All-new 2016 Hyundai Elantra comes further refined

Hyundai has launched the all-new Elantra in Australia. The sixth-generation of one of Hyundai’s most important models is said to be the most advanced, refined and affordable ever.

The new looks combine Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille, slimline headlights with standard LED Daytime Running Lights, sweeping side character lines and dynamically styled standard alloy wheels range-wide.

The all-new Elantra range comprises two variants: Active and Elite. Both models are powered by Hyundai’s new 112kW / 192Nm 2.0-litre petrol engine, which is said to deliver more power and useable torque than the outgoing fifth-generation 1.8-litre engine.

Entry-level Elantra Active is available with either a six-speed manual transmission or six-speed automatic, while the upper spec Elantra Elite is equipped exclusively with a six-speed automatic.

The new car’s stiffer, stronger body structure is a result of state-of-the-art construction techniques, using more advanced high-strength steel and aerospace adhesives technology than before.

Its more rigid chassis and revised suspension components are said to contribute significantly to the Elantra’s new levels of occupant protection, NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) suppression and vehicle dynamics.

Hyundai’s Australian engineering team was once again responsible for fine tuning the new Elantra’s suspension and chassis to suit local condition. The car’s stronger chassis proved beneficial to Hyundai Australia’s chassis development team. Local testing and development work was typically intensive.

“Our aim with the car was to develop exceptional ride comfort first and foremost, and we tested across every road surface we could find,” said Andrew Tuitahi, Hyundai Australia Senior Manager Product Planning.

“Damper testing alone was a month-long process involving short-test urban loops with potholes, speed bumps and other everyday driving challenges. We also carried out extensive testing on twisty mountain roads, often involving mid-corner bumps, course-chip routes, freeway and highway work, and on country roads, including gravel roads.”

“We’re extremely happy with the outcomes we’ve achieved with All-new Elantra,” Tuitahi says. “Our aim was to give the car the familiar Hyundai Australian dynamic DNA we’ve achieved with our other models, and I believe we’ve done that.”

Inside, the new Elantra introduces a more ergonomically functional, driver-focused interior environment. Major controls are arranged in more logical groups according to function, with multimedia controls at the top, HVAC functions directly below, and drive functions to the right, behind the steering wheel, or on the steering wheel itself.

For ease of use and to create an even more driver-focused feel, All-new Elantra’s centre stack is angled towards the driver by seven degrees. A 7-inch TFT LCD display is now standard in both Active and Elite.

Other Elantra Elite interior highlights include dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning, incorporating air vents for rear-seat occupants and automatic windscreen de-fogging function

Adding an even greater feeling of quality and space the Elite variant can also be optioned with a beige leather appointed interior.

The new cabin offers more shoulder room front and rear (up 7mm/front and 12mm/rear) and more rear headroom (up 4mm) and substantially more rear legroom (up 59mm).

Read ForceGT’s 2016 Hyundai Elantra Review here.

2016 Hyundai Elantra price and specifications

Elantra Active

• 6 airbags (driver & front passenger, driver & front passenger side (thorax), full length curtains)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) including:
  • Traction Control System (TCS)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
  • Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
  • Brake Assist System (BAS)
  • Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
  • Hill-start Assist Control
• Automatic dusk-sensing headlights
• Front foglights
• LED daytime running lights
• Rear parking assist system (4 sensors)
• Rear-view camera
• 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/55R16 tyres
• Full-size matching spare wheel
• 7-inch touchscreen audio system with MP3 capability, 6 speakers, AUX / USB audio input with digital iPod® compatibility, works with Apple CarPlay™
• Bluetooth connectivity (hands-free phone & audio streaming)
• Steering wheel-mounted audio controls
• Cruise control with steering wheel-mounted controls
• Front & rear power windows (driver’s one-touch auto down)
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat
• One-touch turn signal operation (3 flashes)
• Tilt and telescopic steering column
• Trip computer
• Cloth interior
• Manual air-conditioning
• Rear seat centre armrest

Elantra Elite (key specifications above Active)

• 17-inch alloy wheels with 225/45R17 tyres
• LED tail-lights with bulb turn signal & reverse lights
• Chrome belt-line moulding
• Chrome radiator grille
• Electric folding external mirrors
• Leather-appointed interior
• Premium gearknob and steering wheel
• Dual-zone climate-control air-conditioning with automatic windscreen defog function
• Electro-chromatic auto-dimming interior mirror (ECM)
• One-touch window up/down function on driver’s window
• One-touch turn signal operation (3, 5, or 7 flashes)
• Proximity Smart Key with pushbutton start and Smart Boot function
• Rain-sensing wipers
• Rear seat cooling vents in centre console
• Supervision cluster with colour 3.5-inch TFT LCD display
• Illuminated front door handles
• Illuminated sunvisors
• Cargo net

Pricing (excluding on roads)

Engine	Transmission	Active	Elite
2.0 MPi Petrol	6 Speed Manual	$21,490	–
	6 Speed Automatic	$23,790	$26,490