Reviews
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Hyundai Australia’s first sporting four-door demonstrates the power of persuasive tuning.
WHAT IS IT? The ‘warm-sedan’ sporty flagship of the 2016 AD Hyundai Elantra line, complete with a development of the 1.6-litre direct-injection turbo-petrol four that powers the Veloster coupe. But this is more than just an engine transplant. Proper multi-link independent rear suspension and a host of go-fast goodies promise a wolf in sheep-wearing-trainers clothing.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT? Presented with one of the most challenging (bitumen) drive loops you’ll find anywhere in the world – east from Albury airport via Anglers Rest, then down then coast to Bairnsdale – the Elantra SR Turbo carries a lot of weight on its shoulders. And that includes the DNA for next year’s new-generation Hyundai i30 SR warm hatch and i30 N hot hatch.
MAIN RIVALS Anything with a semi-sporting bent, including trusted steeds like the Mazda 3 SP25 and all-new, similarly priced metal like Holden’s 147kW Astra RS. Can’t forget the Honda Civic RS either, though it shoots itself in the foot somewhat by only being available with a CVT transmission.
PLUS: Excellent rear suspension; terrific chassis balance; polished ride; boosted engine’s strong mid-range; neat steering wheel; rear-seat legroom; boot space. MINUS: Still a very conservative design; front seats don’t go low enough; manual lacks the DCT’s sports steering tune; steering response not decisive enough off-centre
THE WHEELS REVIEW THERE’S a strong chance that if you’ve ever considered buying a performance sedan, you’ve never considered a Hyundai Elantra. Across six generations spanning 25 years, there’s never been one worthy enough. Until now.
More consistent control of boost pressure means the Elantra SR’s revised donk achieves optimum boost earlier, and can maintain boost pressure without fluctuation. And the result is a seriously chubby engine for a ‘warm sedan’, with an impressively fit and thrummy mid-range making up for any lack of elasticity in the top-end.
Terrific new six-speed manual shift too – also set to feature in next year’s new-gen i30 SR and Hyundai i30 N hatches – though possibly a little too gappy between second and third ratios. If you want really snappy gearing, you’ll need an extra $2300 for the seven-speed dual-clutch version, though the engine’s torque reserves keep the Elantra SR charging strongly.
Its steering lacks the decisiveness we’d like off-centre, but once there’s a quarter-turn of lock on, the SR carves impressively neat, quick and confident cornering lines. For once, here’s a car that is more than the sum of its parts. Even the 225/45R17 Hankook Ventus tyres do their bit for Elantra’s dynamic cause because they rarely undermine its great balance or its unexpected driver involvement.
What the manual misses out on is the DCT’s ‘Drive Mode’ set-up, meaning just the one steering and throttle calibration. A tad more steering weight and slightly sharper throttle response wouldn’t go astray, but you only notice those things after swapping out of the dual-clutch.
Either way, both share abilities beyond expectation, and a level of equipment and finish that is very persuasive for the price. Add in quality seats and a relatively polished ride and you have one of the dark horses of 2016.
SPECS Model: Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo Engine: 1591cc 4cyl, dohc, 16v, turbo Max power: 150kW @ 6000rpm Max torque: 265Nm @ 1500-4500rpm Transmission: 6-speed manual Weight: 1360kg 0-100km/h: 7.0sec (estimated) Fuel economy: 7.7L/100km Price: $28,990 On sale: Now
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