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Hyundai Elantra Celebrates Million Kilometres With Tribute Restoration To N Division
A 2008 Hyundai Elantra, which has travelled over a million kilometres, underwent a comprehensive restoration. This project was a collaboration between Hyundai Canada and the Quebec TV show Roulez au Suivant. The show, hosted by Antoine Joubert, focuses on restoring vehicles for those in need. The episode featuring this Elantra aired on August 31st on TVA.
The Elantra, originally bought by Jocelyn Roy from Hyundai Granby in 2011 with just 30,000 kilometres, became the highest-mileage Hyundai in Canada. Roy drove it extensively as a delivery driver, averaging 107,000 kilometres annually. In 2020, nearing one million kilometres, he traded it for a Kona at the same dealership.
Hyundai Canada donated the Elantra to Roulez au Suivant for restoration. The car now sports a Performance Blue colour with red-lined skirts, paying tribute to Hyundai’s N division. The transformation includes an "INSPIRED" logo beneath the N emblem on its sides.
The restoration involved replacing over 100 parts, including a new engine short block. Although the original engine was still functional, it was replaced to enhance the ownership experience for its new owner. Dan Dominato of Hyundai Canada noted that the original engine will be documented for its longevity.
The restored Elantra is now owned by Éloïc Lachance, a teenager from Rougemont, Québec. He was chosen from hundreds of applicants by the Roulez au Suivant team. His family had also submitted his application without his knowledge to increase his chances of selection.
Antoine Joubert highlighted that having a car would provide Éloïc with greater independence as he transitions into adulthood. With assistance from Éloïc's parents, the team managed to keep the restoration a secret until they handed him the keys.
Restoration Process and Emotional Handover
The extensive restoration included mechanical work and interior refurbishment. Even the dashboard was reset after reaching 999,999 km. A "1" was added before the odometer reading to signify its journey beyond one million kilometres.
Jocelyn Roy handed over the keys to Éloïc at Hyundai Granby, where he first acquired it nearly 15 years ago. Roy expressed emotion during this handover and advised Éloïc to maintain it well for continued reliability.
Antoine Joubert remarked on how impressed they were with the vehicle's condition despite its high mileage: "Considering the exceptionally high mileage of this Elantra and the fact that it has been parked the vast majority of the time in the last few years, we honestly expected worse."
Hyundai Canada's Commitment
Hyundai Auto Canada began operations in 1983 as Hyundai Motor Company's first subsidiary outside Korea. It offers Canadians a diverse range of vehicles through over 250 dealerships nationwide and partners with NHLPA and NHL® in Canada.
The full episode detailing this remarkable restoration is available on Antoine Joubert’s YouTube channel. This project underscores how regular maintenance can extend vehicle longevity significantly.
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