2017 Hyundai Elantra FIRST LOOK

2017 Hyundai Elantra FIRST LOOK by Auto Critic Steve Hammes

Hyundai’s arrival and continued success within the automotive mainstream lies primarily with their strategy to offer class-above features, giving owners more than expected.

Take the all-new 2017 Elantra for example; it’s available with HID headlights with Dynamic Bending and LED daytime running lights.  There are even LED door handle approach lights, side mirror LED turn signal indicators and LED taillights.  Though it plays in the affordable compact segment its voluminous trunk and spacious interior bump it up to a midsize by EPA standards, just like its toughest competitors.  About an inch longer and wider than before, the Elantra’s chassis is significantly more rigid and weighs less contributing to improved noise-vibration-and-harshness levels and sharper vehicle dynamics.

The new Elantra receives 2 all-new powertrains.  The standard engine on the base SE and Limited trims is a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder producing 147 horsepower running on the efficiency-minded Atkinson cycle, resulting in improved fuel economy of 29mpg city/38mpg highway with the next generation 6-speed automatic transmission. A 6-speed manual is also available.

The Elantra Eco trim boosts mileage to 35mpg in combined driving with the use of a 1.4-liter turbo-4 making a robust 156 pound-feet of torque, mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.

A wide array of advanced safety technologies is offered while convenience features such as the hands-free Smart Trunk and an 8” navigation system with the next-generation Blue Link telematics service with 3 service packages is offered.