By Mauricio Lezcano / carsntravel.com / Photos Hyundai Motor America
For 2017 the Hyundai Elantra features a bold aerodynamic design, modern interior styling with class above features, and a number of user friendly technologies.
Exterior
The new Elantra projects confidence with sculpted body forms complemented by smoothly contoured lines that reveal the underlying inspiration of Hyundai designers. Inspired by the concept of dynamic precision.
From the front, the new Elantra is defined by Hyundai’s signature hexagonal grille that projects a distinctive character when combined with its modern lighting signatures, including available HID headlights with Dynamic Bending Lights and unique vertical LED daytime running lights. The sporty lower front fascia integrates functional front wheel air curtains, a component derived from the Sonata Hybrid that helps manage air flow from the front of the vehicle and around the wheels to minimize turbulence and wind resistance.
Elantra features a sleek bodyside character line that accentuates a sweeping side window silhouette and striking side profile. Available premium features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, all new LED door handle approach lights, side mirror LED turn signal indicators and LED taillights with high tech graphics add a level of sophistication and detail. Elantra’s overall length has increased by just under an inch and its proportions are further enhanced by increasing its width by 1.0-inches, presenting a more athletic stance and stable appearance.
Interior
On the inside, Elantra continues to depict a modern, driver-oriented design optimized for intuitive control, improved interior roominess, high-quality materials and premium technology features. The contemporary interior design integrates premium soft-touch materials in key touch points and high-tech details to create an inviting and comfortable interior environment for all passengers.
The wide design of the instrument panel provides a feeling of spaciousness and is available with a 4.2-inch color TFT LCD instrument display for improved driver visibility and functionality. The rest of the center stack is laid out in a horizontal design with buttons and controls placed in logical groups by function, and a slight seven-degree tilt toward the driver for optimal ergonomics.
Available premium convenience features such as an integrated memory system for the power driver seat and side mirrors, dual automatic temperature control with auto defogging system and auto-dimming rearview mirror further enhance driving comfort, along with advanced ergonomic front seats. The front seats feature high-tension lightweight seat frames for improved performance in collisions, and a multi-firmness seat pad to help reduce driver fatigue over long distances.
Powertrains
For 2017, the Elantra receives two all-new powertrains designed for improved fuel efficiency and everyday drivability performance. The standard engine available on the base SE and Limited trim is a 2.0-liter Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine producing a peak 147 horsepower at 6,200 rpm and 132 lb.ft. of torque at 4,500 rpm.
This 2.0-liter Nu four-cylinder engine is paired with either a standard six-speed manual transmission (available only on the SE trim) or Elantra’s next generation six-speed automatic transmission. The new automatic transmission helps deliver dynamic performance with an overall 3.3 percent increase in efficiency for optimized fuel economy.
The second powertrain is an all-new 1.4-liter Kappa turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine equipped on the Elantra Eco trim; This engine produces 128 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and a robust 156 lb-ft. of torque at a low 1,400 at 3,700 rpm and will be mated to an EcoShift seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
Both engines feature a multitude of friction-reducing and cooling components and high efficiency engineering features designed to enhance fuel economy and maximize performance. In addition, all Elantra trims are equipped with the new Drive Mode Select feature that adjusts both powertrain performance and steering effort, allowing the driver to customize the driving character by selecting from three modes: Eco, Normal or Sport, simply by touching a button on the center console.
Connectivity and Multimedia
All Elantras come standard with iPhone/USB and auxiliary input jacks and SiriusXM satellite radio. New for 2017, the Elantra features two advanced infotainment systems beyond the base audio system that perfectly cater to the digitally connected, an available 7.0-inch Display Audio touchscreen system with rearview camera, and Hyundai’s next generation 8.0-inch navigation system.
The advanced 8.0-inch navigation system features an enhanced display with improved touch sensitivity for touch and drag control, increased screen brightness for better daytime visibility, and a split-screen display showing map and music data. Both SiriusXM Satellite Radio and HD Radio Technology are standard on this system. For additional convenience and connectivity, navigation-equipped Elantras offer preloaded apps, voice control functions, and premium SiriusXM features.
Summary
As one of Hyundai’s all time best-selling models, the new Elantra enters its sixth-generation building on the momentum and success of its proven award-winning formula and strong value proposition by offering a bold aerodynamic design with sophisticated styling, all-new efficient powertrains for enhanced fuel economy, better ride quality and noise insulation, and comprehensive safety with class-above features.
The manufacturer’s suggested retail price starts at $22,350.00 for the 2017 Hyundai Elantra Limited, the one I drove included Carpeted Floor Mats, Cargo Net, First Aid Kit, Rear Bumper Protector, the Tech and Ultimate packages, and it came at $27,860.00 including inland freight and handling. The EPA fuel economy estimates 28 MPG City and 37 MPG Highway with the 2.0L Nu MPI Atkinson four-cylinder engine and the six-speed automatic transmission with Shiftronic.
mlezcano@carsntravel.com
