2021 Hyundai Elantra vs Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5 - A Hyundai over a Mazda?
Arif · Dec 3, 2020 03:32 PM
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The new Hyundai Elantra offers an alternative option if you’re shopping for a C-segment saloon. Being a CBU import from Korea, it is a bit tougher for the Elantra to compete with the CKD Honda Civic. A CBU rival of the Hyundai Elantra would be the Japan-made Mazda 3 Sedan 1.5.
The Hyundai Elantra is now open for booking, but prices are yet to be announced. We expect the price to be around the price of the Mazda 3 sedan 1.5, which is around RM 137,660.
One Korean and the other Japanese, we figured we’d have a look at how these cars compare to each other on paper. Let’s begin.
Exterior – Aggressive Elantra, elegant Mazda
The Mazda 3 is undeniably a good-looking car. The sleek headlights and good proportions give it an athletic look. The hatchback version emphasizes this more, but the sedan is not too bad either.
As for the Hyundai Elantra, it offers an interesting design for those with an alternative taste.
The side surfaces are interesting and kind of remind you of Bangle's flame surfacing.
Size wise, the Hyundai Elantra is a little bit bigger than the Mazda 3 sedan.
Dimensions Comparison
Hyundai Elantra 1.6
Mazda 3 Sedan (1.5)
Length
4,675 mm
4,660 mm
Width
1,825 mm
1,795 mm
Height
1,430 mm
1,440 mm
Wheelbase
2,720 mm
2,725 mm
Tyre size
225/45 R17
205/60 R16
Curb Weight
1,270 kg
1,361 kg
Performance – very similar numbers
Performance wise, both cars have naturally-aspirated engines, although the Elantra boasts a slightly larger displacement. The Mazda 3 Sedan is the only C-segment saloon to offer a regular torque converter automatic transmission (6 speeds) in the C-segment saloon category.
Performance Comparison
Hyundai Elantra 1.6
Mazda 3 Sedan (1.5)
Engine
SmartStream G1.6 MPI
SkyActiv G 1.5
Induction
NA*
NA*
Displacement
1,598 cc
1,496 cc
Transmission
CVT (8 virtual speed)
6-speed auto
Max. Power Output
123 PS @ 6,300 rpm
120 PS @ 6,000 rpm
Max. Torque
154 Nm @ 4,500 rpm
153 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
*NA = naturally aspirated
The Hyundai Elantra, like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla Altis come with CVT. What Hyundai likes to highlight here is the fact that their CVT is called the Hyundai IVT (Intelligent variable transmission). The main difference is that a chain belt is used instead of the normal metallic belt.
The Hyundai IVT in the Elantra is meant to simulate 8 distinct gear ratios, and we are curious to try it out.
Safety Features – Elantra has ADAS
Unfortunately, the Mazda 3 1.5 lacks ADAS. That feature is reserved for the 2.0 High Plus variant only. Entering the Malaysian market in 2020, the new Hyundai Elantra is equipped with Hyundai’s version of ADAS, the Hyundai SmartSense.
Safety Features
Hyundai Elantra 1.6
Mazda 3 Sedan (1.5)
ABS & ESC
yes
yes
AEB
yes
yes
TCS
yes
yes
Hill Assist
yes
yes
ADAS
yes
no*
*Equipped on 2.0 High Plus variant only
The Hyundai SmartSense includes:
Forward collision warning & avoidance assist
Blind-spot collision warning & avoidance assist
Lane keep assist & Lane Following assist
Rear cross traffic alert & avoidance assist
Smart Cruise Control with stop & go
Driver attention warning
Tyre pressure monitoring system
Interior features – both get phone connectivity
Both the Hyundai and Mazda offer Andoid Auto/Apple Carplay connectivity. An extra luxury feature of the Hyundai Elantra would be the wireless charging dock.
The interior of the Mazda 3 is sporty and driver oriented while the Hyundai Elantra’s interior (with the asymmetrical center console) gives off some futuristic vibes.
Interior
Hyundai Elantra 1.6
Mazda 3 Sedan (1.5)
Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
yes
yes
Screen size
8-inch
8.8-inch
Wireless charging
yes
no
Additionally, the Hyundai Elantra comes with a fully digital instrument cluster, which is nice.
The Mazda 3 only offers a half-digital display even on the 2.0 variant.
Both cars are fully-imported decent-looking sedans with naturally-aspirated engines. While they may not be able to compete with prices of the CKD Honda Civic, the cars are plausible alternatives.
The Hyundai Elantra comes in one variant only and is set to launch before the end of 2020. The Elantra is rather well-equipped and looks pretty good on paper. We’re curious to see how things will turn out for the Elantra.
Previously an engineer in an automotive manufacturing company and a highway concessionaire. A part-time research student on biofuels and diesel engines. Obsessed with vehicle electrification and the future of transportation.