Hyundai picks CVT for 2020 Elantra; ditches 6-speed auto option

KUALA LUMPUR: It was only a while back when Hyundai introduced the all-new 2019 Elantra. The new compact sedan looked so much more dynamic and edgy compared to the previous gen model. All the soft curves were replaced by more angular ones, thus giving it a sporty appeal.

However, it looks like the Korean automaker never seems to rest and is under a spree to change/improve things. We say so because the automaker has now introduced the 2020 Elantra with a new transmission unit. The new sedan features an Intelligent Variable Transmission (IVT) that is the same CVT unit found in the all-new Kia Forte. According to the company’s officials, the switch from the old six-speed automatic unit to the new IVT has been made to improve the car’s fuel efficiency.

The new gearbox is paired to a 2.0-litre mill that develops 147 PS of power, and Hyundai claims that the car returns a combined fuel economy of 14.5 kmpl. With the previous configuration, the 2019 Elantra only delivered a combined mileage of 13.6 kmpl.

Apart from the 2.0-litre mill, the 2020 Elantra will also be offered with two other mill options - a 1.4-litre turbo and 1.6-litre turbo-GDI. And both these engine options are known to be coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch gearbox. In addition to dropping the 6-speed auto option, Hyundai has also decided to discontinue the manual transmission option entirely from the US market.

The 2020 Hyundai Elantra also gets a strong safety package that enabled with the company’s SmartSense kit. Part of the active safety systems are lane-keep assist, forward collision-avoidance assist, blind-spot collision warning, safe exit assist, driver attention warning, and smart cruise control.

What’s in future for the Malaysian-spec Elantra? Will the company drop the manual stick option here or not, only time will tell.