ALL-NEW HYUNDAI ELANTRA COULD TOPPLE COROLLA

In the new Elantra, Hyundai has found what’s possibly its most attractive proposition, not only in terms of value, but also because it looks so damn good. Yes there are glaring hints that it may somehow be related to the Sonata, those Chris Banglesque convex and concave lines stare at your face instantly. I reckon its competitors have some serious sleepless nights straight ahead.

Hyundai calls its design language “fluidic sculpture”, but we prefer referring to it as “the legacy that Bangle left the motor industry”. Not many cars in this segment are beautiful to look at, some manufacturers like their cars to stand out from the crowd in the same way as the guy who blows a vuvuzela at a football match. This company however, is on the up, it wants to be the most loved car company in the world within the next five years. Therefore design is very important to them. To this fifth-generation Elantra too. Globally they’ve sold over 6 million of the previous 5, so there’s a lot to live up to.

Had it not been for the lacklustre engine, this car would be a new segment favourite for us. Alas, natural aspiration came in the way. The new Nu 1.8-litre MPI D-CVVT mouthful engine delivers a suitable 110kW at 6500rpm, with peak torque of 178Nm coming in at 4700rpm. Smaller than a 2.0-litre yes, more power also yes, but response a little disappointing. Witness the 0 – 100km/h time of 10.2 seconds and 9.3 seconds for automatic and manual. Not fit to take on the smaller turbos out there, that’s for sure, especially in Gauteng. An even less powerful 1.6-litre is offered too, with its maximum thrust pegged at only 96kW at 6300rpm, and peak torque of 157Nm at 4850rpm.

The 1.8 we drove promised buzz but only managed to dish out a little cough on the open road. If you are after some spunk in your life, the Elantra is not the place to find it from. It’s the same trick missed by Chevrolet with the Cruze 1.8 LT, and leaves me suspecting that the claimed 6.5 and 7.1 litres per 100km fuel consumption for the 6-speed manual and automatic respectively, are a little too optimistic. A turbo diesel would be a great option for later.

Other than that, Hyundai made sure buyers aren’t left wanting for features. I’ll start with the exterior, which covers a space of 4.5 metres in length, 1.78m width and 1.4m in height. Although lower, the company says headroom was not compromised. Factory-fitted wheels are steel rims of 6.0Jx15” size for the 1.6, wearing 195/ 65 R15 tyres. The 1.8 models are obviously higher specced with 17-inch alloys and 215/ 45 R17 rubber. Front fog lights are standard in all three models, as well automatic door locking at over 15km/h, remote central locking, keyless entry and rain sensors. Our launch car also had parking sensors but it seems they waited for quite a while before warning of an imminent bump.

The interior is nicely stacked out with features like USB port, an auxiliary music connection, a trip information meter display, electric side mirrors, and others. Dual split air conditioning is also included in the listed price for all models. Interior ambience is inviting, comfortable and a pleasant place to be.

The new Hyundai Elantra must challenge cars like the ruling Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic sedan, Chevrolet Cruze, Mazda3, new Ford Focus sedan and the new Volkswagen Jetta. Because Hyundai generally supplies full features and very few options on their cars, then prices them below competitors, the Elantra could very well become the new sales leader in its segment. Not that its competitors will ever find out though, as its SA importers don’t report to their peers how many cars they sell.

Hyundai Elantra Pricing

1.6 GLS (R186 900)

1.8 GLS manual (R214 900)

1.8 GLS automatic (R224 900)