2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport First Drive Review

Compared to the alternatives like the Nissan Sentra SR and VW Jetta GLi, does Korea's budget-conscious 2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport add up?

Hyundai’s Elantra model has long been a favourite amoung consumers, as the tidy little compact offers plenty of comfort, competitive levels of equipment, and good ride quality, as well as a reasonable reputation for reliability. However, as attractive as the Elantra package is, younger buyers, as well as those individuals seeking a more visceral driving experience, were looking elsewhere to fulfill their needs.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Review -9
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

For 2017, the product planning team at Hyundai is introducing a new Sport model of the Elantra, which will feature a variety of important powertrain, chassis, and styling upgrades designed to give the car a broader appeal, as well as improved handling, agility, and performance. 

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Horsepower and Performance

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport engine
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell
  • Engine: 1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder
  • Horsepower: 201 hp
  • Torque: 195 lb-ft
  • Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
  • Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)

Under its hood will reside the most powerful engine in an Elantra model, Hyundai’s  1.6 Turbo GDI four-cylinder, which produces a healthy 201 horsepower and 190 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can order the car with a short-throw, six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed, dual-clutch unit with paddle shifters. Also, here’s our 2018 Hyundai Elantra GT Sport Hatchback review.

After exercising this potent new player around a tight autocross course, it quickly became evident that the folks at Hyundai have developed a package that will stir the senses and help initiate smiles in all who get behind the wheel.

Handling and Driving Dynamics

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Review -9
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

Acceleration is brisk and linear, and the engine produces a delightful exhaust note that is raspy enough to tickle the ears but not become bothersome or intrusive when cruising. The car’s independent multi-link suspension responds well to road irregularities, dips, and bumps and helps keep the car tracking straight and true.

The Elantra Sport’s handling is also aided by its manufactured chassis using what Hyundai calls advanced high-strength steel. The resulting “SUPERSTRUCTURE” significantly increases the car’s torsional rigidity, and by utilizing advanced adhesives and sound deadening technologies in its construction, the engineering team has made the car safer and quieter than many competitors. 

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport interior shifter
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

Elantra Sport models fitted with the automatic gearbox also benefit from the addition of Drive Mode Select, which allows the driver to adjust both powertrain performance and steering calibration to suit conditions best. Three modes are available- Eco, Normal, and Sport – and can be selected at the touch of a button.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Interior & Styling

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Review -9
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

Exclusive Sport styling cues include unique bodywork with revised front and rear fascias (the latter with an integrated diffuser), a bold black grille, signature LED tail lamps, HID head lamps, and horizontally mounted LED daytime running lights. Other special equipment includes lightweight 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped with sticky Hankook high-performance tires, twin chrome exhaust tips, subtle side sill extensions, and a rear spoiler.

On the inside, the Elantra Sport benefits from firm and supportive leather sports seats featuring bold red stitching, a unique Sport gauge cluster, blacked-out trim, a power sunroof, alloy pedals, and a flat-bottomed, wide-rimmed heated steering wheel.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport interior rear seats
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

The Elantra Sport is outfitted with premium comfort and technology features that will undoubtedly appeal to the tech-savvy buyer. These include a clever automatic opening trunk, Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), and an advanced multimedia system with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The available navigation system and the thundering premium audio system are impressive.

Passenger safety is always a priority, so the car is equipped with a full complement of seven airbags (including a new driver’s knee airbag), Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, Traction Control, and ABS.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport taillight
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

Optional advanced safety technologies include Autonomous Emergency Braking with class-exclusive Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS), Lane Keep Assist System (LKAS), Blind Spot Detection (BSD) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), and a rearview camera. A little cross-shopping will quickly reveal that the 2017 Elantra Sport delivers a reasonable mix of performance, handling, technology, and style at a competitive price.

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport front wheel
2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport. Photo: Russell Purcell

Pros

  • This car is a steal of a deal, given its equipment and performance levels
  • Attractive styling
  • Availability of a manual gearbox

Cons

  • The rear seating area can feel cramped when occupied by three adults

2017 Hyundai Elantra Sport Images and Specs

AspectSpecification
Engine1.6L Turbocharged GDI 4-cylinder
Horsepower201 hp
Torque195 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed manual or 7-speed Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT)
Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive (FWD)
Suspension (Front/Rear)Independent multi-link / Independent multi-link
Brakes (Front/Rear)12.0-inch ventilated disc / 10.3-inch solid disc
SteeringMotor-Driven Power Steering (MDPS)
Wheels18-inch alloy wheels
TiresP225/40R18 all-season
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Author:
Russell Purcell
Russell Purcellhttps://www.flickr.com/people/autoexposurecanada/
Russell Purcell is an award-winning automotive journalist and photographer based in Vancouver, B.C. His passion for automobiles was sparked at the tender age of six, when a family friend gave the wide-eyed first grader a ride to school in a track prepared Porsche 911 RSR. He continues to fan the flames by building an impressive library of automotive related books as well as a vast collection of interesting automobilia and motoring artefacts. Russell is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada, and is active on Twitter as RoadTestRuss.