Hyundai’s Elantra: Light-years beyond ‘cheap’
THE HYUNDAI Elantra is no longer a cheap car in the sense of being flimsily made of poor materials.
In the 2018 GT Sport hatchback version is relatively affordable at the fully optioned price of US$29,210 (RM122,600).
The new Elantra GT Sport is sleeker, prettier. It seems that Hyundai has invested more in quality, finish.
The 1.6-litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine (201 horsepower, 264 Nmof torque) is familiar. A traditional six-speed manual transmission is standard on this front-wheel-drive car. But the one driven for this column was equipped with a seven-speed automatic that could be operated manually via paddle shifters.
South Korean car companies have been perfecting automotive electronics and, generally, offering it at competitive or better quality and lower costs than their global rivals.
Look at the 2018 Elantra GT Sport’s optional advanced electronics: lane-keeping and high-beam assistance, driverattention alert, cruise control with engine start-stop capability, and a wireless charging pad for compatible smartphones.
Blind-side detection and rear cross-traffic alert capabilities come as standard equipment.
Bottom line: The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport is perfect for a small family that doesn’t mind spending a bit more money for automotive fun. They can do it with this one and remain solvent.
Ride, acceleration and handling: All are very decent. Ride and handling are enhanced by Hyundai’s use of a multilink, independent rear-wheel suspension in this model.
Engine/transmissions: The 2018 Elantra GT Sport comes with a turbocharged, petrol direct-injection, 1.6-liter, 16valve, inline four-cylinder engine with variable valve timing. A six-speed manual transmission is standard. A seven-speed automatic that also can be operated manually is optional.
Capacities: Seating is for five people (two in front, three in the rear). Cargo capacity with all seats in place is 705 litres. The fuel tank holds 53 litres of petrol.
Mileage: I averaged 26 miles per gallon (11 km per litre) on the highway with one passenger and no cargo.
Pricing: The 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport starts at US$24,350 (RM102,200). — Washington Post.