Hyundai South Africa has launched an all-new Elantra compact sedan. As expected, the line-up includes 1.6- and 2.0-litre naturally aspirated derivatives, but also a 1.6-litre turbopetrol flagship. Herewith the specifications and pricing.

The Elantra has done well in our market: since winning the 2012 SA Car of the Year award, it has tallied up a substantial 14 722 sales. Now for 2017, there's an all-new model. The newcomer, which is available in 4 derivatives from launch, rivals the Ford Focus, Kia Cerato, Mazda3 and Toyota Corolla sedans. However, given its price, spec and performance, the flagship model has Honda Civic and upcoming Subaru Impreza in its sights.

The new Hyundai Elantra now boasts a performance flagship, equipped with a dual-clutch 'box and turbocharged engine.

Engines and Transmissions

The new Hyundai Elantra range starts with a base-spec 1.6-litre Executive, which is cheaper than the outgoing entry-level offering. It's powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol motor (with peak outputs of 94 kW and 154 Nm) and the derivativeis available with either a 6-speedmanual orautomatic transmission. This Executive is claimed to consume 6.5 L/100 km and 6.9 L/100 km for the manual and automatic respectively.

A 2.0-litre naturally aspirated motor with 115 kW and 195 Nm powers the mid-range Elite. This model is only available with a six-speed automatic transmission. It's a tad more thirsty as it returns a consumption figure of 8.3 L/100 km.

Finally, the new Elantra flagship model comes to market armed with a 1.6-litre 4-cylinder petrol turbopetrol motor mated with the Korean firm's 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. With peak outputs of 150 KW and 265 Nm on tap, this 1.6 Turbo Elite is said to be capable of accelerating from zero to 100 kph in7.7 seconds. It's the sportiest Elantra, but it's not the thirstiest; Hyundai claims it will consume 7.9 L/100 km.

Sharper lines, daytime running lights and sportier alloy wheels make the new Hyundai Elantra stand out a bit more

Specifications

The range is well specced and there are only minor differences between the trim levels. The Executive comes equipped with (manual) air-con, touchscreen infotainment system with RDS radio/satnav/MP3/Aux/iPod/USB, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, rear park assist, 16-inch alloys and leather seats. The Elite trim adds smart key push-button start, climate control, rain-sensing wipersand 17-inch alloys.

In terms of safety, the Hyundai Elantra range is well specified with ABS with EBD, 6 airbags, daytime running lights, central locking, ISOfix child seat mounting points, with the Elite models additionally fitted with an electronic stability programme.

The red trim may not be to everyone's tastes, but it gives the cabin a sporty feel. Fortunately, the car is sporty to drive too.

Hyundai Elantra prices in South Africa (June 2017)

The new Hyundai Elantra comes with a 5-year/150 000 km manufacturer's warranty, with an additional 2-year/50 000 km manufacturer powertrain warranty. Furthermore, there is roadside assistance for 5 years (or 150 000 km)and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. The intervals are15 000 km.

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