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Just nearly a month after the final whistle of 2014 FIFA World Cup
Hyundai Motor Thailand re-introduces the updated Elantra (MD) models
Now it's called: Elantra Sport
Updated, and living by the new "Trilogy Concept", like triple value from the car
Beauty from appearance, hallmarks from performance and comfort (of C-segment), and new prices which true to the concept of "Live Brilliant"
Now the Elantra units are imported from Hyundai's factory in ASEAN, thanks to the AFTA so the prices can be lower (but not quality)
Still Front-Wheel-Drive, with 0.28 drag coefficient
48.5 litre fuel tank, accepting from Octane 91 to Gasohol E20
Elantra Sport now comes with its latest selling point never fitted before:
Hyundai's Flex Steer, as the first ever of Hyundai Thailand
Normal mode and 2 other modes of steering calibration, with touchable button
Driver's selectable in other words
Normal mode having its own optimal balance between steering and feedback
Sport mode: when maximum driver evolvement is needed, then increases the weight and feedback, even in moderate speeds
Lightly and relaxing Comfort mode, reduces the weight of steer, as well as allows for effortless manoeuvring
Trip computer at the middle of the gauge receives its role of Flex Steer status display among other displays
Flex Steer won't replace "Eco Mode & Eco Guide" of the previous MD
And thanks to MDPS (Motor Driven Power Steering), tuned/adjusted by according to the driving conditions of different countries
Now let's see for how it's updated
3 variants in totally new names: GLS, GLE, GL
Not "What they will do?", it's "How they will do?"
Revised front-end, definitely different than the first MD
New Projector headlamps with LED Light Guide and escort lamp (excluded GL)
Headlamps of GLS are also High-intensity Discharge (HID)
Foglamps also switched to newer, and somehow larger (excluded GL)
Front air dam with chrome trim
Rear lamps also newer, sportier in some ways
Since the GLS is the only variant with navigation system
Then it's fitted with rear view camera (not multi-angle)
And here's where the camera will be displayed, more on this later
17 x 7J alloy wheels, 215/45R17 now provided by Goodyear (excluded GL)
Auto Rain-Sensing front wipers
Electric door mirrors with LED turn signal lamps now standard
Lower window chrome trim
Door handles from color-keyed to chrome
Choices of exterior colors now remained 4 (from 5)
Santorini Blue (S7) replaces Clean Blue (N2U), and dropped the Tomato Red (S2R)
Engine is still the G4NB 1.8L: Inline-4 DOHC 16V 150PS, with MultiPoint Injection, D-CVVT and Variable Intake Solenoid (VIS)
Met the Euro IV emission standard
But now mated with the updated 6-speed transmission with Sequential Shift and Shift Lock, and dropped 6-speed manual
No more step-gate, appearance changed, but ratio values remained the same
Despite still without shift paddle
Maximum Power: 110kW @ 6,500rpm | Maximum Torque: 178Nm @ 4,700rpm
Updates can be found at its interior as well
Added more "Premium" indeed
Newer steering wheel with multifuction package (4-direction adjust), Flex Steer button available for both GLS and GLE
With Cruise Control reserved for GLS
Updated "Super Vision" instrument cluster, with OLED 3.5-inch vertical trip computer screen
Console remained its "Hanbok" shape but then features around it are updated
First ever but exclusive for GLS: The multimedia hub with 7-inch Hi-Res screen
With DVD built-in, navigation system, display for rear view camera (with guidelines)
But also with connectivity features: Wi-Fi Internet Connection, Bluetooth Interface, and with DLNA function to connect Wi-Fi for smartphones
And with USB/AUX hub just under the screen
New Auto Climate Control with "Clean Air" purifier
With larger center vents, and independent dual zone system (L & R)
And new dual-vent for rear row
6 speakers total for both GLS and GLE, while GL has 4
As for the seats, "Leather & Synthetic" perforated and sewed with white spun replaces Knit Black fabric for both GLS and GLE
For all seats and armrest or the lid of tablet-type console box
Upholstery has changed, but not driver's seat with 10-direction electric adjust
Rear seat row also perforated
Net pocket behind front passenger's seat
420-litre cargo storage can be expanded up to 485-litre maximum
By press these two buttons to expand the cargo space
And adjust the rear seat your way
And the same several other features of MD that should also mentioned
Front: MacPherson Struts | Rear: Couple Torsion Beam Axle
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) still reserved only for one top variant (now GLS)
As well as Hill Assist Control (HAC)
"Quad-dot type" parking sensors, now for both GLS and GLE
Elantra's Ultra-High-Tensile Steel body structure
4 disc brakes (front ones ventilated), ABS-EBD, Brake Assist
And LED 3rd brake light
Dual front airbags
And owner will receive this newer key fob, commanding the keyless system
Immobilizer anti-theft system yet reserved for GLS
And with one more thing that should notice: Hyundai Thailand was offered 4-year warranty for the previous MD Elantra
But now it's regular 3-year or 100,000km warranty
"Quality & Style" maybe enough ideal for cars once, but not nowadays
As standards always gaining themselves higher as time went by
Thanks to all the improvements, so today's MD Elantra has got what it takes
To be a C-segment car with (quite) mighty confidence in today's world
The Elantra Sport, 3 variants with price range between 749,000 THB to 898,000 THB
Again, GL (the budget-priced) is the only model without Flex Steer
Additionally, Hyundai Thailand also offers one accessories package for Elantra Sport by MOBIS
Front skirt set (15,000 THB)
Side skirt set (12,750 THB) and door molding set (6,345 THB)
Carbon Fiber cover for side mirrors (3,465 THB)
LED tail lamp (32,245 THB)
Rear spoiler with LED lamp (8,940 THB)
Rear skirt set (18,000 THB)
And exhaust tip (7,355 THB)
And again, the question: Are You Ready To Drive?
Now, it's up to all Thai motorists