In the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists and WesBank annual competition, the Car of the Year title for 2012 was taken by Hyundai Elantra 1.8 GLS. In Midrand, SAGMJ and WesBank’s Car of the Year banquet at Gallagher Estate, the Elantra was declared as the winner. This medium luxury sedan is known for its driving dynamics and fluidic sculpture design.
It is the first Korean car to receive the South African Car of the Year prize although Hyundai Automotive SA was trying hard previously for this purpose. In the 2010 Car of the Year competition, Hyundai i20 managed to enter the finals. ix35 and Sonata from Hyundai were the two finalist in the 2011 competition.
The year 2012 has been a golden year for Elantra. It acquired the North American Car of the Year title in January at the Detroit Motor Show. In the Canadian Car of the Year competition, Elantra won the overall prize. In the Top 12 Best Buys for 2012, Elantra was named as the as the Best Compact Saloon by South Africa’s CAR Magazine. The topCar magazine in their latest Best Buy edition for 2012 chose Elantra as their Best Compact Sedan.
After receiving the Car of the Year trophy, managing director of Hyundai Automotive South Africa, said, “We are extremely proud of the recognition that a world-class product such as the Hyundai Elantra has received from the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists,” He added, “This award, and the fact that we had no less than two finalists in the previous competition, is confirmation of the giant strides that the Hyundai brand has made locally and globally. It is also recognition of the quality and emotional appeal that the Hyundai products have developed as part of the brand’s ‘Modern Premium’ strategy.”
In August 2011, New Elantra was launched in South Africa and within a short period of time, it became the market leader in its segment. It was acclaimed as the sedan which is capable of pushing the Hyundai brand to a higher level for competing as a premium vehicle that provides quality, luxury and high technicalities at affordable price.
The fifth generation Elantra is known for its Wind Craft design language. Along with harmonious styling and advanced technology, the Elantra has the look of “fluidic sculpture” design language of Hyundai. The elongated headlamps, which are swept back are excellent in design and carries outstanding projecting capacity.
Apart from providing a dynamic and sporty style, the low roofline and stylish, sleek curves enhances aerodynamics and reduces air resistance to contribute towards the fuel efficiency of the car and noiseless cabin space. A specific design concept “Wind Craft” has been applied by Hyundai in the new Elantra. The car has lower roofline and muscular wheel arches. From the A-pillar along the hood and into bumper of the front section, the sharply creased character lines flow. A slicker and sportier profile of Elantra is produced with low rear deck lid and lower roofline, which reduces wind resistance and enhances the fuel economy.
Interior of Elantra is refined with high gloss black and metallic colours, which are used for the cabin. From the crash pad, the silver garnish starts and reaches to the console and it features the shape of a windblown. The refined fit and finish, quality of design and materials and ergonomically correct appointments makes the interiors of Elantra exceed all expectation.
The well-designed cabin of Elantra has an instrument cluster, which has hi-tech display technology. An attractive 3D design of the centre fascia is resulted due to the use of high-gloss materials.
Even though, Elantra is compact in size, it seems to be longer. Compared to other competitors, the 4505 length of Elantra is more. A roomy interior is created by increasing wheel base and shifting of front cowl forward. The car can easily accommodate 5 passengers. Multiple storage areas are offered by the cabin and it has 16.9 litres capacity. Luggage compartment of the vehicle can fit three golf bags as it is around 420 litres. Luggage space can be extended folding the rear seatbacks.
For music lovers hi-tech audio system is provided, which is supported by 2 tweeters and 4 speakers. The music system has inbuilt radio and CD player. It is compatible with MP3 player, USB memory stick, iPod, iPhone along with all types of Apple products. The car maker provides iPod-connector cable as standard equipment.
Individual temperatures can be elected by front passengers and drivers due to windscreen defogger and automatic climate control system with dual zone temperature control. For audio and trip computer control and cruise control, buttons are provided on the steering wheel. The rear bumper of Elantra has three warning sensors, which make parking easier. A rain sensor is also provided in the car as a standard feature.
In powertrain technology, Elantra has attained excellence. The 110 kW 1.8-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine of Elantra is mated with six-speed manual transmission. Smooth and easy shift of gears results due to manual gearbox along with impressive fuel economy. Steering components and suspension are connected to rigid chassis, which results in precise handling settings. For the front suspension, MacPherson struts are used whereas, the rear section has torsion beam axle.
The company has paid maximum attention to reduce the vibration, noise and harness. To stop sound waves from propagating, sound deadening material is injected into key body cavities.
Elantra is made of light weight aluminum and has technology like Continuously Variable Valve Timing, which combines with 4-cylinder engine to reduce fuel consumption to 6,5 litres per 100 km. CO2 emissions is also recorded as 155 g/km. Excellent drag coefficient of only 0,28 results due to aerodynamic styling and flush underbody surfaces, which improves fuel economy.
It has passive safety feature along with driver assistance. To take care of active safety, Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) is provided as standard equipment. The body yaw and vehicle speed are measured by sensors, which provides the data in the microprocessor that results in individual braking of wheels. Hence, in case of sharp turns and sudden braking, the driver is able to maintain control over the vehicle.
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Six airbags are provided, which includes dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual front airbags and dual side curtain airbags. For creating a safety cell for the passengers, ultra-high tensile steels are used. The Elantra comes with roadside assistance for 5 years or 150 000 km, a 5 year or 90 000 km service plan and 5 year or 150 000 km warranty, which provides value for money.
Hyundai Motor Co. was established in 1967, which emerged to Hyundai Motor Group. Since 2007, the car has been ranked as the world’s fifth-largest automaker. It has more than 24 affiliates and subsidiaries. Outside South Korea, Hyundai Motors has six manufacturing plants. In 2011, the company sold 4.05 million vehicles globally. Through 5300 dealerships and showrooms, the company sells its vehicles in 186 countries.
In 2005, an entity of the Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Automotive South Africa was chosen as the Global distributor of the Year. A network of more than 100 dealerships has been established by Hyundai SA Namibia, Swaziland and Botswana including South Africa. Hyundai is also the fastest developing automobile brand of the globe and have created a strong brand image in South Africa. The mission of the company is to grow its brand on a reputation built on recognizable style, reliability, integrity and superior build quality.
