Hyundai updates Elantra small sedan range
BY ROBBIE WALLIS | 13th Dec 2018
HYUNDAI Motor Company Australia (HMCA) has given its Elantra small sedan range a major update with refreshed styling, new equipment, revised pricing and a new entry-level Go variant first introduced on other Hyundai model lines.
While the $21,950 before on-roads Active manual used to open the range, the Go now undercuts it at $21,490 with the six-speed manual, rising to $24,250 for the six-speed automatic. The Active, now offered only with the auto, moves further upstream at $25,990.
The penultimate Elite trim level has been deleted, while the top-spec SR variant with the 1.6-litre turbocharged engine has been split into two new variants, Sport and Sport Premium.
Pricing for Sport and Sport Premium have yet to be released, however buyers should expect an asking price ranging from the high-$20,000 to mid-$30,000 mark.
The Go and Active are on sale now, while the Sport and Sport Premium are expected to come on stream in the next month or two.
The Go and Active are on sale now, while the Sport and Sport Premium are expected to come on stream in the next month or two.
Styling has been overhauled for the refreshed model, with edgy triangular headlights replacing the more rounded lights of its predecessor, while the grille and front bumper have also been given a more angular look.
At the rear, the tail-lights are also more angular with a squared-off boot lid and ‘Elantra’ badging taking place of the number plate, which has been moved to below the boot. New wheel designs are available for 2019, including 10-spoke covers for the Go’s 15-inch steel wheels and new 16-inch hoops for Active.
The interior has also been lightly tweaked with redesigned air-conditioning vents and dials, a new steering wheel, and a 3.5-inch instrument cluster display.
Powertrains carry over from the outgoing range, with Go and Active versions powered by a 2.0-litre aspirated petrol engine developing 112kW and 192Nm, while Sport and Sport Premium use the 1.6-litre turbo-petrol unit pumping out 150kW/265Nm paired to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
As an entry-level variant, HMCA has aimed to maximise value for money with the Go, including standard specification such as six airbags, automatic headlights, daytime running lights, reversing camera, full-size spare wheel, cruise control, tinted power windows, tilt and reach steering wheel adjustment, and a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The Active builds on the specification of the Go and adds 16-inch alloys, an 8.0-inch infotainment system with satellite navigation, DAB+ digital radio and an Infinity sound system, rear parking sensors, power folding exterior mirrors with LED lights, vanity mirror lights, and a leather-appointed steering wheel and gear knob.
HMCA is yet to detail the specification of the Sport and Sport Premium.
Automatic versions of both the Go and Active will be optionally available with the $1700 SmartSense active safety package, which includes forward collision warning, blind spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, active cruise control, lane keep assist and driver attention alert. Go versions also score the power folding mirrors that are standard on Active.
Metallic paint is the only other available option, which costs $495 across all variants.
Like other Hyundai models, the Elantra comes with an Australian-specific suspension and handling tune for a more compliant ride quality.
With one month left in 2018, Hyundai has sold 3615 examples of the Elantra, a significant 31.1 per cent slide compared to the 5246 it sold over the same period last year.
It trails the leaders in the small car segment such as the Toyota Corolla (33,009), Mazda3 (28,780) and its mechanically related i30 stablemate (26,416).
2018 Hyundai Elantra pricing*
| Go | $21,490 |
| Go (a) | $23,790 |
| Active (a) | $25,990 |
*Excludes on-road costs
