Exploring the 2012 Hyundai Elantra, Engine and performance  

Hyundai is a car brand from South Korea that’s getting more and more popular in Nigeria. People here like Hyundai cars like the Elantra, Tucson, and Sante Fe because they’re affordable, easy to maintain, have a high resale value, and come with a pretty cool interior.

The Hyundai is a favourite among official drivers, young workers, students, business owners, or anyone looking for a good ride. Hyundai cars are a big hit in Nigeria. In this article, we’re going to be looking at one of the Hyundai models, the 2012 Hyundai Elantra. We’ll explore it and check out some of its specifications.

Overview of the 2012 Hyundai Elantra

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra is a comfy, well-built and fuel-efficient car packed with lots of features. The 2012 Hyundai Elantra comes in two trim levels: GLS and Limited. 

The GLS, the base model, includes 15-inch steel wheels, keyless entry, heated mirrors, power windows and locks, adjustable driver seat, split-folding rear seat, a trip computer, and a six-speaker sound system with CD player, satellite radio, and USB/audio interface. You can add the GLS Comfort package for 16-inch steel wheels, cruise control, air conditioning, and Hyundai’s Active Ecosystem (with automatic transmission). The GLS Preferred package offers 16-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, upgraded trim, sliding armrest, illuminated mirrors, steering wheel audio controls, and Bluetooth. 

The Elantra Limited, the higher trim level, includes all the features from the GLS Preferred package plus 17-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, leather seats (heated in the front and rear), and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter. For more advanced features, you can get the Limited Technology package which adds automatic headlights, keyless ignition/entry, rearview camera, upgraded sound system, touchscreen interface, and navigation system with real-time traffic and weather updates.

Engine and performance 

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra has a 1.8-litre four-cylinder engine that gives you 148 horsepower and 131 pound-feet of torque. You can either go for the manual or automatic transmission. The Elantra takes about 9.4 seconds to reach 60 mph, which is a bit slower than other cars. But, it makes up for it with excellent fuel economy, getting around 28 mpg in the city, 38 mpg on the highway, and a combined 32 mpg.

The 2012 Elantra also offers a balanced handling experience that suits daily driving needs well. Its 1.8-litre engine provides adequate power, and the six-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. While it may not match the excitement of some competitors like the Chevy Cruze, Ford Focus, or Mazda 3 in terms of outright handling prowess, the Elantra maintains a good balance between ride comfort and handling.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Interior

The interior has a sleek design with a curved centre stack and stylish climate controls that are easy to use. While the materials aren’t top-notch, they still look nice. You can make it feel fancier with options like leather seats, heated front and rear seats, a great navigation system, and a rearview camera. Surprisingly, the Elantra has more space than you’d expect from a small car.

There’s plenty of headroom in the front, even for taller people. The steering wheel is also a bit smaller, which makes the front feel roomier. In the back, there’s enough space for kids and most adults, though taller people might feel a bit cramped. The trunk is big too, with 14.8 cubic feet of cargo room, which is quite generous for its class.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Safety

The 2012 Hyundai Elantra comes with a range of standard safety features, including traction and stability control, antilock brakes, active front head restraints, and airbags for the front seats and curtains. It has a good brake performance needing 125 feet to stop from 60 mph, which is good for its class.

2012 Hyundai Elantra Price

The Elantra has been redesigned to offer a spacious interior, fuel efficiency, and user-friendly controls. The 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine provides an impressive overall fuel economy of 33 mpg.
Consumer Reports ranks this version of the Elantra highly among small sedans. It offers a comfortable ride, nimble handling, and a well-equipped interior. The 148-hp four-cylinder engine delivers solid performance and excellent fuel efficiency. In Nigeria, you can purchase this car for under 5 million Naira as of 2024.