New enhanced Elantra good to go
IT'S a tough new car market at the moment and those companies that do not have new products to offer motorists are feeling the pinch. Not so for Hyundai Automotive South Africa which, since inception, has established a network of more than 100 dealerships – and a very loyal brand following – in Southern Africa.
And recognising the very competitive market, the company last week launched the enhanced 2014 Elantra – incorporating a refreshed design and improved product features – with the aim to further strengthen this award-winning model's presence in one of the toughest market segments.
Yet again, Hyundai has a vehicle that meets the demands of the cash-strapped motorist.
A host of new features have been added, while maintaining the roominess, warranty and safety that has helped the Elantra be a winner in its segment.
The Elantra has also won a series of coveted awards, including the 2012 North American Car of the Year and 2012 South African Car of the Year.
The present model, launched in 2011 in South Africa, has now received all-new front and rear exterior designs, along with interior styling upgrades.
Powering the vehicle is a lightweight, all-aluminium 1,6 litre Gamma MPI four-cylinder engine equipped with D-CVVT to boost power output of 96kW at 6300rpm and allow lower exhaust emissions while delivering class-leading fuel economy. Peak torque delivery is 157Nm at 4850rpm.
Fuel consumption of 6.4 litres/100km has been measured officially for the manual transmission derivative, while the automatic version recorded 6.9 litres/100km in a combined (urban and open, rural roads) test cycle. CO2emissions are 152g/km and 163g/km respectively for the manual and automatic derivatives.
Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h takes 10.1 seconds in the manual version, while the automatic accelerates in 11.6 seconds to 100km/h. Top speeds are 200 and 195km/h respectively.
On the road we found the suspension and steering components of the Elantra permits more precise tuning of the final ride and handling settings.
The Motor Drive Power Steering (MDPS) eliminates the use of hydraulics of a conventional power steering system and delivers varying degrees of power assistance.
It adapts itself to driving situations, such as city driving and parking in tight spots, or faster driving through sweeping curves on the open road.
The other benefit is that it helps save fuel.
Included in the price is a five-year/150000km warranty, with five-year/150000km roadside assistance.
A five-year/90000km service plan is also part of the standard package. Service intervals are 15000km.
Prices are:
1.6 Premium (manual) R247900.
1.6 Premium (automatic) R262900.
- Bobby Cheetham
