Motoring journalists got a first-hand opportunity to experience the updated Elantra after extensive design upgrades which include several innovations topped with a roomy interior.
Since the first Hyundai Elantra was launched in 1990, the model had global sales exceeding 8,77 million units, also winning coveted awards including the 2012 North American Car of the Year and a popular winner of the 2012 South African Car of the Year from the SA Guild of Motoring Journalists.
"The Hyundai Elantra was the first Korean car to win the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists Car of the Year Award, and deservedly so. It is a car with qualities and standard features that makes it a very competent competitor in its segment. The excellent ergonomics of its interior design, outstanding exterior looks and the roomy cabin and luggage area make for a perfect compact family sedan. It is also a pleasant drive," says Stanley Anderson, marketing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa.
An effortless and intuitive drive as well as comfort can be agreed as we experienced both during the launch in the Western Cape and my co-driver expressed total admiration for the gearbox. Since Gerry Gericke is a prize-winning and experienced rally driver who has driven the Monaco Rally and several others, I agree totally!
ALL-NEW LOOK
Getting an eyeful of the new model had me reaching for the camera and almost missing the business presentation. The Elantra lived up to its billing and the new model has all-new front and rear exterior in accordance with Huyndai's
'fluidic sculpture' design language as known from other models.
The enhanced Elantra has an overall length of 4 550mm, 20mm longer than the previous model, while its wheelbase remains the same. With front and rear bumpers extended by 5mm and 15mm respectively, the refreshed Elantra looks well balanced and this impression was validated during a pleasant and particularly scenic drive.
Other exterior changes are: 17" alloy wheels, new headlight design, new front fog light design; chrome belt line moulding, a new front grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers.
Inside, the Elantra is roomy with neat finishes and storage compartments that open and close effortlessly - all adding up to an impression of good quality. The instruments and information dials were also neat, clear and logical in layout.
The convenience enhancements include a new audio system with integrated Bluetooth, redesigned climate control interface and a new leather covered straight pull automatic transmission selector and electric folding side mirrors.
ENGINE
The lightweight, all-aluminium 1,6-litre Gamma MPI four-cylinder engine is used for the 2014 Elantra, equipped with D-CVVT
to boost power output of 96kW at 6 300r/min. and allow lower exhaust emissions while delivering class-leading fuel economy. Peak torque delivery is 157 Nm at 4 850r/min.
Fuel consumption of 6,4-litres per 100km has been measured officially for the manual transmission derivative, while the automatic version recorded 6,9-litres per 100km in a combined (urban and open, rural roads) test cycle. The CO² emissions are 15g/km and 163g/km respectively for the manual and automatic derivatives.
Hyundai's commitment to making the Elantra
fuel-efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control or a standard six-speed manual transmission. Developed and manufactured by Hyundai, the six-speed automatic transmission is designed for smaller to mid-sized passenger cars. The automatic transmission is small, compact and light and the manufacturer is one of three global car manufacturers with its own six-speed automatic transmission layout.
Acceleration from 0 to 100km/h is said to take 10,1sec in the manual version, while automatic derivative accelerates in 11,6sec to 100km/h. Published top speeds are 200 and 195km/h respectively.
SAFETY
Standard safety features include safety escort headlamps that stay on for 30secs after the driver leaves the car, an auto defogging system and rear park assistance sensors.
There are airbags for the driver and front passenger with ultra-high tensile steel to reinforce safety-critical areas of the car's structure as well as hot-stamping technology to maximise body rigidity of the side structures.
An Advanced Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist forms part of the Elantra's active safety system.
SUMMARY
The conclusion at the end of the launch was that the car feels safe and handles well - thanks to improvement on the steering being more responsive than before. The Elantra belongs on the wish list of the buyer looking for at value for money as there are many features included in the price.
Included in the price of the 2014 Elantra is Hyundai's five year or 150 000km warranty, with five year or 150 000km roadside assistance. A five year or 90 000km service plan is also standard. Service intervals are at 15 000km. The prices of the two Hyundai Elantra derivatives are: Elantra 1,6 Premium (manual) R247 900 and Elantra 1,6 Premium (automatic) R262 900.
Huyndai's 'fluidic sculpture' design language is evident in the refreshed Elantra. Photos: Anica Krüger
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