2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport is no mere appearance package, though its striking design upgrades are certainly eye-catching. This unique appearance and street presence makes Elantra Sport unmistakable among its peers.

[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:6px;”]Model-exclusive front and rear fascias give the Sport crucial visual differentiation from the rest of the Elantra lineup, with subtle but immediately recognizable “tells” that hint at the car’s improved power and dynamics. Note the Sport’s black hexagonal grille with subtle “Turbo” badge; aggressive side sill extensions; horizontal LED Daytime Running Lights; a unique inner housing for the standard HID headlamps; a Sport-specific light signature for the standard LED taillights; and chrome dual exhaust outlets nestled in a rear-bumper diffuser insert. Sport-specific 18-inch wheels wrapped in Hankook Ventus S1 Noble² ultra high performance all-season tires complete the look.

UNPRECEDENTED PERFORMANCE AND DYNAMICS

Hyundai understands that the Sport moniker should deliver on its promise, and that is reflected in a number of ways beyond the badging on the trunklid.

[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:6px;”]“We are thrilled to offer Hyundai’s most dynamic Elantra ever. Elantra Sport is, first and foremost, a supremely fun daily driver with loads of style and a value-packed set of features,” said Hyundai Motor America’s Mike Evanoff, product manager for the Elantra. “Our steady cadence of Elantra sedan introductions has led to the most diverse and flexible lineup ever offered—led by Elantra, bolstered by the efficient Elantra Eco, and now completed with the exciting new Elantra Sport.”

Elantra Sport is powered by Hyundai’s proven Gamma 1.6L Turbo-GDI inline four cylinder engine, which produces 201 hp at 6,000 RPM and 195 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,500~4,500 RPM—increases of 54 hp and 63 lb.-ft., respectively, over the standard naturally aspirated Elantra. This engine is paired with a traditional 6-speed manual gearbox as standard equipment, while a 7-speed DCT with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters is available for drivers who prefer automated shifts.

Extensive use of high-strength steel (53 percent for 2017 versus 21 percent in the previous generation) and 394 feet of structural adhesive are employed in Elantra Sport’s construction. These enhancements, combined with a new, Sport-exclusive rear multi-link independent suspension, help deliver unprecedented dynamics for the Elantra. The list of technical changes further includes larger front and rear stabilizer bars, higher spring and damper rates, upsized 12” front brake rotors, retuned steering and retuned final drive ratios.

SOUND TO MATCH ITS LOOKS

While Elantra Sport’s muscular styling hints at the power that lies underhood, Hyundai went a step further to ensure that the car’s audio signature adds an unmistakable snarl to match its performance bona fides. The muffler tuning puts Elantra Sport’s exhaust note right at the maximum threshold for pass-by sound requirements.

The attention to detail with regard to Elantra Sport’s sound extends to the intake system as well. The U.S.-spec airbox features less baffling to allow for more sound, and the air intake pipe itself utilizes a porous material to allow sound to emanate. In concert, the revisions to the intake and exhaust give Elantra Sport an authentic, sporty sound character straight from the factory—free of the boominess and freeway drone that characterizes some aftermarket systems.

[ads id=”0″ style=”float:left;padding:6px;”]A SMART AND SPORTY PACKAGE

Inside, Elantra Sport builds on the Hyundai Elantra’s award-winning user experience – recently named one of Wards 10 Best. Heated leather sport seats with more aggressive bolstering are standard along with eye-catching red contrast stitching, a flat-bottomed leather-wrapped steering wheel, leather-wrapped shifter, and a black headliner. Hyundai’s intuitive AM/FM/HD/SiriusXM 7” Display Audio system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay is part of the extensive standard-equipment list, which also includes a proximity key with push-button start. Alloy pedals and a Sport exclusive instrument gauge cluster provide even further differentiation from the rest of the Elantra line-up.

Elantra Sport can be upgraded even further through the available Premium Package, which delivers a host of desirable amenities and driver aids. These include an 8” navigation system, 8-speaker Infinity premium audio system with a dedicated center channel and subwoofer, plus Clari-Fi Music restoration technology which delivers a musical experience closer to the artists’ original intent; Blue Link connectivity; a power sunroof; Blind Spot Detection with Rear Cross-traffic Alert & Lane Change Assist.

STARTING AT $21,650

The 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport with the 6-speed manual transmission starts at $21,650. The Elantra Sport with the 7-speed DCT starts at $22,750. Both are subject to an additional $835 freight charge. The available Premium Package is a $2,400 option.

“Elantra Sport continues Elantra’s superb value story by offering a compelling mix of standard and available equipment with an engaging driving experience at pricing that undercuts rival sport sedans in its category,” Evanoff added. “With Elantra Sport’s arrival, we are able to offer an Elantra to match every driving personality.”

AT A GLANCE: ELANTRA SPORT – SUMMARY OF CHANGES

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