The 2017 Hyundai Elantra is now officially launched in Malaysia. Official distributor Hyundai-Sime
Darby Motors (HSDM) has previewed the Elantra AD, but now it’s confirmed there will be three variants : 2.0 Executive, 2.0 Dynamic and 1.6 Turbo priced at RM 116,388, RM 120,588 and
RM 131,488 on-the-road without insurance.
The Turbo is getting all the headlines, but let’s
start from the base. The sixth-generation Elantra range starts with the 2.0
litre Nu MPI four-cylinder engine that we’re familiar with. The
naturally-aspirated unit develops 152 PS at 6,200 rpm and 192 Nm of torque at
4,000 rpm, matched to a six-speed torque converter automatic transmission.
The range-topping AD gets a 1.6 litre Gamma T-GDI
with 204 PS at 6,000 rpm and 265 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The
Honda Civic’s 1.5 litre turbo engine puts out 173 PS/220 Nm, so the Hyundai’s
outputs are ahead by some margin – by 31 PS and 45 Nm, to be exact. While the
Honda uses a CVT, the Elantra Turbo employs an “Ecoshift” seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic with steering paddle shifters. The 1.6T is classified as
an Energy Efficient Vehicle (EEV).
The 2.0 NA and 1.6 Turbo models also differ
underneath, with the former getting a torsion beam rear suspension and the more
powerful car receiving a more sophisticated multi-link rear axle. Brakes are
all round discs, but the Turbo gets larger front items – 16- vs 15-inch
ventilated discs. All Elantras roll on 17-inch alloys and 225/45 tyres,
although the rim design differs. Eco, Normal and Sport drive modes alter the
throttle, transmission and steering.
Equipment wise, both 2.0 litre variants have pretty
much the same stuff, with the Dynamic variant adding on an aggressive bodykit
with LED daytime running lights. The standard kit list is quite comprehensive,
and it includes automatic halogen projector headlights, LED positioning lamps,
front fog lights (Executive only) and 17-inch turbine-design alloys.
Also included are keyless entry with push start;
suede and leather upholstery; an auto-dimming rear-view mirror; cruise control,
manual air-con with rear vents; front and rear parking sensors, a seven-inch
touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
support, a reverse camera and a tyre pressure monitoring system. Six airbags
(dual front, side and curtain), ESC, hill start assist and ABS are standard
across the board.
Opting for the 1.6 Turbo doesn’t just get you more
power and the above chassis upgrades, but also HID headlamps, factory LED DRLs,
full leather seats, dual-zone auto air con, paddle shifters, auto wipers (rain
sensor) and active safety features such as blind spot detection and rear cross
traffic alert (RCTA).
The Sport comes with a unique grille (chrome slats
aren’t full width, discreet ‘Turbo’ badge on one side), larger bumper air
intakes (note the C-shaped chrome element with LED daytime running lights) and
a more elaborate headlamp design. Its rear comes with a diffuser, twin exhaust
tips and a ‘Sport’ badge. Different rims, too.
Inside, there’s plenty or red. The seats are more
red than black (‘Sport’ stitched on the front chairs), and that “sporty colour”
is repeated on the door cards, steering/gear boot stitching and edges of the
floor mats. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is the same one seen in the Ioniq,
but with the hybrid’s blue band swapped for red.
