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RPM TV Website | March 25, 2024

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Turbo urge boosts appeal of new-generation Hyundai Elantra

Turbo urge boosts appeal of new-generation Hyundai Elantra
Deon Schoeman

Hyundai’s popular Elantra compact sedan has a lot going for it – including decent spec, good comfort levels and strong value. But thrilling dynamics have never been part of the package.

The Korean marque hopes to change that with the advent of an all-new Elantra range, which includes an unmistakably sporty, turbocharged flagship. It heads up a four-model range that offers a completely new design, a lighter and stiffer chassis, and upmarket interiors.

The turbocharged Elantra 1.6 TGDI Elite Sport borrows the direct-injected, turbocharged 1,6-litre engine of the peppy Hyundai Veloster, as well as that car’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. It also gets a bespoke multi-link rear suspension.

Add a more aggressive styling pack, and bigger wheels with fatter rubber, and the result is a sedan that not only offers real brio, but has the visual muscle to match.

The Elantra Sport’s 1 591 cc four-cylinder mill uses direct injection and forced induction to deliver 150 kW of maximum power at 6 000 rpm, combined with a torque peak of 265 Nm, sustained between just 1 500 and 4 500 rpm.

The seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox allows manual gear changes using shift paddles, while shift characteristics can be adapted via a drive mode selector offering eco, normal and sport settings.

Hyundai claims a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 7,7 seconds, and a 210 km/h top speed – statistics that aren’t exactly tar-burning, but do suggest ample get-up-and-go. Combined cycle fuel consumption is a claimed 7,9 litres/100 km.

The new Elantra’s cabin is a big step forward from the previous generation. An 8-inch touchscreen is at the heart of the standard infotainment system that’s standard across the range, and includes satnav, Bluetooth and MirrorLink for Android and iOS devices.

Leather upholstery is another range-wide standard feature, and standard equipment levels are comprehensive: electric windows and mirrors, air-con, USB, cruise control and rear park assist are included across the range, while Elite versions gain climate control, rain sensors and keyless starting.

The Sport gets some exclusive extras, including a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red upholstery and red stitching.

The new Hyundai Elantra range consists of petrol-powered models only, and starts off with the 1.6 Executive model, offered with a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic gearboxes. The normally aspirated 1 591 cc petrol engine links 95 kW of power to 154 Nm of torque.

Next up is the 2.0 Elite AT, which is powered by a 1 991 cc four-cylinder petrol good for 115 kW and 195 Nm. It’s only available with a six-speed auto gearbox. The turbocharged 1.6 TGDI Elite Sport completes the four-model line-up.

Pricing:
Elantra 1.6 Executive (manual)   R299 900
Elantra 1.6 Executive (auto)       R314 900
Elantra 2.0 Elite (auto)                R349 900
Elantra 1.6 TGDI Elite DCT        R399 900

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