Buying Used: Hyundai Elantra (2017-2020)

The sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra had a very short tenure in South Africa. But despite the premature exit, is it a good used buy?

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The arrival of the sixth-generation Hyundai Elantra in June 2017 was a massive shift for the Korean automaker in South Africa. Succeeding the wildly popular, Car of the Year-winning fifth generation, this new iteration abandoned the flamboyant curves in favour of a mature, aerodynamic design and a structure that draws on European aesthetics. However, as a crucial side note to its history, this iteration was quietly discontinued locally by early 2020.

This premature exit was not a reflection of mechanical inferiority, but rather a strategic concession to the relentless consumer migration toward crossovers/SUVs like the Creta and Tucson. Consequently, the Elantra’s three-year lifecycle transformed it into a fascinating, high-value anomaly on the pre-owned market. If you’re willing to swim against the SUV current, this highly depreciated C-segment sedan makes a compelling case with a generous standard specification list and, in its flagship guise, a legitimate performance edge that rivals established hot hatches.

A rundown on the Hyundai Elantra

The exterior design of the 2017-2020 Elantra was dictated heavily by aerodynamic efficiency and structural integrity. Boasting a slippery drag coefficient of 0.27, the chassis utilised 53% advanced high-strength steel – a massive 32% increase over the outgoing model – resulting in a chassis that was 29.5% stiffer. Inside, the cabin prioritised sensible ergonomics and comfort. The driver-oriented dashboard was anchored by a standard 8.0-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system across all trims, which included satellite navigation and smartphone mirroring. The flagship, Sport derivative elevated the tactile experience with a flat-bottomed steering wheel, heavily bolstered red leather sports seats and contrast stitching.

The South African powertrain lineup was strategic, offering three distinct petrol engines. The entry-level, Executive models utilised a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre, four-cylinder engine producing 94 kW of power at 6300 r/min and 154 N.m of torque. Available with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission, it favoured fuel economy, with the manual variant returning a claimed combined consumption of 6.5 L/100 km. Stepping up, the mid-tier Elite was powered by a larger, 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle engine delivering 115 kW and 195 N.m. Mated exclusively with a six-speed automatic, fuel efficiency dipped to a claimed 8.3 L/100 km.

The undisputed engineering highlight of the range was the 1.6 TGDI Elite Sport. Utilising a potent turbocharged powerplant featuring gasoline direct injection, it delivered 150 kW and 265 N.m of torque. Paired exclusively with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT), the Sport model dispatched the 0-100 km/h sprint in a brisk 7.7 seconds.

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What to look out for when buying a used Hyundai Elantra

• Dual-clutch transmission (DCT) hesitation: on the 1.6 TGDI Sport models, the seven-speed dry-clutch DCT can exhibit low-speed juddering, hesitation, or rough shifts when navigating stop-and-go traffic. The clutch could be worn.
• Steering column clicking: a widely documented issue across the AD platform is a subtle clicking or clunking sound from the steering column when turning the wheel at low speeds. This is almost universally caused by a deteriorated flexible rubber coupling star within the electric power steering motor assembly.
• Direct injection carbon buildup: the 1.6 TGDI engine utilises direct injection. Over time and high mileage, carbon deposits can accumulate, restricting airflow and causing a loss of top-end power or rough idling. Have it checked out.
• Ignition coil failure: the naturally aspirated 1.6-litre and 2.0-litre engines can occasionally suffer from premature ignition coil failure. Symptoms include engine misfires, a noticeable lack of power under acceleration, and an illuminated check engine light on the dashboard.
• Infotainment screen delamination: the 8.0-inch touchscreen on earlier 2017 and 2018 models can show signs of delamination or develop unresponsive “dead zones” if exposed to the sun for prolonged periods. Test all corners of the screen interface during inspection.

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Which one to get

For the budget-conscious buyer, the 1.6 Executive manual is a dependable, low-cost option, but it lacks the dynamic punch expected of a modern, aerodynamically sculpted sedan. Therefore, the undisputed champion of this abbreviated lineup is the 1.6 TGDI Elite Sport DCT. This model transforms the Elantra from a conservative commuter into a highly capable sleeper car. The 150 kW turbocharged engine provides effortless highway overtaking capability, while the multilink independent rear suspension – an engineering upgrade entirely exclusive to the Sport model – ensures vastly superior mid-corner stability compared to the rudimentary torsion beam setup found on the lower trims. We noted in our 2017 driving impression:

“The Elantra 1.6 TGDI Elite Sport has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission with paddle shifters. While driving it along various mountain passes, switching it to its Sport driving mode was where its fun-to-drive attributes showed! It’s a seriously hot car to drive with a lot of punch and personality, and if you can afford the higher-end variant, this is the one to go for.”

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