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Hyundai’s big winner is back

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The Elantra has been a hot favourite in the local compact sedan segment and Travel Torque’s Melinda Ferguson puts it to the test.

I am always amazed how brands evolve.

Once regarded as a poor cousin of Japanese manufacturers like Toyota and Nissan, over the last decade, Korean brand Hyundai has become synonymous locally with quality and style.

Regularly nominated for Car of the Year, the Elantra was Hyundai’s big winner in 2012 when it revved home with the local title.

Now the new Elantra is here to see if it can win over the highly contested compact sedan segment amongst the likes of the Honda Civic, Kia Cerato, VW Jetta and the Toyota Corolla.

Looks-wise the new upmarket Elantra definitely rises to the occasion with its more aggressive sporty wheels and prominent exhaust tips.

Exciting news is that there’s a big selection of transmissions on offer across the range: a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic and the top of the range gets an impressive seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

I got to test drive the new 1.6-litre turbopetrol flagship, the 1.6 Turbo Elite Sport for a few days in Joburg recently.

As I clocked up mileage I had to remind myself I was in an Elantra.

With 150kW of power and 265Nm Torque I was truly taken aback by its sporty performance, from an engine that’s been borrowed from the much underrated Veloster Turbo.

The seven-speed DCT box seamlessly channelled power and I had even more fun when I switched to manual, via the steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifts to enjoy some sporty acceleration.

While I sped around town I got to appreciate the much improved upmarket cabin, especially the maroon leather seats with red trim on the steering, that added to the feel of luxury.

The new touch-screen infotainment system with satnav and Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary and USB ports was simple to use and added to the overall aesthetic.

Especially impressive is the level of specification including cruise control and rear park assist while safety is right on target with six airbags and ISOfix child seat mounting points.

I am now ashamed to admit that when I received an invitation a few weeks earlier to spend a night at the swanky Palazzo hotel at Montecasino, in Fourways, I had secretly wished I could rock up in a high powered German brand.

But the sporty, upmarket Elantra felt right at home parked among much more pricy wheels.

Sadly I had to leave for the airport next morning pre-dawn before I could experience the legendary breakfast in the hotel’s flagship restaurant, Medeo.

But I will be back.

Pulling out of what looked like millionaire mile in the hotel parking lot in my Korean steed, as I headed off for ORT, just 20 minutes away, it was as clear as the fast approaching day, that given its performance, price and specs, more premium badged rivals have a lot to worry about now that the new Elantra has returned.

Rating: 4 stars

Price: From R299 900

Melinda Ferguson
Motoring journalist
City Press
p:0117139001
w:www.citypress.co.za  e: melindafergusonwriter@gmail.com
      
 
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