HYUNDAI will release a warmed-up version of its recently-launched AD-series Elantra small car in September, with the aim of slipping below the $30,000 barrier.

Based on the Avante Sport (pictured here) that has just been unveiled in the South Korean home market, the new Elantra SR will score a modified version of the 1.6-litre T-GDI four-cylinder turbo as found in the Hyundai Veloster SR Turbo, driving the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission.

However, one huge difference over the ageing oddball coupe is the ditching of the torsion beam rear end for an independent set-up, giving us a taste of what Hyundai’s long-awaited, next-generation, PD-series Hyundai i30 N hot hatch might handle and ride like.

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“We’ve had cars here for a couple of months for suspension tuning and we’re happy with the results,” he told Wheels. “The independent rear suspension gave the HMCA suspension team a bit more scope than a torsion beam and they’re confident they’ve nailed the compromise between engaging handling and comfortable ride.”

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Final variant features have yet to be divulged, but the availability of driver-assist tech like adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring is likely.

‘It’s too early to talk in detail about specifications and pricing,” Thomas said.

Meanwhile, a revised version of the existing GD-series i30 SR is also in the pipeline for a quarter three launch in Australia, gaining some of the interior upgrades found in the Elantra SR.

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