Hyundai Motor Cars Australia (HMCA) has announced the specifications for the sportiest yet of the Elantra family, the SR Turbo. It’s also the most expensive version of the Korean sedan with a starting price of $28,990, roughly $2,000 dearer than the Elite.
The big differentiator with the SR Turbo is, obviously, the punchier engine lifted from the Veloster Turbo. This means 150kW and 265Nm of grunt from its turbocharged 1.6-litre four-cylinder petrol T-GDi unit.
That motor works most effectively with the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic but for that added driver connection, buyers can choose the less expensive six-speed manual. This puts in competition with similarly warm versions of its established rivals such as the Honda Civic RS, Holden Cruze SRi-Z, and standard Ford Focus EcoBoost sedan.
To give the Elantra SR Turbo a dynamic leg up, Hyundai have fitted it with an independent rear suspension, enabled through the use of an all-new platform that will go on to underpin the next-generation i30 (due here before mid 2017, by the way).
Additionally, it’s spring and dampers have been tuned by HMCA’s in-house tuning team, it’s steering system also tweaked for a sharper response and larger front brakes (+25mm) have been made standard.
The car also has a slew of visual updates as well to mate its expanded abilities with its road presence. It kicks off with sportier 17-inch alloys and continues with twin exhaust tips, more aggressive headlight cluster design with HID Bi-Xenons lamps, and a sports body kit which alters the front and rear bumper, as well as adds side skirts and angrier radiator grille.
Inside, there are sport bucket front seats, red-stitching on its leather upholstery, grippier flat-bottom steering wheel, dark charcoal metallic painted dash panels and door handles, steering wheel mounted paddle shifters (DCT only), alloy sports pedals, black headlining, carbon-fibre effect dash and door inserts, and a power-operated sunroof.
As is the norm with all Hyundai models nowadays, the Elantra SR Turbo’s infotainment system supports smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Also worth mentioning is the standard active safety features which include Blind Spot Detection, Lane Change Assist, Rear Cross Traffic Alert, and Front Park Assist.
- Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo - Manual - $28,990
- Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo - Automatic - $31,290
For more on Hyundai vehicles, including pricing and specifications, check out our Showroom.
