Is 2014 going to be the Year of the Small Sedan in New Zealand? OVERSTEER has been to the launch of two this week and there are at least a couple more to come this month, so just maybe it is… or maybe the manufacturers are just getting them out of the way early in the year.
Either way, Hyundai has just given its small sedan – the Elantra – a refresh. We take it for a bit of a spin and come away rather impressed.
What is it?
It is actually Hyundai’s best seller, in a global sense, that is. Hyundai’s Corolla, if you will.
While the small sedan segment is still only relatively tiny here, globally it is quite a significant market, with that Holy Grail of car markets – China – being particularly enamoured with booted versions of our ubiquitous small hatches.
The Series II Elantra is more of a slight refresh than a significant facelift, with the biggest changes coming under its still-fresh and attractive swooping skin.
On the outside the Elantra gains new front and rear bumpers, new headlights and taillights, new alloy wheel designs, a couple of new colours, new fog lamp design and electric folding mirrors.
On the inside it gets a new audio system and a new centre console design, while underneath it gets the latest version of Hyundai’s Flex Steer system and the latest “local” (designed in Australia, but with some NZ testing) suspension settings.
The entry-level Elantra comes standard with six airbags and a full compliment of safety electronics, while also boasting 16-inch alloy wheels, auxiliary and USB inputs with iPod compatibility, Bluetooth connectivity, cruise control, steering wheel mounted audio controls, Flex Steer and front fog lamps for an impressively low $35,990.
The Elite version adds a proximity key and push-button start/stop, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, rain sensing wipers, heated and 10-way adjustable electric front seats, automatic headlights, a touchscreen audio system and a reversing camera with front and rear sensors. The Elite drops in at $39,990.
The Elite Limited costs $43,990 and adds satellite navigation and a power sunroof to the Elite’s standard specification.
All models come equipped with Hyundai’s 110kW/176Nm 1.8-litre four-cylinder petrol engine hooked up to a six-speed automatic transmission.
What’s it like?
The Elantra was always an attractive, nicely inoffensive sedan that did everything competently, but didn’t really stand out from the pack.
The Series II upgrades have actually changed that to some degree, however, with the newest version of Flex Steer and the suspension upgrade actually adding a noticeable degree of sparkle to the Elantra’s on-road behaviour.
Previously Flex Steer has left us slightly cold, with its three weight settings all seeming slightly artificial and largely pointless. The version in the Elantra – while still largely artificial – actually brings a more realistic feel, especially in Sport mode, and a slightly sharper, more responsive attitude.
Add this to the excellent suspension upgrades and you have a small sedan that actually feels more alive and eager than it previously did, while the ride remains impressively smooth and unflustered.
What’s good about it?
The level of standard specification at every price point is impressive, as is the improvements to the suspension. Flex Steer seems far more impressive in the Elantra, while its looks are still sleek and handsome.
What’s not so good?
We are not completely sold on the new console design inside the car and there are still areas of cheap-looking hard plastics present.
First impressions?
The seemingly small tweaks Hyundai have chosen to make on the Series II Elantra have resulted in a surprisingly positive change to the small sedan.
It feels more eager and in involving on the road, without sacrificing anything in the way of comfort or practicality.
It has taken the Elantra from one that struggled to really stand out from the crowd to a truly compelling competitor in the small sedan segment.
Models/prices
1.8 – $35,990
1.8 Elite – $39,990
1.8 Elite Limited – $43,990
Powertrain
1.8-litre inline four-cylinder petrol producing 110kW/176Nm; six-speed automatic transmission; front-wheel drive
Fuel consumption: 7.1l/100km
CO2 emissions: 170g/km
Safety
ANCAP/EuroNCAP rating: 5 Star
Air bags: 6
Stability control: yes
Lap/diagonal belts: 5
You must be logged in to post a comment.