Hyundai launches new Elantra in Africa, Middle East

Hyundai Motor Company has launched the All-new Elantra, the newest edition of the brand’s best-selling model in Africa and the Middle East. The 6th generation of this compact sedan is set to reaffirm the company’s position as the region’s second biggest car maker, combining dynamic styling and high quality materials at an affordable price point.

“Since its arrival in 1990, the Elantra has proven a big hit with customers across Africa and the Middle East thanks to its sporty looks, high standards of equipment and premium build quality. The latest edition of this important model showcases the company’s commitment to developing stylish compact cars which are equipped with advanced features and will allow us to continue to excel within the compact sedan segment,” said Jin (James) Kim Vice President and Head of Operations for Hyundai Africa and Middle East.

This model will boast class-defining interior and refined exterior features which reflect Hyundai’s evolving design philosophy. This vision incorporates a dynamic precision in exterior design that complements the new model’s comfortable, contemporary and sporty feel. The large hexagonal grille is paired with slim and sporty headlights for an energetic look, while its clean surfaces build on the active stance of the model.

Set to build on the model’s proud heritage, while setting new standards as a world-class compact-size sedan, the All-new Elantra is 40 millimetres longer and 5millimetres wider than its predecessor and delivers a spacious interior. The body structure has been designed to boost durability and rigidity, incorporating 53% more advanced high-strength steel which is 32% bigger than the previous Elantra.

It will be available with the 2.0 MPI and 1.6 MPI engine specifications that are set to deliver impressive performance, with useable low and mid-range torque that provides exceptional drivability in all driving conditions.

All of these power-train options offer high fuel efficiency emphasizing Hyundai Motor’s continuing commitment to creating eco-friendly vehicles. Practical proof to the fuel efficiency level manifested during a long test drive that covered over 150 kilometers along the highway, undulating road networks and twisty curves in the city of Dubai.

The new car also takes a leap forward with a number of class-leading convenience and safety features. An Integrated Memory Seat (IMS) enhances driver comfort, while Smart Trunk allows easy loading as it opens automatically when the Smart key-holder approaches.

In addition, a new class-leading suite of safety technologies includes front and rear parking sensor, knee airbag, LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) system and Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA).

Unveiled to a group of top motoring journalists and dealer representatives from the Middle East and African markets including Nigeria, with BusinessDay Nigeria motoring in attendance, the new Elantra, described as the fastest selling Hyundai model comes with all the trappings of a luxury car.

The quality-built is validated by several coveted accolades over the model’s lifecycle, even as it continues its high value proposition as a strong choice for shoppers in the highly-competitive segment.

To keep the sedan somewhat fresh among a crowded fielded of competitors; Hyundai has given the model year a new value addition and some small tweaks to other trims. Outside, some of the models have a sunroof, chrome beltline moulding, and turn signals in the side mirrors.

Improvements are a little more extensive inside with a tilt-and-telescoping, leather-covered steering wheel, push-button start with proximity key, and heated seats. This next-generation model reportedly appeared for the first time at the 2015 Los Angeles Auto Show in November last year.

For 2016, Hyundai Elantra gets new front and rear styling, with LED lighting on the Sport version and Limited models, and offers more value than most compacts, good looking, grown up, well liked, pleasant to drive in traffic and has a good safety record.

There is also a good safety record associated with the Hyundai brand which is also extended to the Elantra. Anti-lock brakes: ABS brakes automatically sense when a tyre has stopped rotating under extreme braking, and will modulate the brake pressure to allow the tyre to rotate. This increases the vehicles ability to turn while braking.

Hyundai Motor’s Africa & Middle East regional headquarters are located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and are run by Vice President and Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East, Jin (James) Kim.