2017 HYUNDAI ELANTRA
You can almost picture the fist bumps
and high fives when the South Africans
managed to persuade their Korean princi-
pals to allow them to inject some real
attitude into their range. In tandem with
its new compact SUV Tucson flagship,
Hyundai has introduced a sporty top-end
version of its updated Elantra.
The new car’s chiselled lines are worlds
removed from the bland Elantra of old
and, if anything, reflect crisp Euro styling
cues. It’s available in four derivatives, with
1,6 in either manual or auto, 2,0 and the
range-topping turbo 1,6 with 150 kW.
Unlike its manual-shift Tucson equivalent,
though, the top Elantra 1.6 TGDI comes
with a 7-speed double-clutch auto.
Although powerful, the 1.6TDI is relatively
frugal at 7,9 litres/100 km.
Standard features across the range
include an 8-inch high-resolution infotain-
ment system with sat-nav, smarphone
mirroring, Bluetooth and controls mounted
on the steering wheel. There’s also rear
park assist, six airbags, Isofix latching
points, cruise control and alloy wheels.
Hyundai is particularly proud of the
car’s lighter, stiffer and stronger body and
chassis. Improvements in ride and han-
dling, quietness, durability and driving
performance are said to result. The Elantra
rear suspension geometry has been rede-
signed for better ride comfort, handling
and stability. In the Sport version, there’s
a multi-link independent rear suspension.
Price: from R299 900.
HYUNDAI TUCSON SPORT
As fast as they can land Tucsons, so
Hyundai sells them. So why not add a
little pizzazz, create something special
that appeals to those wanting more? The
result, the Sport version, slots in at the
top end of the range. It certainly looks the
part, with a body kit, 19-inch black alloy
wheels and quad tailpipes. But there’s
more to the story: the 1.6 TGDI Executive
Sport is powered by a turbocharged 150
kW and 295 N.m 1,6-litre petrol engine,
supplied as standard with a 6-speed man-
ual. Some might find the Sport’s assertive
exhaust growl intrusive at freeway speeds,
but the likely target market is likely to find
that, if anything,
a plus point.
The body kit is fully imported from Korea
and the exclusive alloy wheels were sourced
in collaboration with Tiger Wheel & Tyre.
Standard features include an 8-inch
screen infotainment display with sat-nav,
Bluetooth plus USB and AUX input, rear
park assist camera, automatic windscreen
wipers with rain sensors, climate control,
powered leather seats and multifunction
controls on the steering wheel.
Safety features include Electronic
Stability Programme, ABS brakes with
EBD and driver, front passenger, side and
curtain airbags. The Tucson scored a full
5-star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash
tests.
Price: R499 900 including Hyundai’s
industry-leading 7-year/200 000 km war-
ranty, roadside assistance for 5 years/
150 000 km, and a 5-year/90 000 km
service plan.1 2132TOYOTA YARIS PULSE
It’s been perhaps too long since
Toyota’s subcompact once-trendsetter
enjoyed a comprehensive makeover. Fresh
from the international show circuit, the
new Yaris looks wider and more planted
than its predecessor.
The original didn’t exactly lack for
refinement, but Toyota says the new one –
badged Pulse across the board – is both
more refined and more dynamic, in looks
and performance. Changes to the interior
are aimed at promoting a more modern
feel, with new colours, trims and improve-
ments to the instruments and controls.
Also new is a 1,5-litre petrol engine
that’s more powerful yet up to 12 per cent
more efficient than the previous 1,3-litre.
It’s mated with a six-speed manual trans-
mission or CVT.
The 1,5 has a high thermal efficiency of
38,5 per cent and fits into the ESTEC
(Economy with Superior Thermal Efficient
Combustion) engine family. It runs on a
high compression ratio of 13,5:1 and uses
cooled exhaust gas recirculation. Its VVT-
iE (Intelligent System Electric motor)
valvetrain allows the phase shift of the
intake camshaft to be controlled electrically,
whereas the phase shift of the exhaust
camshaft is hydraulic.
Other powertrain options are the carry-
over 1,0-litre VVT-i three-cylinder petrol
engine with five-speed manual transmis-
sion and a hybrid boasts a new subframe,
engine mounts, front driveshafts and roll
restrictor to make it quieter and smoother,
particularly under acceleration.
Price: from R199 0003AUGUST 2017 _ http://www.popularmechanics.co.za 79REPORT