• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Auto Trends Magazine

Car reviews, industry news, & advice.

Archives for September 30, 2019

Cool Design: Hyundai Elantra Sport

September 30, 2019 by admin 9 Comments

The Elantra Sport is one of six trims with the 2020 Elantra sedan.

The Hyundai Elantra is a compact, front-wheel-drive car, with room for five. It is available in sedan and hatchback body styles, the latter is also offered in N Line trim.

We reviewed the Elantra GT N Line recently, which is the sportiest version of the hatchback. You won’t find that trim on the sedan, but you will find the same engine on the model known as the Elantra Sport. That’s precisely the model Hyundai offered us recently for testing and thus will remain the focal point for our review.


Compact on the outside, the Elantra is especially roomy inside.
It is the sportiest of six trims offered.

Styling Chops

One of the first things I noticed about the Elantra Sport wasn’t its sporty front fascia, curvy lines, or handsome lighting elements. Each plays an important factor in its overall appearance, but they’re not the most evocative. Instead, it was the wheels. Indeed, the alloy material is one thing, but the pentagram design is a statement maker. In other words, it takes an otherwise ordinary design and makes it look extraordinary.

Inside, Hyundai enhances the Elantra’s style with red elements, which match the hands on the analog dials. Red stitching on the seats, the steering wheel, and shifter cover are sporty touches we like. The requisite metal pedals simply maintain that verve. Standard features include a flat-bottom steering wheel, heated front seats, full power accessories, and leather trim. Most certainly, sportiness meets refinement in the Elantra Sport.

Sufficiently padded front bucket seats with just the right amount of bolstering are up front. The rear split fold-down bench seat is quite comfortable and suitable for three. That’s not something many of the Elantra’s competitors can claim. The trunk measures 14.4 cubic feet, which is average for the segment. Folding down part or all of the rear seat supplies more space, which we found the ideal for toting home a pair of new fishing rods we had just purchased.


See Also — Efficient Hatchback: 2019 Hyundai Ioniq Hybrid


Technology & Safety

While the standard 7-inch touch-screen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone compatibility is certainly enough, opting for the $2,050 Premium Package makes for a tantalizing upgrade. With it, you get an 8-inch screen, navigation, an 8-speaker Infinity audio package, BlueLink connected services, and HomeLink.

Even if you don’t make the upgrade, Hyundai equips the Sport with Bluetooth, two USB ports, satellite radio, and HD Radio.

Hyundai brings forth many safety features to the Elantra Sport. Beyond the rear-vision camera with dynamic guidelines, you’ll find blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic collision warning, forward collision avoidance, and lane-keeping assist. The only feature missing is adaptive cruise control with full stop and go. That’s available as part of an Ultimate Package upgrade with the Limited trim only. We look forward to when Hyundai makes this system widely available across the entire model line just as Toyota does with the Corolla.


The cabin is comfortable front and back. The Elantra Sport’s instrument panel is easy
to read and includes digital and analog displays.

Elantra Sport Performance

Hyundai could have easily left well enough alone by offering the Elantra sedan with one or two naturally aspirated engines, which is the direction some of its competitors take. But they added a third engine choice, a 1.6-liter turbocharged four-cylinder banger with 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque. Here, customers have a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Our test model included the latter.

Although we cannot gauge the manual transmission, the dual-clutch gets the job done. The engine is at all times willing, delivering ample step-off acceleration and passing power. Under hard acceleration, it acquits itself, by delivering the right cog for the moment.

Previous iterations of the transmission were wonky, according to some reports, but we had no qualms. Paddle shifters allow for special “hands-on” engagement. You also have drive mode select, which supplies movement between normal, eco, and sport modes. When operated in sport mode, everything is optimized: engine response, shift points, and suspension tuning.

And it is the suspension which plays a pivotal role in overall performance and handling. New to this model beginning in 2019 is a multi-link rear suspension, which enhances stability and is especially notable when cornering. Hyundai improved the front and rear springs by making both stiffer and also upgraded damping, which reduces body roll significantly.

Does this mean the little Hyundai is free of understeer? No, absolutely not. At the same time, it isn’t an annoyance. In fact, it adds a measure of fun when tackling twisty roads — you’ll soon see how adept you are with handling the steering wheel as you leave curves and pull out of corners.

Elantra Sport Considerations

I must admit my bias to all things Elantra GT. I like the overall styling better as well as the available utility the hatchback affords. That said, the sedan is certainly workable if you need some extra space with the rear seat folded.

It’ll be interesting to follow what Hyundai does with the Elantra sedan, especially as “N Line” goodness comes to the GT. The potential is there and shoppers disappointed by the loss of the Ford Focus and Mitsubishi Lancer may very well be enticed by an enhanced model. Add in available all-wheel drive and the Elantra name would soon transcend its current boundary.


See Also — The Head-Turning, Attention-Getting Hyundai Palisade


2020 Hyundai Elantra Sport Specifications


Hyundai 2020 Elantra Sport
Segment Compact Sedan
Price $23,800 (Sport)
Destination Charge $930
Standard Engine 1.6-liter, turbo I4
Horsepower 201 @ 6,000
Torque (lb.-ft.) 195 @ 1,500~4,500
Transmission 6-speed manual; 7-speed DCT
Seating 5
Curb Weight (pounds) 3,131 to 3,153
Wheelbase (inches) 106.3
Length (inches) 181.9
Width (inches) 70.9
Height (inches) 56.5
Headroom (f,r…inches) 40.3; 37.3
Legroom (f,r…inches) 42.2; 35.7
Shoulder room (f,r…inches) 56.2; 55.3
Hip room (f,r…inches) 53.4; 51.9
Storage (cubic feet) 14.4
Gross vehicle weight (pounds) 4,057
Towing (pounds) NR
Payload (pounds) 904
Fuel Regular
Fuel Tank (gallons) 14.0
EPA Fuel MPG (city/highway/combined) 26/33/29
Manufacturing Plant Montgomery, Alabama

Data compiled by Tom Keegan. Specifications supplied by the manufacturer. Photos copyright Auto Trends Magazine. All rights reserved.


See Also — Highlights of the 2020 Hyundai Accent

Filed Under: New Car Reviews Tagged With: Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, dual-clutch transmission, ELANTRA GT, Elantra Sport, Hyundai, Hyundai Elantra, turbo

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport

Recent Comments

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on 5 Retired American Car Brands
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Peugeot Prepares for its U.S. Return
  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis — Auto Trends Magazine on Sportback Performance: Buick Regal GS
  • On the Prowl With a 2020 Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody — Auto Trends Magazine on The 14 Brands of Stellantis

Archives

  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • October 2012
  • September 2012
  • August 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • November 2010
  • October 2010
  • September 2010
  • August 2010
  • July 2010
  • June 2010
  • May 2010
  • April 2010
  • March 2010
  • February 2010
  • January 2010
  • December 2009
  • November 2009
  • October 2009
  • September 2009
  • August 2009
  • July 2009
  • June 2009
  • May 2009
  • April 2009
  • March 2009
  • February 2009
  • January 2009
  • December 2008
  • November 2008
  • October 2008
  • September 2008
  • August 2008
  • July 2008
  • June 2008
  • May 2008
  • April 2008

Categories

  • Auto Parts
  • Auto Shows
  • Automotive Career
  • Automotive News
  • Book Reviews
  • Car Tips
  • Classics & Discontinued Models
  • Commentary
  • Commercial Vehicles
  • Concept Vehicles
  • Dealers
  • Engineering & Technology
  • Fleet
  • Fun News
  • Maintenance & Repairs
  • Motorsport
  • New Car Reviews
  • New Models
  • Ownership Experience
  • Product Reviews
  • Special
  • Specifications
  • Uncategorized

Meta

  • Log in
  • Entries feed
  • Comments feed
  • WordPress.org

New!
Check out our Jobs Board!

via GIPHY

Subscribe to Auto Trends

Subscribe in a reader

Social Media

Visit our social media pages:
Facebook
Twitter
Google+
Pinterest

Where is Matt Currently Published?

The Carolinian (new car reviews)
NAPA Know How Blog
On the Road Again

Pages

  • About
  • Authors List
  • Automotive Brochures
  • Contact
  • Industry Jobs
  • Write
    • Style Guide

Categories

Recent Posts

  • The 14 Brands of Stellantis
  • Peugeot May Not Return to the U.S. Market After All
  • Next-Generation Sedona Minivan Will Be Renamed the Kia Carnival
  • GM Launches BrightDrop, Its Commercial EV Brand
  • The Refreshed and Handsome
    Lexus IS 350 F Sport
  • What We Know About the All-New 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
  • The All-New and Formidable 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • Fuel-Efficiency and AWD Champion: 2021 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid
  • Midsize Performance Master: 2021 Hyundai Sonata N-Line
  • Performance Hatchback: The All-New 2021 Mazda Mazda3 Turbo!
  • NACTOY Finalists For 2021 Offer Familiar and Futuristic Choices
  • Super Trooper: Nissan Titan Pickup
  • Behind the Wheel of the Popular 2021 Toyota Corolla Sedan
  • Lucid Motors Completes Arizona Factory
  • A Robust Turbodiesel Comes to the Chevrolet Silverado 1500
  • Mid-Engine Masterpiece: The Eighth-Generation Chevrolet Corvette Stingray
  • Compact Performance:
    2021 Cadillac CT4-V
  • All-Wheel Drive Supplies the Nissan Altima With a Competitive Edge
  • Return of the Toyota Venza!
  • Lexus Brings a Convertible to the Gorgeous LC 500 Line
  • Stellantis Logo Revealed by Peugeot, Fiat Chrysler Ahead of Spring Merger
  • Preview: 2021 Nissan Rogue Crossover
  • How to Fix a Broken Rivian Vehicle
  • Cadillac Gets Most Things Right
    With the XT6 Crossover
  • The High Potency Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat Redeye Widebody Coupe
  • The All-New Chevrolet Trailblazer Forges Urban Paths
  • The Small Infiniti QX50 is Big on Tech and Engineering Features
  • Toyota Brings the TRD Treatment to the Midsize Camry Sedan
  • The Kia K5 Outclasses Most Competitors, Including the Departing Optima
  • Can the Toyota RAV4 TRD Off-Road Handle Tough Terrain?
  • Subaru WRX Showcases Its Performance Chops
  • Infiniti Overhauls QX80 Trims and Makes This Important Safety Feature Standard
  • Ford F-250 Super Duty and a Trail-Stomping Tremor Package
  • A Cut Above: Mazda’s Mazda3
  • The Highly Efficient Hyundai Ioniq
  • Volkswagen Atlas Revels in its Strengths
  • General Motors Deepens Partnership With Honda, Takes Stake in Nikola
  • Smart Concept: Jeep Grand Wagoneer
  • More Than an Encore: Buick Encore GX
  • Got a Recall? There’s an App for That.
  • Refreshed Nissan Titan Makes Its Case
  • BMW M235i: Not Your Typical Coupe
  • Hot Stuff: Lexus RC F Sport Coupe
  • Will the Electric Vehicle Boom Create New-Found Dependencies for Foreign Minerals?
  • Rumors? We Got Them!
  • About Bollinger Motors, EV Startup
  • Raptor Fighter: Ram 1500 TRX!
  • White Space Wonder: 2020 Nissan Rogue Sport
  • About the 2021 Genesis GV80
  • The Toyota Supra Gets a Four-Cylinder Engine and We’re Simply Gobsmacked!
September 2019
S M T W T F S
1234567
891011121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
2930  
« Aug   Oct »

Copyright © 2021 · News Pro on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in