Steve Says Hyundai Has Recaptured Their Mojo With The Elantra Sport (Video)

There are 6 trim levels of the refreshed 2019 Elantra. But if you desire the one with the most power, the best handling, the raciest transmission, a blacked-out grille, and a rear spoiler then it’s this Sport model you’ll want to check out.

After a lull which began with the redesigned Sonata in 2014, Hyundai has recaptured their mojo. Along with their Korean counterpart Kia, the new cars and SUVs they’re currently bringing to market reflect the brand ethos that garnered so many accolades.  And this refreshed Elantra Sport is the next in line.

When it was redesigned for the 2017 model year the Elantra’s new look was met with a resounding thud. But with its thoroughly resculpted body including LED headlights and awesome wheel designs this Sport model now has the curb appeal to match its fun-to-drive nature.

Affordable, efficient, fun and stylish, the Sport packs a lot of attractive attributes into what is technically a midsize package. It’s spacious all around yet feels agile like a sport compact should.  I assume if you’re interested in this particular Elantra than you want something a little more than the 147 horsepower base engine offers.  Mechanically speaking, the Sport is the only Elantra that runs with the 1.6-liter turbo-4 and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It’s also one of only 2 trims that can spec’d with a 6-speed manual, or as is the case here, a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.  Output is rated at 201 horsepower and 195 pound-feet of torque that’s available starting at only 1500 RPM.  So there’s a pleasing sense of urgency when you get on it.

There’s also a car-to-driver connectedness here that’s instantly palpable and hard to find in a sub $27,000 car.  The steering is really quick to react and is perhaps the tastiest ingredient in the Elantra Sport recipe.  Combined with a sport-tuned suspension, low center of gravity, thinner sidewalls and some respectably grippy 18” rubber, this is a car that’s fun to take through the corners, whether you’re paddle shifting or letting the DCT work its quick gear changes in Sport mode.  It’s got a little gusto to its sound and keeps understeer to a minimum when you push it through the turns.  It’s the kind of practical, everyday driver that’ll keep its owner amused without going broke…its 29mpg on regular unleaded speaks to that.  And with Normal and Smart drive modes, the Sport can take on a variety of personalities to match your mood.