Following some leaked images last week, Hyundai has now officially unveiled the sporty Elantra SR, known as the Avante Sport in South Korea.
This is the first sports-oriented Elantra to be launched, featuring a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine producing 150kW and 265Nm. The engine is lifted from the Veloster SR Turbo.
Matched up to it is a six-speed manual, or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission – a first for the Elantra – feeding power to a front-wheel drive system. Performance figures haven’t been mentioned, however, with the DCT it consumes 8.3L/100km on the combined cycle.
Aside from the boosted engine, the Elantra SR gets a number of styling enhancements to give the mid-sizer a more appealing look. There’s a unique bodykit with subtle front and rear spoilers, twin exhaust outlets, and a set of 18-inch alloy wheels. There’s also a range of personalisation options to further dress up the car.
Inside, the Elantra SR is garnished in a few inspiring accents, including a two-tone colour scheme for the trim, some carbon-look highlights, and coloured stitching. There’s also the latest 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system, or optional 8.0-inch unit.
Other highlights include unique brakes, sports exhaust, revised steering, and sports suspension that’s lowered by 18mm. The rear torsion beam setup has also been replaced with a more dynamic multi-link arrangement.
Hyundai Australia has previously confirmed the new Elantra SR will go on sale locally in August this year. Prices and final local specs are yet to be announced.
A question for your Brett, do you think that the suspension setup in the Elantra might let it down with the extra power? Could that torsion beam rear end let it down when the power is on so to speak? The “Avante” name plate kind of reminds me of the Corona Avantes of the 80’s 🙂
Hi Ian,
The turbo version swaps the standard torsion beam setup for a multi-link system. This should provide a more dynamic drive.
Hope this helps 🙂
Hooray!! The only thing that’s put me off buying a Hyundai is just they’ve always felt a bit “disconnected” when it comes to driving feel. I think they look fine inside and out and they’re reliable it’s just when ever I drive one they just feel a bit flat and that’s even more noticeable now that they look pretty sharp. However if it’s good to drive I would seriously consider it.