in the cabin is also not satisfactory, everything is at hand and it is convenient to interact with the elements.
On the back row a picture familiar to the "C" class opens. Legroom for rear passengers is sufficient, but the margin is small. Tall riders can potentially even feel the lack of this stock. The angle of the sofa and the structure of the body allow you to get enough headroom. Fitting three riders will not be a problem, but only two can comfortably fit.
The trunk has a wide and high loading opening. You can place medium-sized cargo. The trunk lid has hinges in its design, so they will take up some of the free space at the very top. The sedan will cope with most household tasks, and this is the main thing.
Cars are on the same level in terms of their spaciousness of the elephant and the luggage compartment. The difference is minimal, but still present. Model Hyundai Elantra seemed a little more spacious compared to its Toyota competitor Corolla. These additional millimeters provided the car with victory at this stage.
Economy
Toyota Corolla is slightly ahead of its rival Hyundai Elantra in terms of fuel efficiency.
Security
Base model Hyundai Elantra:
- ABS system
Euro NCAP crash test result: 4 stars.
Base model:
- ABS system
- EBD system
- brake assist system
- driver/passenger front airbags
Euro NCAP crash test result: 5 stars.
Toyota Corolla looks like a safer car, showing best grades compared to the Hyundai Elantra. The second plus is the excellent basic equipment of the car with security systems.
Toyota and Hyundai have earned the image of solid concerns that make reliable cars. The price of cars has become significantly more expensive compared to its predecessors, which creates a lot of questions as to whether it is worth paying more and which car to prefer, given the approximately the same price category.
Appearance
The main concept of the Hyundai Elantra is the principle of flowing lines. There are quite strict corners here, smoothed out with the help of smooth and discreet rounding lines. From the front, the car is quite nice, but at the same time with a serious and businesslike look. The headlights are narrower and they flow onto the fenders, and far enough. The shape of the hood only emphasizes the rather complex shape of the entire optics.
The radiator grill, which is located on top, has a more decorative task than functionality. The lower grille has lines that flow along it. Clear glass from fog lamps with chrome allows you to somewhat reduce the protruding bumper. Chromed lines and a large logo make the car stand out from the front.
2017 Elantra Sport
On the side, the car draws a lot of attention with a wide line of wheel arches. Near the door handles there is a strip that is directed from the rear optics to the front, it provides a more rigorous look to the car.
2017 Elantra Sport
The roof is drop-shaped, which has a soft flow and goes into the profile of the car. Thanks to soft contours and interesting glazing, the car acquires a unique look. side mirrors complement appearance vehicle and contain turn signals.
Behind the car is solid and quite presentable. Lanterns are narrow and oblong. The trunk lid hangs a little over the optics, which gives a respectable look. The rear bumper is quite large and dimensional, and the appearance is in the same flowing style. Below the bumper is a black insert along the entire overhang.
As for the Toyota Corolla, the front side is quite strict, and chrome inserts give a rich look. A strip of grille and main optics seems to encircle the car in front. DRL inserts on the front grab attention and create a more solid look. The lines of the sedan are quite simple, and this is what the emphasis is on. The front bumper is small. The black inserts in the shape of a triangle, where the fog lights are installed, are shifted more towards the front.
2017 Toyota Corolla SX.
The overall profile of the car is quite classic, there are no “amateur” solutions here. The roof is also not restrained, and the side glazing narrows somewhat towards the rear. In the center, the glazing is diluted with black wide racks.
At the back, a decorative chrome strip completes the overall elegant design, along the edges it flows to transparent inserts. The optics are sharp-angled, and the bumper is quite overall and wide, successfully flowing to the body.
Both designs are quite interesting, but objective perception shows the Hyundai car more solid, thanks to its size and special design.
Interior
At first glance, it becomes clear that Hyundai have chosen their own and unique design. From the front, the panel has a cascading cascading look. The steering wheel has a rather large core, which has already become a standard for the manufacturer. The devices are made in the form of broken sockets. The appearance of the devices is similar to the I30 model, and of the significant differences is the concave console, which is located in the center. The radio and climate control units are made in the original design.
The plastic that is used for upholstery has a soft texture and black color. The inlay is quite neat with built-in chrome elements, which gives the impression of an expensive car.
The interior of the Toyota Corolla is somewhat modest and even non-standard, but at the same time technological. It is based on hard plastic, but it is complemented by soft inserts made of fabric and genuine leather. The deflectors on the sides are rectangular in shape, but the edges are slightly cut off. The frame is made of chrome.
The multimedia system is quite compact and in design resembles the classic look of premium cars from the 90s. Under the multimedia center is the climate control unit, with a single-color narrow screen and a number of keys.
The steering wheel is quite light, with three spokes and generally has a small diameter. The material of the cover is of high quality, the buttons are quite comfortable, and the needle that is directed downwards has an insert with a silver color.
The choice between cars should be made on the basis of:
- Hyundai Elantra is a modern design, high-quality performance with a wide range of functions;
- The Toyota Corolla is an updated classic look with plenty of space, great styling and comfortable instrumentation.
Running performance
In terms of acceleration, Elantra is 0.5 seconds ahead of the rival with an indicator of 11.1 seconds. The advantage of the Korean manufacturer and the maximum speed - 195 km / h, which is 10 km more. By power at 8 hp surpasses the Japanese competitor, and in terms of torque by 6 Nm. Thus, Hyundai bypassed Toyota in all respects, although not by much.
Power
Hyundai accelerates well, although it is not intended for driving trips. Acceleration in all permissible speed limits is carried out qualitatively and confidently. Built-in 6-speed gearbox. Power may be somewhat lacking when overtaking on highways if there are passengers in the vehicle. The noise of the car is quite high.
Toyota has a stable acceleration and brings to the peak very confidently. The 7-speed gearbox does its job well. Overtaking on the track is carried out with average performance. The ride is more comfortable. The ride is quite comfortable in different conditions.
Capacity
The trunk volume of Toyota is 452 liters, and Hyundai 470 liters.
So the Korean has enough free space for passengers located in front. Free space is enough for most people, regardless of build and height. The rear row of passengers is not deprived of space, it is quite enough for a comfortable journey, except for very tall people. Full comfort is provided for 2 people, although 3 can also fit. Above the head, a small gap is maintained. The trunk is very good in height and width, so luggage will fit in without much difficulty.
At the same time, the Japanese car provides free space for the front row, even a little remains. The back row has enough space, but there is practically no margin, tall people may feel a lack of space. Up to the ceiling there is enough space with a margin. But the trunk is wide, and the place for transportation is high. Loads of medium dimensions fit perfectly.
Consumption
It is more profitable to use Toyota, so in the city the consumption will be 8.2 liters as opposed to 9.0 liters for Hyundai. On the highway, the consumption is the same and amounts to 5.3 liters. With a mixed rhythm of the trip, approximately 6.3 liters for a Japanese car and 6.7 liters for a Korean car diverge.
Security
The base model Hyundai has several front airbags, as well as ABS system. According to the results of the crash test, the car was awarded 4 stars.
For the Toyota Corolla, the situation is more rosy:
- brake assist;
- Airbags.
During the crash test, 5 safety stars were noted, which shows a clear advantage of the Japanese offspring.
Price
Average price per minimum equipment Hyundai Elantra is $18,500. At this time, Toyota Corolla costs $17,400. The difference is small, but significant.
Conclusion
In general, both cars have advantages, and they are approximately equal to each other. All the magic is in the little things, it is here in most cases that the Hyundai Elantra loses, albeit slightly. It turns out that the Toyota Corolla is slightly better than the competitor, but the choice should be based on your own design preferences, because the differences in power are not very significant.
Corolla or Solaris - which car is better? This question cannot be answered unequivocally without understanding the topic. Both cars are known for their quality and reliability. Even price policy they are about the same. This article will tell a potential buyer which iron horse it is better for him to invest in.
External Data
2016 release ( standard equipment) is the brainchild of Japanese developers. The machine is rounded. The car looks quite ergonomic. The body cannot boast of high ground clearance, which makes it almost impossible to drive over rough terrain. The front of the vehicle looks quite stylish. The chrome-plated radiator grill deserves special attention. In general, the appearance is classic - everything looks simple, stylish and interesting.
2016 release (Active equipment) - the famous "Korean", which is one of the most popular cars in the territory Russian Federation. Despite relatively low price, the iron horse looks quite expensive. The body is a bit like a Toyota, but only remotely. If you look closely, it comes to the understanding that the Korean car has more large parts. Like big headlights. Near the grille they are wide, and towards the wings they begin to narrow, which looks very interesting. With clearance, too, not everything is perfect - it is quite low. The appearance is of great interest to buyers. The doors are especially beautifully made: they have two transitions in the form of waves, which add extravagance to the body.
Technical specifications
In order to accurately answer the question of which is better, you will definitely have to deal with the technical characteristics of iron horses. Not just to figure it out, but to make a thorough comparison.
The volume of the power unit for the "Japanese" is 1.3 liters, and for the "Korean" - 1.6. It is logical to assume that the power of the second is higher - 99 horses, against 123. Max Speed- 180 and 190 kilometers per hour, respectively. At the moment, Hyundai outright outperforms its opponent.
Toyota has a larger luggage compartment - 50 liters, against 43 Solaris.
An important point is transmission. Specified configurations equipped mechanical boxes gear shifting, which have six speeds. By adding a sixth gear, drivers have the opportunity to significantly reduce fuel consumption. As for the consumption itself, this parameter is one of the most important. For a hundred in mixed mode, the Corolla spends 6-6.5 liters, but the Hyundai Solaris - 7, or even all 8. If you want to save money, then opt for the Japanese.
Acceleration to 100 kilometers for Hyundai takes 11.5 seconds, and for Toyota - 12.8. The difference is not so big, given that the described vehicles extremely rarely purchased in order to drive them. Type of drive - front on two cars. As for functionality, there is a draw, because the simplest assemblies are described.
Here are all the main specifications, which will be needed for readers to draw up an overall picture. The rest of the parameters can be found on the website of dealers.
Price policy
Today average price for Toyota Corolla is 891 thousand rubles in the simplest assembly. Want a more solid option? Get ready to lay out an amount of about one and a half million rubles. For the Hyundai Solaris, the price is 705 thousand. Naturally, the better the assembly, the higher the costs.
Kia Cerato 2.0AT Prestige
Power 150 hp Acceleration 0-100 km / h 9.3 s Price 1,119,900 rubles.
Power 140 hp Acceleration 0-100 km / h 10.2 s Price 1,294,000 rubles.
Power 150 hp Acceleration 0-100 km / h 9.9 s Price 1,294,900 rubles.
Kia Cerato 2.0 AT Prestige
Toyota Corolla 1.8 CVT Style Plus
Hyundai Elantra 2.0 AT Comfort
Kia Cerato, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra
In our country, people drove golf-class sedans even before the invention of this very class - we simply didn’t have other cars before, by and large. And for many, father's and grandfather's "Lada" and "Muscovites" formed the most desirable type of car, which now seems utterly traditional.
Text by Kirill Brevdo, photo by Alexander Obodets
What is the attraction of a sedan? Now that the market is full of different cars, the answer to this question does not seem obvious. In terms of practicality, a three-volume body is far from ideal: hatchbacks and station wagons imply much greater transformation possibilities when it comes to transporting goods. In favor of a sedan, you can come up with various arguments of any degree of persuasiveness, but the main argument will still be a habit: a sedan is for all time, because it is a classic of the genre.
Recently, however, the four-door body is experiencing serious competition from new formats: the market is enslaved by crossovers. And yet, sedans have their own army of fans who cannot be seduced by a high seating position and high ground clearance, but can be lured by design, technology, equipment and God knows what else. What exactly? We decided to check this by collecting a collection of three popular models. The main instigator was new hyundai Elantra: a year ago, the “Korean” had a new generation, and more recently, he got to Russia. In his company, we took a Toyota Corolla, which had just gone through a restyling. And the third we called Kia Cerato - the most obvious rival for Japanese and Korean cars. All cars are equipped with the most powerful engines and automatic transmissions possible. So, let's try to figure out which of the three cars is ready to deliver maximum everyday joy to its owner.
In different markets, Corollas have always differed from each other. However, this tradition has been preserved to this day: for example, this sedan looks very different in America. We also sell the so-called global model with a different body design. Despite the presence of its own assembly plant near St. Petersburg, the car is brought to Russia from abroad from the Turkish Toyota plant and sold with three power units: 1.33 (99 hp), 1.6 (122 hp) and 1.8 (140 hp) l. The weakest motor is combined only with the "mechanics", while the most powerful one assumes a variator by default. But the 1.6-liter engine is docked with both manual and CVT.
More recently, an updated Corolla has appeared on sale, which has been thoroughly retouched in appearance and interior. The world bestseller began to look clearly more interesting, and yet the beauty of Toyota still does not shine. However, this is just a matter of taste.
The interior of the Japanese sedan is much richer than in the Kia, but the Corolla is still far from the German ideals. What's wrong? Well, for example, landing behind the wheel. It seems that you can get a job without any problems, but after Hyundai and Kia, it seems that there is not enough range of steering adjustments. The front seats are softer and more amorphous than in Cerato, however, in essence, they are not inferior to Korean furniture: yes, they seem to be freer, but they hold tight in corners.
The Japanese car attracts primarily with its driving performance: it seems the most "natural" in sensations. There is a clear and honest steering, which for me is the key to good handling; comfortable suspension and quite peppy motor. At first I was embarrassed by the variator, but it is configured in a way that other "automatic machines" did not even dream of. And the interior is nicely decorated: finishing materials and build quality are not satisfactory. "Toyota" seems to be the most comfortable due to the fact that it has a high dashboard - you feel protected in it. However, there are also disadvantages. I don't understand why a million and a quarter car doesn't have parking sensors. The rear view camera is, of course, good, but there is still not enough additional sound indication of approaching an obstacle. And, of course, it freezes out the need to visit MOT every ten thousand kilometers, which greatly increases the cost of maintaining the car.
Toyota boasts the most advanced multimedia device, but its main gripe is the lack of physical buttons. Here everything is on the sensors: both the screen itself and the “clickers” around it. A special failure is the volume control: poking at the drawn plus and minus is terribly inconvenient. Part of the problem is solved by the buttons on the steering wheel, but even they can not be compared with the usual "round" volume control - as in Kia and Hyundai. And this "piano lacquer" on the center console, framing the music center. Hey, gentlemen, designers of automobile companies! How long, huh? The beauty is dubious, and in the process of operation, the gloss quickly loses its presentation.
stepless variator
in the case of the Corolla, it can be considered a very successful alternative to the traditional "automatic"
The tunnel is practically non-existent;
and there is a large distance between its casing separating the front seats and the sofa cushion
Theoretically, Toyota will include
the longest load: with the sofa folded, the distance to the backs of the front seats is maximum
But at the back, everything is not so smooth - even despite the fact that there are no problems with space. The process of landing on the sofa is not overshadowed by anything, but there are fewer amenities: there are no separate ventilation ducts or heating; and the center armrest is located too low - much lower than its counterparts on the door upholstery. But in Toyota, it’s easier to ride in the back row of three: more legroom for someone who is destined to sit in the center (there is practically no tunnel; and there is a rather large distance between its casing separating the front seats and the sofa cushion).
The trunk is approximately the same size as its competitors, and there are no special nuances in terms of transformation: you can only fold back, getting a decent step instead of a flat loading area. Theoretically, the longest cargo will enter the Toyota - another plus. And in the minuses we will add the complete absence of devices for fixing luggage.
Driving a Corolla is fun. Of course, there is no talk of any drive, but the car seems very lively and responsive. The variator works great: deftly pulls the car after the engine, without breaking the connection between the desired and the actual. The steering wheel is filled with effort and information equally: the steering wheel rotates a little harder than that of the Elantra, but the drive transparency of the Japanese is better. And it is impossible not to note the obvious fact that the sound insulation has been worked out more carefully. Like!
The current sedan is no longer young: it appeared in 2012. By the way, about the body: Cerato first generation, which replaced the Sephia model, existed in two guises - both as a sedan and as a hatchback. However, with the change of generations, the Kia lineup launched new branch, on which cee "d grew up with all its variations. And Cerato retained only a four-door modification.
By the way, the Koreans themselves are deprived of the opportunity to make a mistake with the name of the car: in their homeland, the sedan is sold under the designation K3. And in North America, this car is named Forte.
Cerato comes to the salons of Russian dealers from the Avtotor Kaliningrad plant, where a full-cycle assembly has been established. The buyer has a choice between two petrol engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters; more weak engine combined with both “mechanics” and “automatic”, and a two-liter power unit can only be obtained with automatic transmission.
The appearance of the Kia, although pleasant, is painfully inconspicuous: the sedan looks like some kind of “average”, moreover, over the years of its existence, it has become familiar. Salon on the background of "Corolla" and "Elantra" looks, forgive me, lonely: it seems the most plastic. But this simplicity, in fact, does not spoil the impression of the car, since there are essentially no reasons for complaints: the ergonomics are good, and all the necessary amenities are present. No frills? Well, so what, but Cerato is cheaper than its rivals, even in conditions of equal trim levels. And for buyers of cars of this class, this is an argument!
Kia looks quite modern, but inside it is already noticeable that this car has been produced for more than a year. The interior looks fairly budget-friendly, primarily because of the hard plastics, although my Jetta, which also has subpar materials, manages to create a more noble impression. I was more confused by the persistent smell of phenol that exudes the interior - for an expensive car of a decent brand, this is completely unacceptable! But it turned out to be nice to ride the Serato. I liked both the smoothness of the ride and the dynamics of acceleration. A curious feature was the button that changes the steering wheel settings. True, I did not appreciate this innovation: in comfort mode the effort drops so much that it becomes almost uncomfortable (paradoxically), and in sports it seems as if the front wheels are slightly blown away.
Instead of fancy multimedia with a touch-screen, Kia has a not too intricate head unit with the usual “insensitive” matrix display and key and knob control. However, it is much more convenient to deal with music the old fashioned way than to achieve mutual understanding with more sophisticated systems adorned with large screens (like the Toyota multimedia center, for example).
Serious disadvantage of Cerato one should recognize the pungent smell that exudes the interior plastic. Frankly, this fact discouraged me a little: I was sure that the Koreans had long defeated plastic smells. Is it really the costs of the Kaliningrad assembly? But mediocre visibility cannot be attributed to production - these are the design features. Thick front pillars with “support” are able to hide an important part of the landscape behind them. The side mirrors are small, but generally informative. There was no rear-view camera on our car - this is the prerogative of the top version. premium.
6-speed "automatic"
configured quite well and allows the motor to fully reveal its fighting qualities
Spacious in the back
and landing is no problem. As in the Elantra, the side seats of the sofa can be heated
The trunk cannot be opened from the outside:
There is no button on the lid. You can uncork it with a key or a lever near the driver's seat
I liked the front seat: the padding is dense, the lateral support is excellent. There are no problems with the adjustments: they are at a minimum, but the ranges are sufficient, so you can instantly adjust the “furniture” for yourself. It is spacious in the back row, and nothing overshadows the landing process - although tall citizens, it is possible, will note not the highest doorway. As in the Elantra, the side seats of the “seratic” sofa can be heated.
The trunk is not too impressive both in size and arrangement. The lid is held on hinges, which dive onto the luggage when closed; besides, the quality of the finish is very dull - there is a thin rug on the floor covering the full-size spare wheel. The saddest thing is the inability to open the trunk from the outside: there is no corresponding button on the lid. As an option - use the key, where the button is still there. Or pull the lever on the floor next to the driver's seat.
A two-liter engine, coupled with a 6-speed "automatic" give "Kia" life-affirming agility. Acceleration is active, and it is convenient to manage it: the box obviously knows its business! But in terms of handling, the “Korean” is far from ideal: with sharp maneuvering at a decent speed, the car starts to sway, revealing noticeable rolls; and the steering wheel seems empty all the time, although with the help of settings you can make it heavier or, on the contrary, lighten it to the extreme.
But with the smoothness of the Kia, everything is quite decent: the suspension rounds out significant irregularities in favor of the inhabitants of the cabin, and completely dissolves the small ones without a trace. True, the “Korean” seemed noisy: the song of the engine is always well heard, and other acoustic debris reaches the ears of passengers more often than in Hyundai and Toyota.
For a quarter of a century, five generations of the model have changed, and last year the sixth Elantra was introduced. This fall, the sedan appeared in dealerships, and immediately Russian assembly- the machine is produced at the Kaliningrad "Avtotor" by the SKD method. We sell modifications with gasoline engines of 1.6 and 2.0 liters, each of which can be friendly with both manual and automatic transmissions.
Outwardly, the Elantra has changed: the lines have ceased to flow and lined up in a more strict and expressive form - and the sedan immediately visually rose in price. There is no doubt: of our trinity, Hyundai looks the most fresh and attractive. The color also enhances the effect - our car was painted in PhoenixOrange brick-red mother-of-pearl, which definitely attracts attention and ... money: the surcharge for any color other than the base white is ten thousand. Tolerable.
17-inch wheels on which our Elantra stood, a sign of the Style package (80,000 rubles), which also includes xenon, keyless entry and instrument Supervision panel with color display. The latter is similar in graphics to that of the Kia, but only the image quality of the Elantra is at a fundamentally different level, although there are no special advantages in terms of functions. Devices for information content are absolutely flawless.
Multimedia looks simpler than that of Toyota, solely because of the small screen size. And yet it is a full-fledged touchscreen, which is convenient to use. And most importantly, the volume is regulated by a normal knob, and not by touch buttons, as in the Corolla.
If we confine ourselves to purely superficial observations, then the interior of a Korean car makes the most favorable impression, but in reality inner world Elantra is replete with hard plastic: for example, door cards are made of it almost entirely. Traces of savings can be found in other places: Auto mode is only available on the driver's window, and there is no backlight in the glove box.
I cannot fail to note the design of the new Elantra - finally, the cars of the Korean brand have found their face! It seems to me that many buyers will be tempted by appearance alone. And the interior looks very even - it looks clearly more expensive than the interior of the Kia, although the quality of the materials does not reach the Toyota. And yet, there is a certain contradiction in the car - especially in terms of equipment: here is the fattest stuffing, which contrasts with annoying flaws like a glove compartment without lighting and power windows devoid of automatic mode (only the driver has it). In terms of dynamics, Hyundai slightly loses to Kia, but it steers a little more interesting, although I still liked Toyota more.
From the point of view of visibility, Hyundai is clearly better than Kia: the mirrors are the same in shape, but the A-pillars are noticeably thinner. The rear view camera suggests the trajectory - unlike the Corolla, where the lines in the picture do not move when the steering wheel is rotated.
The chairs are similar in shape to the Cerato seats, but are upholstered in something leather-like in appearance. The question of whether such furniture is needed in a relatively inexpensive car, we will take out of the discussion. But there is no doubt that an ordinary “rag” is more comfortable: in summer, the skin heats up quickly and cools slowly. As for winter, you don’t have to worry here: like Kia, in Elantra all seats and steering wheel are heated.
In the Elantra in the back row
there is a distinct lack of headroom - this is due to the sloping roof
The only noticeable difference
trunks Korean cars reduced to an elastic mesh in cargo compartment Elantra
In terms of space in the back row, Hyundai is comparable to Cerato, but the three of us will not sit so comfortably: there is less distance from the lining of the central tunnel to the sofa, so the passenger in the center will not be very comfortable. In addition, in the Elantra there is a distinct lack of headroom - the sloping roof is to blame.
The trunk is ordinary, although it should still be noted that here, too, a full-size spare tire on an alloy wheel is hidden underground.
The 2.0-litre Elantra rides briskly, though not as briskly as the Cerato. But I liked the chassis settings much more than that of the Korean brother: the suspension is not so relaxed, but at the same time it is in no way inferior in terms of smoothness - even adjusted for tires with a smaller profile. And the energy intensity is quite decent: you won’t scare Hyundai even with relatively large irregularities - rather, you will be scared yourself.
The class of mid-size sedans is one of the most beloved among Russian buyers. The competition here is very high. What do representatives of the segment have to go to for the sake of the buyer?
These two sedans posed a difficult task. Yes, what is there! They offer to solve a difficult philosophical question - to be or to seem. The buyer will have to face the dilemma of what to choose - a simpler car in a generous configuration or to aim at something a class higher, but in a simple design. Yes, the decision is not easy to make. But let's count! We took the Hyundai Elantra with 150 hp as the basis for our calculations. gasoline engine and a 6-speed automatic transmission in the maximum Family version for 1,210,000 rubles and a Toyota Corolla in the Style Plus configuration with a 140 hp engine paired with a CVT for 1,289,000 rubles. It turns out: add 35,000 rubles to the price of the Elantra and you can take the base Sonata - with a 150-horsepower engine and a 6-speed automatic. For purchase Toyota Camry with a 150 hp engine. instead of Corolla, you will need a little more money - you will have to pay extra 88,000 rubles. But basic business sedans are unlikely to be able to offer as much equipment as the middle class! So is it worth chasing ostentatious prestige, or is it better to get more options and comfort, which and, and are ready to provide their owners with?
What do they offer
Hyundai Elantra offers two petrol engines to choose from - 128 or 149 hp. The starting price is 957,000 rubles. Toyota Corolla has a slightly wider choice of engines - under the hood of a Japanese sedan there can be a 99, 122 or 140 hp engine. And prices start from a more attractive mark - 933,000 rubles. We took for comparison cars in rich trim levels and with top-end engines to see if they are able to compete with their older colleagues. The differences between sedans are not striking. It seems that the cars are almost identical - they have similar engines in terms of power, comparable sets of equipment, close overall dimensions ... So you have to carefully look at the little things to find the differences.Since we decided first of all to count the money and the amount of equipment provided by each of the competitors, let's compare the configurations. Which of the sedans will be more generous and offer more for the same amount? Both have a lot of useful equipment in their arsenal - dual-zone climate control, heated front seats and steering wheel, rear view camera, multimedia system control buttons on the steering wheel. And yet, the Hyundai Elantra equipment turned out to be a little more attractive. The Korean sedan, unlike the Japanese one, also boasts heated rear seats, front parking sensors, electric folding exterior mirrors, light and rain sensors. In addition, the Elantra as a whole gives the impression of a more expensive car. For example, she knows how to carefully move driver's seat for a more comfortable fit, as cars of a higher class do. It would seem a trifle, but how convenient! Toyota Corolla, although it lags behind its Korean opponent, but not much. She also has a pretty impressive list of equipment, everything you need is present. There are also benefits! The Japanese sedan has a better multimedia system. She has a larger and more informative screen - seven inches versus five for the Elantra. Yes, and the operation of the multimedia "Corolla" is more convenient: menu logic, ease of use, functionality without any complaints.
The interior of Toyota Corolla turned out to be successful. The multimedia system has all the necessary functionality, the interface is logical and simple. The quality of materials, ergonomics, space - everything is in perfect order. In the second row of free space with a margin, the seats are comfortable, the legs do not rest against the backs of the front seats