After its global unveil at the brand’s Namyang R&D Center in September, Hyundai has previewed the all-new sixth-generation Elantra at the annual Christmas party for dealers, suppliers, and the media. Aiming to recapture market share and regain momentum for the Korean brand, the 2016 Elantra offers a sleeker, more dynamic appearance together with a slew of distinguished performance features.

Hyundai has finally showed off the successor to its aging compact car with the ceremonial debut of the all-new sixth generation Elantra (Avante in Korea) at the Korean car maker’s Namyang R&D Center. Wearing the Fluidic Sculpture 2.0 design language also seen in the Sonata and Tucson, the Elantra aims to build on the global popularity of the outgoing model by adding a sleek and dynamic appearance to its otherwise competitive platform.

Photos by Ulysses Ang

When the Hyundai Elantra arrived in the local scene in 2012, it revolutionized the compact car genre. From a segment practically cornered by the Japanese, the Elantra has since turned it into a free-for-all slugfest. Today, compact car buyers are less brand loyal and more focused on getting great value. Indeed, the swoopy Elantra is responsible for removing existing prejudices and opening minds to considering a brand like Hyundai. Fast-forward three years later and the players are still fighting tooth and nail just to get the would-be buyer’s attention. So what does the ‘game-changer’ do? Stick to a tried-and-tested formula.

A probe done by the US-based Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has concluded that Hyundai and Kia have both been found guilty of exaggerating a majority of their vehicle's fuel economy claims for the 2012 and 2013 model years. Apparently, the EPA estimates that this practice has been done since late 2010. As such, both of these Korean automakers will compensate the owners of some 900,000 vehicles sold under the now false claims.

Car makers are finally taking the compact sedan segment very seriously. After years of domination by the likes of the Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, they’re now facing serious competition from both east and west. And one that’s made the most impact is the Hyundai Elantra. Far and wide, it has stolen the show locally with a long wait list and an even longer list of satisfied owners. But is the Elantra just all flash and no substance? After spending two weeks back-to-back with the 1.6 GL MTand 1.8 GLS AT, all I could say is: the competition should be very afraid.

The long wait is finally over. After spending a total of eight test days under the sun, several weeks tallying score sheets, and countless sleepless nights in anticipation, it all boiled down to one special awards night as the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) hailed a new a successor to the Car of the Year title last March 29, 2012 at the 8th Manila International Auto Show (MIAS). Selecting through a total of 36 nominees and 11 finalists, the Hyundai Elantra is now the 2011 - 2012 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P).

The Hyundai Elantra stood out not only amongst the vehicles in its class, but also above the rest of the entries for this year's COTY-P. It ranked high in the Qualitative tests, where it was scored based on criteria such as aesthetics, comfort, and drivability, and was one of the top performers in the Technical test that evaluated the acceleration, braking, and handling characteristics of each vehicle, while offering great value for money. Presenting the award to the Hyundai Elantra once again proves that the title of Car of the Year Philippines is not for the fastest, cheapest, or most popular car in the market. Rather, it is an award for the car that offers best value to the consumers.

You can't start a year brighter than this: winning the North American Car and Truck of the Year. And for 2011, the honor has been bestowed on the Hyundai Elantra and the Range Rover Evoque (coincidentally, will be launched in Manila this Wednesday).

The Hyundai Elantra bested over 30 rivals including the Ford Focus. On the other hand, the Range Rover Evoque had to beat out the likes of the BMW X3 and even the all-new Honda CR-V.

For Hyundai, this is their second North American Car of the Year award. In 2009, the Genesis (the sedan and not the Coupe) trumped the competition. Last year, the Sonata was one of the three finalists. As for Range Rover (and its parent company, Land Rover), this is their first North American Truck of the Year Award.