Although the Hyundai Elantra nameplate has become a familiar one, it's seldom been used in the same sentence as the class leaders in the compact sedan segment. An affordable and trusty choice it might have been, it just strayed too far from the cutting edge when it came to technology, visual appeal and interior finish.
Now it's time to forget everything you think you know about the Hyundai Elantra. The fifth-generation has just been launched in South Africa and this one is bound to ruffle a few feathers.
For starters, this one's actually good to look at. With its squat, coupe-like side profile, pronounced character lines and swept-back headlights and taillights, it's a refreshing and somewhat sporty design that is arguably the best interpretation to date of Hyundai's 'fluidic sculpture' design theme.
The elaborate design continues on the inside, but I can't help but feel that the dashboard design is a bit too busy. On the upside, the construction and tactile quality is as good, or better, than anything from Japan and there's no shortage of space for five occupants.
Equally compelling is the Elantra's two powertrain choices, although the range is limited to petrol power for now. The most affordable option is an improved version of the familiar 1.6-litre 'Gamma' motor, which is very well endowed for its size with outputs of 96kW at 6300rpm and 157Nm at 4850rpm.
The flagship Elantra is fitted with a brand new 1.8-litre engine with dual continuously variable valve timing and outputs of 110kW at 6500rpm and 178Nm at 4700rpm. Hyundai claims that this engine is 18 percent more fuel efficient than the 2-litre Beta engine it replaces, with a claimed combined figure of 6.5 litres per 100km. In fact, it's not much thirstier than the 1.6, which sips 6.1 l/100km.
Both motors are paired with a six-speed manual transmission, although the 1.8 is also available with a six-speed autobox with a manual shifting function.
I experienced the new Elantra on a combination of highway and winding mountain roads in the Western Cape, although only the 1.8-litre version was available to drive. This car proved pleasant and painless to operate in every sense. The engine is punchy, albeit needing a good workout to extract its best, the pedals are light and well spaced and the gearshift is smooth.
It's a neat handler through the twisties and provides a compliant ride quality. It's not quite up there with class leaders like the Golf and Focus when it comes to steering feel and feedback or overall agility for that matter, but the Elantra offers enough to please all but the most enthusiastic of drivers. Its target market, instead, will appreciate its quiet cabin and strong feeling of overall refinement.
Despite the strides that this car has made, Hyundai has still managed to price it below mainstream level, with the 1.6 coming out well below the R200 000 mark and the 1.8 basically selling for the price of lesser-equipped 1.6-litre rivals.
Both versions are very well equipped, with dual-zone climate control, four-speaker MP3/CD radio with USB input and steering wheel controls, automatic windscreen wipers, electric windows and mirrors and a trip computer all included in the price. While the 1.8 does add niceties like alloy wheels and side and curtain airbags to the equation, the 1.6 GLS still makes more sense in our book, at R28 000 less.
As we’ve come to expect from Hyundai these days, there is good aftersales cover, with a warranty and roadside assistance valid for five-years or 150 000km and a service plan for five years or 90 000km.
PRICING:
1.6 GLS - R186 900
1.8 GLS - R214 900
1.8 GLS A/T - R224 900