Hyundai Elantra driving review
Hyundai updated the award-winning Elantra with the aim to further strengthen this model’s presence in one of the most competitive market segments. The Hyundai Elantra has been upgraded with a slightly new design so don’t worry, it still looks very similar to its predecessor and it still has it’s spaciousness and safety that helped the Elantra win in its segment.
Since the first-generation Hyundai Elantra was launched in 1990, the model accumulated global sales exceeding 8,77 million units. 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 awards.
The present model, launched in 2011 in South Africa, has now received all-new front and rear exterior designs, along with interior styling upgrades. The “fluidic sculpture” design language that was first adopted by Hyundai for its popular ix35 SUV and the flagship Sonata sedan was also used to create the Elantra. That design has now been complemented by several exterior styling refinements.
Exterior enhancements in the 2014 Elantra include:
New 17″ alloy wheels on the 2014 Elantra replace the 16″ steel rims; a new headlight design, new front fog lights design, a chrome belt line moulding, a new front grille and redesigned front and rear bumpers.
Interior and convenience enhancements in the 2014 Elantra include:
A new audio system with integrated Bluetooth, a redesigned climate control interface, a new straight pull automatic transmission selector with a leather boot and increased height of centre armrest. The air vents on the dashboard have also been repositioned after customers complained of air blowing directly on to the steering wheel and therefore their hands, it now also has a shut-off function. The addition of electric folding side mirrors and auto-up for the driver’s window with a safety function is also new.
The 1,6 petrol engine is unchanged and produces 96kW and 157Nm. It’s not the quickest engine out there that is for sure but it is quiet! It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. An auto is available as an option for an extra R15 00. The fuel consumption is impressive with a claimed figure of 6,4L/100 km. But on our drive around the Cape at the launch this week, we managed 7,3 l/100km. Still impressive.
I can see this car appealing to young families. It is refined enough and the ride is smooth and comfortable. It isn’t meant to be an exciting car, so if you are looking for safety, reliability and comfort, you won’t go wrong with this enhanced Elantra.
Included in the price of the 2014 Elantra is Hyundai’s 5 year/150 000 km Warranty, with 5 year/150 000Km Roadside Assistance adding further peace of mind. A 5 year/90 000 km service plan is also part of the standard package. Service intervals are 15 000 km.
Elantra 1.6 Premium (manual) R247 900
Elantra 1.6 Premium (automatic) R262 900