The award winning Hyundai Elantra that proved to be a winner in its segment, achieving great sales in a competitive market. However, for 2017 Hyundai South Africa recently launched its all new Elantra range. The 2017 Elantra range comprises four derivatives starting with the Elantra 1.6 Executive manual and Elantra 1.6 Executive automatic, both powered by a 1.6-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine; the Elantra 2.0 Elite, with a naturally aspirated 2-litre petrol engine; and the exciting all-new flagship model - the Elantra 1.6 TGDI Elite DCT Sport, with a powerful 1.6-litre turbocharged petrol engine mated to the 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission, which is the derivative we feature in these road impressions.

The new Hyundai Sport is recognized by; its front and rear fascia’s, the black hexagonal grille with subtle "Turbo" badge, aggressive side sill extensions, horizontal LED Daytime Running Lights, a unique inner housing for the headlamps, chrome door handles with neat puddle lights, a Sport-specific light signature for the standard LED taillights, and chrome dual exhaust outlets nestled in a rear-bumper diffuser insert.

For the new Elantra Sport, the rear light cluster with its bright LED display is distinctive of the Hyundai range, while the different bottom half of the rear bumper reiterates its sporty nature, with a unique skid plate and visible chrome-plated dual exhaust outlets in a rear-bumper diffuser insert, and a distinctive bottom half of the rear bumper, the Sport runs on 5-twin spoke alloy wheels wrapped in low profile 225/45R17 Korean Hankook rubber.

On the inside, the Elantra Sport has model-specific interior appointments such as; a flat-bottomed steering wheel, red sport seats and red contrast stitching. Front-seat space is very good, with seats more firmly shaped and bolstered than in the past. There's plenty of storage for oddments in the doors, console, and in a covered bin between the front seats, while the back seats offer generous head room and knee room for adult passengers, even the tall ones. The standard 8-inch infotainment system, which includes satellite navigation, provides a USB Mirror Link for Android cell phones, HDMI connectivity for iPhones to view the iPhone screen on the head unit, hands-free Bluetooth telephone link with remote controls on the steering wheel, Bluetooth music streaming and AUX and USB input ports. It also features a CD player. Electrically operated side mirrors and windows, cruise control and rear park assist are also standard convenience features across the range. The Elite derivatives have an automatic air conditioner, rain sensors for the windscreen wipers, and a smart key push-button to start the engine. Cabin insulation is excellent with minimal road and wind noise. Safety equipment includes front passenger, side and curtain airbags in all the derivatives, disc brakes all round, (ABS) with EBD on all derivatives while the Elantra Sport adds Electronic Stability Program.

The new Hyundai Elantra 1.6 TGDI Elite DCT Sport is powered by a turbocharged 1 591 cc four-cylinder engine, producing 150 kW at 6 000 rpm and 265 Nm torque from 1 500 to 4 500 rpm and linked to the 7-speed dual clutch transmission with paddle shifters. The driver can choose between a Normal, Eco or Sport driving mode at the press of a button, which creates a different gear change pattern for each application. In terms of fuel consumption, over the few days I had the Elantra 1.6 TGDI DCT Sport test car, the trip recorder showed that I had averaged an impressive 7.9 litres/100 km in the combined cycle. From behind the nice thick flat-bottomed steering wheel, the all-round view was excellent, and the driver’s seat is fully adjustable and comfortable. Driving the new Hyundai Elantra 1.6 TGDI DCT Sport was great fun.

In performance tests, slot the auto box gear-lever into “D” drive mode, floor the accelerator, and with just a hint of torque steer on full throttle pull-off, it galloped off the line, and as the rev counter needle hit the 6 200 red line it seamlessly changed up a gear, and after next up-shift, it cleared the 100 km/h mark in just 7.7 seconds and went on to a top speed of 210 km/h.

On the road, the Elantra Sport rides well and does an excellent job of ironing out road imperfections. The Elantra Sport’s steering is a major improvement, and although it is electrically operated, it gives pretty good feedback, so you know what the front wheels are doing. Cruising at a steady 120 km/h on the freeways, the engine spins at 2 600 rpm in 7th gear, with virtually no wind noise in the cab to spoil listening to the latest hits via the USB port.

On the windy tar roads through the KZN Midlands, the handling was excellent. Throw the car into a corner and there’s plenty of grip and minimal body roll, allowing you to confidently string corners together and maintain your momentum. It was also great to be able to change gears up or down in a fraction of a second using the paddles behind the steering wheel. When it came to scrubbing off the speed, the Elantra Sport’s brakes proved up to task and didn’t show any fade.

If ever there was an enjoyable Elantra to drive then the new Sport is the one. Whether driving it sedately around town, driving at speed on the freeways or “belting” it on the windy “B” roads, the Elantra was a pleasure to drive. The recommended retail selling price for the new Hyundai Elantra 1.6 TGDI Elite DCT Sport is R399 900 and includes Hyundai's 5-year/150 000 km warranty and an additional 2-year/50 000 km powertrain warranty is part of the standard package. Also included is the 5-year/150 000 km roadside assistance and a 5-year/90 000 km service plan. Service intervals are every 15 000 km with an additional initial service after 5 000 km.