In fact in 2012, this particular vehicle

challenged the supremacy of the Japanese sedan

which made the compact car segment that much more interesting

Today, Hyundai pits the sixth generation Elantra

with the same thing in mind

The 2017 Elantra comes with a new exterior design

which Hyundai calls the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0

It features a large hexagon grille, sharp-looking headlights

and a confident stance

If you take a closer look

this Elantra actually has less curves and a more angular body

And on the side there are less creases too

The rear gets a new look too

which we find classier, more mature than its predecessor

Inside, the Elantra has a straight-forward design

along with the driver-oriented dashboard layout

The latter gives the driver the liberty

to not lean forward in order to reach the controls

Speaking of which

the controls are organized in such a way

that you don't get confused or overwhelmed

In short, they're placed well

However, the Elantra does lack a rather vital feature

Bluetooth

Another thing we find missing in the vehicle

is the one-touch power windows up or down for the driver

The electronic power steering wheel is great

Whether you're in the city or on congested roads

or here right now on the highway

it makes for driving a breeze

Plus, the transmission is great

It allows for overtaking smaller cars with good measure

just like that

and the instrument panel is absolutely awesome

It's big, it's massive

and it's white on black. It's so clear

that even Stevie Wonder would be able to read this

Seriously

In terms of comfort

the Elantra absorbs road impacts well

It doesn't panic, jerk or lose control

even when absorbing the impacts

of Metro Manila's rough roads

So, this 2017 Elantra has got new exterior styling

its got a roomier cabin inside

and it rides and drives better than its predecessor

However, this mid-model variant

does have a very large stumbling block

its price

Coming in at P1,008,000 Philippine pesos

it just may have a very difficult time

overcoming its Japanese counterparts

that start at less than one million pesos