Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo 2016 Review

Hyundai Elantra SR Turbo
Australian Launch Review
Albury, New South Wales

The Elantra SR Turbo isn’t quite going to blow the doors off the Focus RS just yet, but along with concept models shown at this year’s Paris motor show, it is indication enough that the Korean manufacturer wants a serious slice of the small sports car segment. This locally-tuned 1.6-litre turbo four is the latest in Hyundai’s now four-strong SR small car range, joining the Accent, i30 and Veloster. Priced from $28,990 (plus on-road costs) it promises almost 40 per cent more power and torque than its derivative model, as well as a ride/handling blend that’s as good – or better than – anything in its class.

When you think of Hyundai’s small car range, chances are that demure, well-built and affordable are three character traits that will spring to mind. Now, you can add another attribute to that list: sporty. And no, we’re not talking about a lame badge and a set of fancy wheels.

In adding a potent direct-injected 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine, locally-tuned suspension and (optionally) a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to its small Elantra sedan, Hyundai has successfully elevated its good-but-boring mainstay into rather-enticing territory. This is now a car you buy because you want to.

And that, right there, is what will continue the Korean manufacturer on its forward march. As competitors including Mitsubishi, Toyota and Subaru lose touch with ‘warm’ small hatch and sedan models, it’s brands such as Hyundai and Kia that have moved to seize on the opening opportunities; and in a market as focussed on performance as Australia’s, we think their timing couldn’t be better.

Small cars sell in droves Down Under and, using Volkswagen as an example, sporty small cars sell very well indeed. In VW’s Golf range, it’s the GTI variant that accounts for almost 20 per cent of model sales. Hyundai is realistic in the knowledge it’s not quite ready to go toe-to-toe with Germany’s forty-year favourite just yet, but has no misgivings and big plans all the same.

In pitting itself against the likes of Honda’s Civic RS (127kW/220Nm) and Mazda’s 3 SP25 GT (138kW/250Nm), the Elantra SR Turbo brings respectable horsepower to the fight. Its punchy 1.6-litre direct-injected turbo four makes 150kW at 6000rpm and 265Nm between 1500-4500rpm – a 34 and 38 per cent gain respectively over the standard sixth-gen Elantra ‘donor’.

The throttle body is electronically controlled, the valve timing variable on both the inlet and exhaust cams, and the roller timing chain coated in what Hyundai says is an ‘innovative anti-friction coating’. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 7.2L/100km when paired to Hyundai’s optional seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – replete with paddle shifts and a sassy flat-bottom steering wheel. The standard six-speed manual returns 7.7L/100km.

Like all in its competitor set, the Elantra SR Turbo drives the front wheels and steers with ‘more direct’ electrical assistance. There are four drive modes to choose from – altering steering feel, gear shift and engine response – bigger front brakes (+25mm to 305mm), 17-inch alloy wheels with space-saver spare and, of course, Hyundai’s acclaimed locally-tuned strut / multi-link suspension which will soon also feature under the next-gen i30.

Hyundai tuned the Elantra SR Turbo here in Australia, at Germany’s Nurburgring and at its research and development centre in Namyang, South Korea. After trying 50 separate suspension combinations, rebuilding 28 sets of dampers, swapping 10 sets of springs and three anti-roll bars it says it’s convinced the package is just right for Oz.

The Elantra SR Turbo tips the scale at 1385kg (1415kg with DCT).

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

The cabin features perforated leather-appointed heated sports seats with contrasting red stitch-work, while all-red sports seats are a $295 option.

Alloy pedals and model-specific instrumentation are standard and, like its derivative model, the Elantra SR Turbo also comes with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, as well as auto lights and wipers, a 7.0-inch touchscreen, cruise control, dual-zone climate control and a glass tilt and slide sunroof.

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 (RCTA) as highlights. Front and rear parking sensors and a reversing camera are standard.

There is no driver’s knee airbag, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) or adaptive cruise control offered.

The Elantra SR Turbo maintains all of the amenity and practicality of the regular sedan, including seating for five and a 458-litre boot.

Like all Hyundai passenger vehicles, the Elantra SR Turbo is backed by the Korean manufacturer’s iCare lifetime capped-price service scheme and five-year / unlimited kilometre warranty.

Hooning might be taking things a little far, Max [yes, I did just quote Mad Max in a Hyundai review], but this is a car you can punt quickly and with confidence.

Taking to the twisty and often lumpy back roads south-east of Albury, the Elantra SR quickly proves why localised suspension tuning is so important. In spite of less than ideal footing the Elantra SR maintained poise and accuracy through corners, gripping with tenacity. It’s surprisingly comfortable, too, ironing out craters that would unsettle many in its class with ease.

We really enjoyed the feel at the wheel, and found the steering both direct and communicative. That said, it is a little heavy when loaded in slow, sharp bends, and offers more resistance than we feel is appropriate at car park speeds. Hyundai lists a turning circle of 10.6m.

Staying at the pointy end, we find crisp engine performance with an especially strong mid-range. This is an engine that uses the turbocharger, and not high revs, to achieve its mission. There’s plenty of torque for climbing hills, and more than enough grunt to overtake comfortably.

The dual-clutch transmission cooperates well, and is judicious in complying with instructions from the paddle shifts – even when you’re really pressing on. The manual offering provides well spaced ratios and is precise and light, yet still ‘mechanical’ enough of feel to maintain a sense of engagement.

Hyundai’s uprated brakes provide the Elantra SR Turbo with sufficient stopping power. The pedal is predictable and braking performance repeatable with no signs of fade. Tyre noise is an issue, but a source inside HMCA says the company is looking into a different 18-inch wheel and (Pirelli) tyre combination that should address the issue.

But more than that, it’s a car that shows its maker is serious about offering cars enthusiast drivers are keen to own; and given Australia’s love of all things fast, we reckon the Elantra SR is not only a terrific drive, but a tantalising taste of things to come.

Price: $28,990, $31,290 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.6-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 150kW/265Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual, seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.7L/100km, 7.2L/100km (ADR Combined) / 9.5L/100km, 9.4L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 176g/km, 163g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP

Also consider:
>> Ford Focus Sport (from $28,190 plus ORCs)
>> Honda Civic RS (from $31,790 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda 3 SP25 GT (from $31,790 plus ORCs)