Hotter Elantra SR due later this year

Hyundai Australia has confirmed it will release the hot Elantra SR small sedan… and it will become available before year’s end.

Speaking at the sixth-generation Elantra’s local launch, Hyundai Motor Company Australia’s Chief Operating Officer Scott Grant told journalists that the 150kW SR would round out the range, topping base Active and mid-grade Elite variants which are available now.

The SR’s insertion at the top of the tree means the previous Elantra Premium will not be carried over into the new model. Grant said SR pricing and equipment details are “still to be finalised,” though there may be “one or two” advanced [active] safety features incorporated into the model.

Under the SR’s bonnet will be the familiar direct-injection 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder already seen in the Veloster SR Turbo. It produces 150kW/265Nm and will be available with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmissions.

It will also have an independent rear-end that will, like the torsion beam-equipped Active and Elite variants, be tuned for Australian conditions by Hyundai Australia’s local experts.