Extra polish adds shine to Elantra

The engine is smaller than previously, but the Elantra still gets along pretty well.

Known in the trade as an enhancement (which usually happens roughly every two year in a vehicle's life cycle), it generally makes a vehicle more attractive without changing it dramatically enough to impact too much on the resale of the "previous" model. Although not major, the latest "enhancements" are sufficient to elevate the Elantra to a more even footing with competitors such as the Toyota Corolla, Chevrolet Cruze, VW Jetta, Ford Focus, Honda Civic, and Kia Cerato.

No slouch on the road

In the process its 1.8 automatic model has given way to a 1.6 variant powered by the same engine as the manual version, both linked to a six-speed transmission. This engine produces 96kW and 157Nm, which doesn't seem overly impressive in print but is sufficient to give the manual enough go for a 0-100km/h dash in 10,1 seconds and for the automatic model to do it in 11,6 seconds and to record top speeds of 200km/h and 195km/h respectively.

The Elantra carries a full-sized spare wheel stored under the floor of its 485-litre luggage compartment.

Hyundai claims a combined fuel consumption of 6,4-litres/100km for the manual and 6,9-litres/100km for the auto and emissions of 152g/km and 163g/km respectively.

At the media launch of the enhanced model, we only got to drive the manual version which felt lively enough with a noticeable improvement in steering and ride comfort, thanks to suspension tweaks. The new Motor Drive Power Steering (MDPS) doesn't impact too much, although it does adapt to driving situations, such as city driving and parking in tight spots, or faster driving through sweeping curves on the open road.

Improved cabin insulation

The latest Elantra is shod with 17-inch alloys (the previous model had 16-inch steel rims) and the larger wheels do make their presence felt when the road becomes uneven, particularly as the cabin insulation is not the best in this class (although it is better than on the previous model).

The audio system is new and now has integrated Bluetooth.

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The new Elantra is slightly longer than the outgoing version, thanks mainly to a newly designed front bumper. Small changes have also been made to the designs of the radiator grille and headlights.

More cheerful

The living quarters have also been upgraded and cheered up with interior refinements such as the re-positioning of air-conditioning vents and controls, the addition of a new audio system with integrated Bluetooth, a redesigned climate control interface, the addition of electric folding side mirrors and a new "auto-up" for the driver's window.

The living quarters are spacious and comfortable.

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Other standard features include "escort" headlamps that remain turned on for 30 seconds after the driver leaves the car, an auto defogging system, and rear park assistance sensors.

Not that many bags, but safety features to keep you safe

The Elantra only has front airbags, but other safety features include seatbelt pre-tensioners, ISOFIX child seat anchors, ABS brakes with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist (BA).

The new Elantra is slightly longer than the outgoing version, thanks mainly to a newly designed front bumper.

The Elantra carries a full-sized spare wheel stored under the floor of its 485-litre luggage compartment. This, along with a spacious, comfortable cabin, good ride quality, its competitive price tag, good warranty and overall value for money, once again underlines why close on 12,500 Elantras have been sold since it first went on sale in this country. (Globally it has sold about 8,77-million since 1990). The car 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 -the first Korean car to win the local title.

The prices of the two new Elantra variants (which include a five-year/150,000km warranty, five-year/150,000km Roadside Assistance and a five-year/90,000km service plan) are:

Specifications

2014 Hyundai Elantra Review and Test Drive by Heather Tyson for the Car Pro

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