The Hyundai Elantra dominated Singapore’s new car market back in 2009, when it was known as the Avante. It was the best-selling car that year.
Given current market conditions, it’s unlikely that the all-new Elantra will emerge as the bestselling car. But it could beat its rivals again with its upmarket design and impressive qualities.
Fifty-three percent of the new version’s chassis is built using high-strength steel, or 32 percent more compared to the older model. The result is a 29.5 percent gain in torsional stiffness. Complementing the stiffer chassis is the available turbo 1.4-litre inline-4 motor, which produces 128bhp and 212Nm.
If it equips Elantras sold in Singapore, it would give turbocharged Cat A rivals such as the Volkswagen Jetta a run for their money. Inside, the car boasts a stylish instrument panel and enhanced infotainment. To reduce NVH (noise, vibration and harshness), engineers added more sounddeadening materials and increased the thickness of the front windows.
Optional safety features include Automatic Emergency Braking, which is coupled with Pedestrian Detection. These are similar to Volvo’s City Safety feature. The all-new Elantra will come to Singapore in the second quarter.
BOOSTED TURBOS
Now that the 911 Carrera and Carrera S models are also turbocharged (see cover story, pg 60), enthusiasts have wondered what the 911 Turbo will be called. As it turns out, the 911 Turbo and Turbo S still have the same monikers, but Porsche has “turbo-ed” the Turbos and heightened their performance Both the Turbo and Turbo S now have 20bhp more than before. The former packs 540bhp, while the latter boasts 580bhp.
This increase also applies to the Turbo and Turbo S Cabriolet variants. For the Turbo, the additional output comes from the modified inlet ports in the cylinder head, new injection nozzles and higher fuel pressure. For the Turbo S , Porsche utilised new turbochargers larger compressors.
ON CLOUD NINE
Mazda has introduced the all-new CX-9, a seven-seater SUV. Compared to the preceding model, the current one has a shorter overall length but a 55mm longer wheelbase.
This means a roomier interior and easier ingress/egress for third-row passengers. The latest CX-9 is up to 130kg lighter than its predecessor and boasts better refinement, thanks to the 25kg of sound-insulating materials that were installed. Powering this sports utility vehicle is a new turbo 2.5-litre with 250bhp and 420Nm. The turbocharger is claimed to be the first in a car that varies the degree of exhaust pulsation depending on engine speed. The last turbocharged Mazda models sold here were the CX-7 and 6 MPS, which have turbo 2.3-litre motors. Offi cial agent Trans Eurokars says it will sell the new CX-9 in Singapore, but have yet to confirm its launch date.
