Hyundai South Africa is releasing the new Elantra model in June this year. This compact family vehicle will boast exciting improvements and will also be available in a 1.6-liter turbo-petrol model. Hyundai’s Elantra is surely the brand’s most famous sedan in South Africa. Even with various competitors – such as the Kia Cerato, Honda Civic, upgraded Corolla and a range of new crossovers – the Elantra will no-doubt impress the local market once again with these noteworthy improvements. We look at those improvements:
The new Elantra sports front wheel “air curtains” at either side of the anterior bumper. This evidently helps reduce turbulence and wind resistance by redirecting airflow around the wheels. The 6th generation Elantra also struts a welcomed 20mm length, 25mm width and 5mm height increase. Additionally the slim, brushed back headlights, include LED daytime-running lights.
The efficiently designed exterior is underscored with decisive character lines along the body and an impressive 0.27 drag coefficient. This is ascribed to the strategic placement of its underbody covers, longer boot lid and a lower bumper spoiler. Local variants are said to be available with 16” or 17” alloy rims.
Markets abroad enjoy chrome beltline-moulding, LED combination rear lights, automatic folding exterior mirrors and courtesy lights on the front door handles in the top-of-the-range models. It is still uncertain whether South African releases will include such options.
With the increased outer-dimensions – the Elantra has an additional 7mm of front and 12mm of rear shoulder room, up to 4mm of extra headroom and an outstanding 59mm more rear legroom.
The interior experience also enjoys improvements with metallic-painted trims and dashboard, as well as air vent encloses with an appealing alloy-look. Additionally the new Elantra has an appreciated 7-degree angled center-stack, towards the driver’s side. High-end models could include high-gloss piano black trimmings around the radio, air-vents and climate control, as well as an innovative sliding armrest at the center-front of the vehicle.
Hyundai South Africa has however confirmed that local models will be available with a touchscreen infotainment system. This offer will also include USB and auxiliary outlets, MP3 and Bluetooth capabilities and audio streaming. Excitingly, the local market can also expect a multi-function steering wheel for easier and safer control of the audio system, cruise control and hands-free dialing.
A range of exciting features will be offered, such as leather furnishings and automatic windscreen defogger (for dual-zone climate control) to be seen in the flagship models. Other features include rear-parking assist (with a reverse-view camera), automatic-activation headlights and self-dipping mirror, keyless entry, backseat cooling vents, rain-sensing wipers and a 3.5-inch information-cluster.
The new Hyundai Elantra has considerably improved contortion-rigidity, due to the innovative and finer implementation of aerospace-derived structural fastenings and high-intensity steel. This also reduces NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression, increases passenger safety and refined vehicle kinetics.
Furthermore, the suspension on the new Elantra will also enjoy exciting improvements for a more refined driving experience. The rear suspension’s torsion-beam axle boasts vertical and longer dampers, as well as repositioned coil-springs. The front suspension features a new sub-frame – geometrically engineered to optimally target NVH properties.
Although the Elantra’s safety specifications are to be confirmed for the South African market, local derivatives are expected to have to following features standard in the local derivatives. Front, curtain and side airbags (six in total), Hill Start Assist (HAC), electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), traction control (TCS), electronic stability control (ESC), vehicle stability management (VSM), brake assist (BAS) and ABS (anti-lock) brakes.
The entry-level Elantra’s can kick up 96 kW at 157 Nm of torque. The other variants will be offered with the 2.0-liter Nu MPi petrol engine or a 1.6T GDI turbo-petrol engine. Both are four-cylinder engines and can produce 196 Nm at 4000rpm and 115kW; and 130 kW at 265 Nm of torque, respectively. The 2.0-liter engine has a two-step-variable induction system and dual continuous-variable valve timing. Both engine types will be available with either a manual or automatic 6-speed transmission and the 1.6-liter turbo engine may be made available with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
To top it off – The Sport model might enter the local market too. This energetic vehicle features a Veloster Turbo (consisting of a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine with direct injection, that can produce 150kW at 265Nm of torque), combined with a paddle-shift, dual-clutch transmission. The Sport is an attractive car with 18” alloy rims, black-framed grille and brawny front bumper, LED headlights and larger air-intake vents. Most excitingly – it also features a multi-link rear-suspension and an 18 mm reduced ride-height. This derivative also offers revised speed-sensitive electronic power steering; improved anterior brakes and twin exhaust ends.
It is still unclear whether the South African market will see this version, but we certainly hope so. It would be a welcomed and most likely enjoyed tyro to the local market – well built, refined and once again an impressive vehicle from Hyundai.
