When making a comparison between two giants of the motoring industry it is often a good idea to compare their most popular vehicles against each other. This is why we have chosen the Hyundai Elantra and put it up against the Subaru Impreza.
Which Vehicle Stays True to its Brand?
With Hyundai value for money has always been central to the way that they do business, and in the Elantra this still holds true. You get a lot of car for a lot less money when it is compared to other vehicles in its class. Subaru however still pride themselves in creating cars with the best all-weather capability. The Impreza offers this and more besides as its full-time all-wheel drive is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that puts out 148 HP and 145 lb-ft of torque.
The Verdict: This is a tie, as both the vehicles stay true to the core principles of the brand.
Who Wins the Power and Efficiency Competition?
This is where the first big surprise of the article comes in, as both the Elantra and the Impreza use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. However the Hyundai offers the driver a little more power (173 HP) and torque (154 lb-ft). To compensate for this the Impreza does include a continuously variable transmission (CVT), but once it comes to high speeds it is the Elantra that runs away from the Subaru.
The Verdict: The Hyundai drivetrain might not be perfect, but it is perfect for this vehicle. Plus, it must be remembered that the Impreza’s permanent all-wheel drive does no favours to its fuel economy. The winner here is the Elantra!
Comfort or Visibility?
Thanks to its soft suspension and more comfortable seats the Elantra is the clear winner here. However, when it comes to visibility there is almost no other vehicle that can compare to the Impreza. The vehicle designers truly got things right here, as the thin A-pillars, boxy vehicle shape and door-mounted side mirrors make seeing where you’re driving as easy as moving your eyes.
The Verdict: If it is comfort you want then go for the Elantra, but if it is heightened visibility (which adds to the safety of the vehicle) then go for the Impreza.
Which Vehicle Offers the Best Styling?
Thanks to the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language used to create the Hyundai Elantra’s looks you can rest assured that you are getting a vehicle that looks like a brand new, modern car. The Boxy design of the Impreza on the other hand is not very aesthetically pleasing and goes for the function-over-form look that Subaru is known for.
The Verdict: Hands down the Elantra, as the blocky body of the Impreza looks a bit dated.
Which Vehicle is More Practical?
Even though the Impreza is 4.7-inches longer than the Elantra in overall length it does not add to the overall practicality of the vehicle. This is because the mechanical components used for the Subaru all-wheel drive eat into this additional space. In fact, with 23.0 cubic feet of total space, the Elantra actually holds a half cubic foot advantage over the Impreza.
The Verdict: This is a tough one, because if you fold the rear seats of the Impreza down it does regain a bit of a size advantage inside. The Subaru also offers an inch more rear legroom than the Elantra, which means that when it comes to space for passengers the winner is the Impreza.
Which Vehicle has the Best Interior Design?
The Subaru Impreza is sold and dependable, but in this department the Hyundai Elantra really shines! Similar in looks to the luxurious Sonata, the Elantra has buttons and touch screen controls that are intuitive to use. The inside of the Elantra also looks and feels like it is of a higher quality than the Subaru’s.
The Verdict: This is a bit of a no contest, as the Hyundai easily walks away with this one.
Which Vehicle Scores Highest in the Safety Evaluation?
The Subaru Impreza consistently ranks at the top in crash tests, but the Elantra is no slouch either, earning a Top Safety Pick rating by the IIHS. That said, the Impreza is ranked higher with a Top Safety Pick+ rating.
The Verdict: The Impreza, but it does come at a financial cost as the Subaru is more expensive than the Elantra.
The Overall Verdict
The Subaru Impreza is an impressive vehicle and offers top notch safety and all-wheel drive. However it simply cannot beat the Elantra’s style, comfort and value. Hyundai has made a name for itself as a company that offers value and reliability, but now you can also add the words refinement and quality to the mix thanks to the 2015 Hyundai Elantra.
You Hyundai Elantra is waiting for you at one of the worldwide, world class Hyundai Dealerships, such as Group 1 Hyundai in Johannesburg. Test Drive one today!
As published on: Hyundai Drivers
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