Hot Elantra SR Turbo to start from $28,990

Hyundai has announced details its highly anticipated Elantra SR Turbo, due for launch Down Under next week.

Priced from $28,990 (plus on-road costs), the sporty sedan adds 38kW and 73Nm (or 34 and 38 per cent) to output of sixth-generation 2.0-litre petrol Elantra Active and Elite models thanks to a Veloster SR Turbo-sourced 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine developing 150kW and 265Nm.

In spite of a significant up tick in performance, the model claims respectable combined cycle fuel economy of just 7.2L/100km when optioned with the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission ($2300). Standard six-speed manual models return 7.7L/100km.

The Elantra SR Turbo is Hyundai’s fourth SR sports-oriented variant, joining Accent, i30 and Veloster models, and will compete with the likes of Mazda 3 SP25 GT and Honda Civic RS locally.

Featuring a multi-link rear suspension arrangement developed on Germany’s famed Nurburgring and honed locally by HMCA consultant David Potter, the Elantra SR Turbo promises tenacious cornering, but also additional styling and equipment highlights.

Externally, the Elantra SR Turbo is recognised by a model-specific body kit, remoulded bumper with enlarged air intakes, unique twin-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels and darkened HID bi-xenon headlights and slimline LED tail-lights. Metallic paint adds $495 to the asking price.

The cabin features perforated leather-appointed sports seats with contrasting red stitch-work, while all-red sports seats are a $295 option. A flat-bottomed steering wheel is standard (with paddle shifters on dual-clutch models), as are alloy pedals and model-specific instrumentation. Like its derivative model, the Elantra SR Turbo also includes Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto connectivity.

All Elantra variants feature a five-star ANCAP safety rating, the SR Turbo including six airbags, traction and stability control, Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Lane Change Assist (LCA) and Rear Cross Traffic Alert as highlights.

The Elantra SR Turbo is backed by Hyundai’s iCare lifetime capped-price service scheme and five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty.

“We’re excited about Elantra SR Turbo,” HMCA COO Scott Grant told motoring.com.au.

“It’s a car that represents great value for money and one that we believe can confidently challenge the leaders in its category from every perspective. We’re very proud of it,” he concluded.

Visit motoring.com.au again soon for our Local Launch Review.

2016 Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo pricing:
Elantra SR Turbo – $28,990 (manual)
Elantra SR Turbo – $31,290 (dual-clutch)