Pros: Handsome package, Stiff structure, surprisingly good fuel economy
Cons: Some low-end plastics
TL;DR: Spacious, practical, efficient and inexpensive who says you can't have it all
Hyundai products have always stuck with the recipe of low cost then add on a million features so the consumer has a more appealing product and the Elantra doesn't stray from that. However, in the new Elantra, they also added refinement and that is a wonderful thing.
From front to back the 2017 Elantra is all new featuring what Hyundai calls its SuperStructure. The new chassis is stiffer than before, aiding to handling, safety, and noise vibrations and harshness, in which they happily named SuperHandling, SuperSafety, and SuperQuiet. Not to be confused with Acura's Super Handling the Elantra is not all wheel drive nor does it feature torque vectoring. It simply means the car's rigid and is an improved structure if any accidents were to occur.
Visually the car looks similar to the previous generation, though slightly more squared off than other Hyundai products. Upfront has a set of bright LEDs next to the Hyundai's Corporate grill transitioning on the relatively low hood, the package is sleek and will definitely aid with fuel economy. Something that's unique is beside the front LEDs has functional air vents that let air pass through the front bumper and over the side of the front wheels reducing drag. A lot of the attention from an engineering perspective has been put to make the Elantra stand out from the crowd and making it as efficient as possible. Even without a direct-injected engine, the Elantra keeps up with others in its class in terms of economy.
Behind the wheel, the Elantra is quite sure footed. The new chassis is stiff and it can be felt during the drive. Although this is not their sports model, the drive drain with its mode select does make the car much more enjoyable and less bland like the Corolla. With the Elantra in Sports mode, the car's steering is tightened but don't think there's more road feel, like most cars these days that rarely happens now with electric steering. But that's not a bad thing by any means, the Elantra is not made to carve mountains, or perform at the next track day. It's an amazing daily vehicle to take you from place to place in peace and quiet. In Normal or Eco mode, the drive is quiet, shifts happen early and steering is nice and light so navigating the supermarket parking lot is easy. For those who's looking for just a bit more spunk, Hyundai has announced a newer model in the Elantra lineup called the Elantra Sport. That model will be powered by the 1.6L Turbo making 201 hp. In our tester it has the standard engine which is a 2 Litre, making 147hp. Power is smooth and its plentiful for merging on the highway. The 6 speed automatic keeps the engine within its power band when needed.
Inside the Elantra, the cabin is nicely appointed with a lot of high-tech gear. Even the base model will get heated seats and keyless entry. The Limited trim in our tester gets 8" display in the centre with Android Auto and dual-zone climate control. There's also a heated steering wheel, heated rear seats under leather seating surfaces. Everything you expect out of a compact car is there and more and that's where Hyundai products stand out. With options like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning, there're many ways to keep the occupants safe including the 7 standard airbags.
In a nutshell, is a feature packed vehicle with a reduced price other automakers can't match. The overall vehicle might be a bit boring for some of our readers but in the course of a week, the Elantra returned with a fuel economy of 8L/100km of mostly city driving and with the Elantra saving fuel and Hyundai's excellent 5 year, 100,000km warranty. It simply means you can spend more of it on your weekend car and less on your daily driver.
Heated steering wheel was amazing on those cold Vancouver mornings
Even your friends can enjoy heated leather seats
Spacious trunk
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