PREMIUM PACKAGE
ELANTRA SPORT PREMIUM IS MADE FOR THE OPEN ROAD
VALUE
At nearly $40,0000, the Sport Premium is almost double the price of the cheapest Elantra. It gets a more powerful 1.6-litre turbo, more sophisticated rear suspension, a far more comprehensive safety package and a much more upmarket cabin. The “Sport” look includes darker headlight surrounds, distinctive grille, body kit and chrome exhaust tips. Inside, leather seats get red stitching, dash and doors have faux carbon-fibre highlights and the flat-bottom steering wheel has paddleshifters. Tech includes satnav, smartphone mirroring, larger touchscreen, digital radio and premium audio. Service intervals are shorter for the turbo (10,000km) and four services will cost $1133, average for the segment.
COMFORT
Small cars are no longer that small. The Elantra proves that point with a boot that is bigger than a lot of city SUVs. The front seats have extra bolstering and there’s 10-way electric adjustment for the driver, making a comfortable position easy to find . The rear seat is wide enough for three, while leg and headroom in the rear is more than adequate, even with a sunroof encroaching on the roof lining. There are air vents for rear passengers. The blot on the copybook is ride comfort. The tauter suspension means the occupants feel every imperfection in the road surface. It’s fine on freeways but on bumpy back roads and suburban goat tracks it’s too harsh.
SAFETY
No complaints here. Apart from six airbags and its five-star rating, the Elantra Sport has blind-spot warning, autonomous emergency braking and rear cross traffic alert. It will also automatically activate and dim high-beams to enhance night vision and the driver attention warning will monitor your steering inputs and alert if you’re showing signs of fatigue. The Elantra also steers you back into your lane if you start to wander. It’s one of the more effective set-ups at picking up line markings but it isn’t subtle with its inputs, tugging abruptly at the steering wheel to straighten things up.
DRIVING
The Elantra is no hot-hatch but the 1.6-litre turbo is a big step up from the standard engine, with decent response off the mark. It’s also more fuel efficient, averaging low to mid 6.0L/100km on the open road. The dual-clutch transmission adds to the sporty flavour with quicker shifts than the standard auto on cheaper Elantras, although it can be clunky at times in stop-start traffic. Through the corners it feels planted and secure, although the steering lacks a little feel.
ALTERNATIVES KIA CERATO GT, $32,990 DRIVE-AWAY
Same parent company, similar equipment levels and driving experience but significantly cheaper and comes with a longer warranty.
MAZDA3 SP25 ASTINA, $33,790 DRIVE-AWAY
Down on power compared with the Elantra and not as overtly sporty but well equipped and fun to drive. Attractive pricing and quality finishes in cabin.