Hyundai brings back Trophy models

HYUNDAI has introduced limited-edition Trophy variants of its top-selling i30, Elantra and ix35 models that get extra comfort features and drive-away pricing.

The range kicks off from $21,490 drive-away for the i30 petrol manual ($2500 extra for the automatic), while the diesel manual starts at $24,790 and tops out at $27,290 for the oil-burner in automatic guise.

Based on the entry-level i30 Active variants of each model, the Trophy adds electric folding external mirrors with built-in LED indicators, leather-appointed seats, a premium steering wheel and gear shift knob and five 16-inch double spoke alloy wheels.

Hyundai’s Series II Elantra sedan, which launched this month, also gets the Trophy treatment, gaining the same luxury additions as its i30 hatch sibling.

Pricing for the Elantra Trophy also starts at $21,490 drive-away for the manual and $23,990 for the auto, marking a premium of $500 and $800 respectively over the regular Active variants.

Hyundai’s recently updated ix35 compact SUV is also offered in Trophy guise for an $1800 premium over the regular Active 2.0-litre two-wheel drive petrol automatic at $30,990 drive-away.

Additions to the ix35 Trophy include front fog-lights, dusk-sensing headlights, electric folding mirrors, a unique bumper treatment and 17-inch five triple-spoke alloy wheels.

In the cabin, the newly refreshed SUV gains a cooled glove-box, rear tinted windows, heated front and rear seats, leather appointed seats, premium steering wheel and gear shift knob and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror with built-in reversing camera.

Metallic paint on the i30 and Elantra adds a further $495, while opting for the premium paint on the ix35 lifts the price by $595.

This is not the first time Hyundai has offered limited edition Trophy variants, with the previous-generation i30 carrying the moniker at least twice in its life-cycle.

The South Korean car-maker has also updated its mid-size i40 range with the addition of ‘Smart Tailgate’ function that allows hands-free operation of the tailgate for the Tourer in Premium guise only.

The function operates when the user, holding the vehicle’s key, stands between 50 and 100cm behind the tailgate for three or more seconds.

This then prompts the system to open the electric tailgate, with an alarm sounding and the hazard lights flashing as an additional safety measure.

Further additions to the i40 range include Hyundai’s Drive Mode Select that allows drivers to choose a particular drive feel, depending on their preferences. The modes include Normal for everyday driving, Eco which tweaks the automatic transmission shift points for optimal fuel efficiency and Sports mode which delays the shift points and reduces steering assistance for a sportier feel.

New alloy wheel designs are also available and Hyundai has not altered the pricing which kicks off from $29,990 plus on-road costs for the manual sedan in Active guise, while the top-spec Premium Tourer auto is priced from $47,590.