Is the Lingdong the same as the Elantra?
2 Answers
Lingdong and Elantra are not the same car. The main differences between them are as follows: 1. Different engines: The Lingdong is equipped with a GDi engine; the Elantra uses a G4ED engine. 2. Different transmissions: The Lingdong has a manual continuously variable dual-clutch transmission; the Elantra has a continuously variable dual-clutch transmission. 3. Different features: Under the influence of direct injection technology, the Lingdong 1.6L model provides a maximum output power of 95.3Kw. At the same time, the abundant power does not affect fuel consumption. After tests on different road conditions such as urban congestion, high-speed cruising, and mountain roads, the Lingdong 1.6L model's fuel consumption per 100 kilometers is less than 6L. The Elantra adopts a front MacPherson and rear multi-link suspension system, also equipped with pneumatic shock absorbers, tuned to be relatively soft, offering first-class comfort. When driving on ordinary roads, road vibrations are filtered out cleanly, and cabin noise reduction is also well done, so the overall ride comfort can fully rival that of a higher-level mid-size sedan.
I once bought a used Lingdong and only realized after driving it for a few years that it was actually an Elantra, just with a different name. Hyundai named the seventh-generation Elantra as Lingdong in the Chinese market, while it was still called Elantra elsewhere. The car's engine and chassis are exactly the same, with a 1.6L naturally aspirated engine delivering smooth power and fuel consumption as low as around 6L per 100km, making it quite suitable for family use. The maintenance parts are also interchangeable, so there's no need to distinguish between the names. Later, the new Elantra reverted to its original name, but the older Lingdong still drives just as well. It's similar to how the Honda Civic is called the Civic overseas—manufacturers prefer localized marketing, but the core remains unchanged. When buying used cars, it's common to encounter owners confusing the names, but there's really no need to dwell on the name. What matters most is the car's condition and maintenance records. The one I drove had over 100,000 kilometers without any major repairs, proving its solid reliability.
